Work

Rammed Earth Dwelling Construction in Dongguachong Village (Phase I)

Since 2021, with support from local authorities, the Fund has actively collaborated with universities and others to initiate the rammed earth dwelling construction project in Dongguachong Village. The aim is to improve rural living conditions, restore the village's architectural charm, train local artisans, and explore a collaborative model involving villagers, social organizations, government, and universities. As of 2023, the first phase of the project has completed the construction of five residential houses and two public buildings in Dongguachong Village through renovation or reconstruction efforts. 

Rammed Earth Dwelling Construction in Dongguachong Village (Phase II)

Following the completion of the initial phase of housing construction, some villagers felt motivated to return to their hometown and contribute to local development endeavours. Their plan involved first enhancing housing conditions and subsequently exploring local resources to establish industry models that embody the unique characteristics of the area.

Following extensive dialogues with the villagers and obtaining requisite approvals from local authorities, we initiated the second phase of our project within the village in 2023. Emphasizing sustainable construction practices, our objective was to support 15 households in establishing improved residential conditions upon their resettlement in the village. Simultaneously, we forged a partnership with the Sichuan Haihui Poverty Alleviation Service Center, renowned for its focus on rural poverty reduction and community development. Together with the villagers, we embarked on a collaborative exploration to identify locally suitable pathways for industry development.

Project for the Underprivileged in Neighboring Villages

In response to the local needs, the Fund embarked on a broader initiative in 2022. It introduced modern rammed earth construction techniques and collaborative models to the nearby villages of Xiaoyuan and Wanjian, adjacent to Dongguachong Village. The goal was to design and rebuild self-occupied houses for villagers grappling with enduring economic difficulties. To expedite the resolution of housing issues for villager, the main structures were completed within approximately two months. Furthermore, homeowners were actively involved throughout the construction process, empowering them to handle future maintenance and repairs autonomously.

News

(Chinese version only) 

宁远：土楼逢春花正艳

山窝窝里的夏日交响曲

暖心帮扶 绘就田野荧光

This initiative employs modern rammed earth construction techniques for both residential construction and renovation. Unlike traditional rammed earth methods, modern techniques enhance the performance of rammed earth structures in seismic resistance and safety aspects by improving soil particle grading and properties, optimizing the tools, and implementing appropriate structural reinforcement measures.

To inspire local villagers to engage in community development, the Fund adheres to the principle of "teaching people to fish," empowering them to inherit traditional construction methods and learn modern techniques. Through craftsman training, villagers are equipped not only to better maintain their homes but also to actively participate in rural development, offering opportunities for reemployment and income generation within the village. Moreover, this approach reduces the need for external labor costs, allowing more resources to be invested in assisting village construction and community development. The training program involves over 50 local villagers, including women and the elderly, and has organized three sessions for craftsmen from outside the area, training over 25 individuals from neighboring regions.

Village progress hinges on the engagement of its residents and calls for a joint exploration. The Fund actively partners with other organizations to host events like concert and earth-building camp, aiming to introduce the village to a broader spectrum of social resources and infuse it with fresh vitality.

In 2024, the second phase of the project involved building three modern rammed earth houses for the villagers. One house is already occupied, and the main structures of the other two have been completed. This phase continued to use modern rammed earth construction techniques to enhance the living environment. The focus was on optimizing the design, incorporating passive strategies to improve ventilation and lighting, and creating shared spaces to foster community relationships.

The project primarily utilized natural materials like earth, bamboo, and straw, processed locally to meet essential construction needs, which helped reduce the carbon footprint from transporting materials. Additionally, efforts were made to recycle and repurpose materials from old earthen houses, such as soil, wood, and tiles, minimizing waste and hidden carbon emissions while creating greener, more comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

The Fund provided training for local craftsmen, helping villagers develop construction management skills through hands-on experience. This initiative not only created job opportunities for skill development in the community but also promoted the preservation of rammed earth construction techniques. After a year of dedicated effort, a team of local craftsmen specializing in rammed earth construction has steadily emerged.