Raw land from Brittany: a heritage, restoration and innovation seminar for conservation | Ministry of Culture

Faced with contemporary challenges of ecological transition and reduction of the environmental impact of construction, raw earth is today experiencing a major revival of interest. A local resource, abundant, little processed and low carbon emitting, it also constitutes a remarkable architectural heritage, particularly in Brittany.

Earthen constructions, both old and contemporary, however, remain faced with significant challenges of durability, maintenance and adaptation to climate change. Sensitive to humidity, heavy rain or even thermal variations, these buildings require specific knowledge to ensure their conservation and transmission.
Organized as part of the ANR Dureterre research project (2022-2027), the “Terre crue de Bretagne” seminar will bring together researchers, architects, artisans, communities, heritage associations and restoration professionals around the conservation and repair practices of raw earth buildings.

For two days, June 11 and 12, conferences, feedback, site visits and demonstrations will address:

• traditional and contemporary earth construction techniques;
• pathologies of old buildings and restoration solutions;
• innovations in monitoring and repair materials;
• the perspectives offered by raw earth in contemporary architecture;
• actions to raise awareness, transmit and promote heritage.

Highlights include:

• a visit to the Biardais farm in Mordelles;
• the discovery of the La Clairière school group;
• the presentation of the construction site of the Boberil manor in L’Hermitage;
• interventions by specialists from the world of research, heritage, architecture and crafts;
• a demonstration of the ÉlémentTerre educational kit at the Bintinais ecomuseum.

This seminar is aimed at heritage professionals, architects, craftsmen, communities, researchers, students as well as anyone interested in the future of mud construction and the preservation of Breton built heritage.

Programme complet  :