Lersten i skånsk byggnadstradition
The use of earth bricks in Scanian building traditionThe present work is concerned with the manufacturing and use of earth bricks inbuilt heritage in the south Swedish province of Scania. The first part of the studyprovides a thorough description of the traditional use and manufacturing of earthbricks based on relevant literature, archive material as well as interviews withinformants. This forms a basis for the second part of the study in which practicalexperiments on and tests with earth bricks where carried out. This involved themaking of traditional earth bricks of different composition. The new handmadebricks were compared with industrially produced bricks (extrusion bricks) and oldhandmade bricks. The purpose of the comparison was to study how differentmanufacturing methods and compositions affect the bricks ability to resist water.The results of the test clearly indicated that industrially made bricks have a muchlower resistance to water than handmade bricks. Furthermore, bricks with anaddition of straw showed better results than any of the other bricks in thecomparison.It is argued that the different properties of industrially produced bricks andhandmade bricks must be taken into consideration when built heritage with earthbricks is to be restored. If possible, traditionally made earth bricks should beused not only because its water resisting properties are superior but alsobecause the use of traditional methods and materials contributes to thepreservation of traditional craftmanship, which in itself carries a cultural value.