5. How to Make Mud and Rice Husk Bricks

Earthen building techniques are an economical way to build structures for living. All the materials are readily available... from the ground!

In this "how-to",  bricks made from mud and rice husks are highlighted. 

The type of mud that is best is a good balance between clay and sand. Too much clay and the bricks will crack because of shrinkage when they dry. Too much sand and the mud won't stick together. There are many materials to add to the bricks to give them added strength - straw, for example, is a good material. Since the Pun Pun farm is located in a rice growing area, rice husks, which are removed when rice is milled, are readily available and very cheap to buy in large sacks.

Making Mud and Rice Husk Bricks

Nate Reents picks a spot to get mud

Clear off the grass and make a mound from the soil

Add and mix water to make mud

Use your feet to mix the water and soil to make mud

Add rice husks to the mud

Have fun mixing it up!

Almost ready

Shovel mud/rice husks into bucket

Mix is ready when is sticks to hands but washes off easily

Make sure brick mould is moist before pouring in mud

Pour in mud and rice husk mix into the mould

Smooth mud mix evenly in mould

Almost finished!

Carefully lift mould

put mould beside row of bricks for next row

Keep making bricks and let them dry

To make a small structure takes a minimum of 3,000 bricks! So it's good to get a group of people together to help make the right amount of bricks for your structure.