Innovative Rebuilding Efforts in Gaza
Unverified images have emerged online showcasing a Gazan family embarking on the journey of reconstructing their home with mud bricks. This initiative comes on the heels of recent discussions surrounding a Saudi Arabian designer’s vision of utilizing mud bricks as a sustainable solution for the refugee crisis.
Mud bricks, composed of clay, sand, water, and natural binders like rice husk or straw, are a time-honored building material. Dried under the sun, these bricks require no firing or fuel, making them an environmentally friendly option. When crafted correctly, they fulfill essential structural requirements, offering fire resistance, sound insulation, and stable indoor temperatures throughout the seasons. The knowledge of creating such structures has faded with the rise of concrete, yet in regions like Ethiopia, many still reside in mud houses, a testament to the material’s enduring legacy.
Globally, approximately 30% of the population inhabits earthen structures, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, India, and much of the Global South. The academic community has shifted focus from mere nostalgia to serious research, exploring compressed earth blocks and fiber-reinforced mud bricks in diverse locations such as Australia, Togo, and North Africa. These studies recognize earth as a viable, low-carbon building material, rather than a temporary solution. As Hathan Fathy of the New Gourna Village articulated, mud can provide individuals with dignified living spaces.
In Gaza, the intertwined challenges of energy and shelter have become increasingly pronounced. Even prior to the ongoing conflict, the region struggled with inadequate grid power. Over the past decade, rooftop solar installations have proliferated, with satellite analyses revealing at least 655 systems within a single square mile of Gaza City. By 2022, the strip boasted more than 12,000 rooftop solar systems, transforming solar energy into a vital resource for powering water pumps, clinics, refrigerators, and communication devices when diesel supplies dwindled.
Despite the damage inflicted on much of this infrastructure since the onset of hostilities, the resilience demonstrated by the community remains evident. The principle is clear: when individuals are equipped with decentralized tools—such as sunlight and soil—they can effectively sustain their livelihoods. Recent satellite assessments indicate that a significant portion of solar installations has been impacted, underscoring the urgent need for planning low-carbon, distributed systems in any future reconstruction efforts.
For NGOs looking to support these initiatives, a pragmatic approach is essential. Gaza’s rebuilding agenda should focus on field-tested earthen construction techniques, alongside training programs for local engineers, masons, and women’s groups. Establishing demonstration yards can facilitate short, paid training sessions in mud-brick and compressed earth construction. These spaces could also serve dual purposes, functioning as community centers or clinics while providing hands-on learning experiences.
Moreover, integrating solar energy with earthen building practices could lead to innovative “micro-campuses.” These would combine thermally efficient earthen structures with rooftop or courtyard solar systems and simple DC micro-grids, alongside small plots for farming and permaculture. Initiatives such as workshops on beekeeping, led by Muslim women from Israel and the Palestinian Authority, could further enrich the community’s skill set.
While Gaza has long been characterized by its dense population, the exploration of new models in earthen construction and rooftop gardens offers a glimmer of hope for future generations. The potential for revitalization through sustainable practices is not just a dream; it is a tangible path forward for the resilient people of Gaza.
