Building process
Building a Nubian Vault follows a simple process, divided into several key stages. Each step can be easily understood and implemented by local craftsmen, after supported on-site training in the NV technique. The process is as follows:
1
Material preparation
Mud bricks (adobes) are made directly on site from local earth and dried in the sun..
2
Foundations and walls
Thick earth walls are erected on foundations of trenches filled with rocks and earth mortar, providing a solid base for the vault.
3
Vault construction
The vault is built without formwork, using simple earth-brick stacking techniques, starting from the gable walls.
4
Finishes
The building can be plastered with waterproof renders to enhance its durability, and a roof terrace or first storey can be incorporated as required.
Each step of the process is carefully documented and accessible through photos & instructional videos, making it easy to understand the technique. AVN also provides additional resources to ensure the quality and durability of constructions, including a corpus of detailed technical documents on good practice..