Lersten i skånsk byggnadstradition

Abstract

The use of earth bricks in Scanian building tradition The present work is concerned with the manufacturing and use of earth bricks in built heritage in the south Swedish province of Scania. The first part of the study provides a thorough description of the traditional use and manufacturing of earth bricks based on relevant literature, archive material as well as interviews with informants. This forms a basis for the second part of the study in which practical experiments on and tests with earth bricks where carried out. This involved the making of traditional earth bricks of different composition. The new handmade bricks were compared with industrially produced bricks (extrusion bricks) and old handmade bricks. The purpose of the comparison was to study how different manufacturing methods and compositions affect the bricks ability to resist water. The results of the test clearly indicated that industrially made bricks have a much lower resistance to water than handmade bricks. Furthermore, bricks with an addition of straw showed better results than any of the other bricks in the comparison. It is argued that the different properties of industrially produced bricks and handmade bricks must be taken into consideration when built heritage with earth bricks is to be restored. If possible, traditionally made earth bricks should be used not only because its water resisting properties are superior but also because the use of traditional methods and materials contributes to the preservation of traditional craftmanship, which in itself carries a cultural value.