Croatia protects traditional earth construction techniques

The Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media has officially entered the traditional art of earth construction into the Register of Cultural Goods. This designation protects a collection of techniques, knowledge, and skills used for centuries to build residential and economic buildings in the regions of Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem.

These methods utilize local soil, often combined with plant-based materials, reflecting a historical harmony between traditional life and the local geography. While earth construction was used elsewhere in Croatia, the techniques were most developed in the eastern regions due to favorable soil composition. Historical use dates back to prehistoric settlements, with widespread application during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Techniques include various methods such as wattle and daub, cob, rammed earth, and the production of earth plasters. The art of making earth plasters is noted as the best-preserved technique. In recent years, the development of rural tourism has encouraged the restoration of these buildings. Events such as the 'Akademija blata' in Karanac and the 'GlinArt festival' in Kneževima Vinogradima continue to promote earth as a sustainable and traditional building material.