At Earth Building Solutions we believe buildings should work with nature rather than against it. 

Our approach is based on the principles of Passive Low Energy Earth Architecture—an integrated design philosophy that combines passive solar design, healthy indoor environments, the appropriate use of earth and other natural materials, low energy use, resource efficiency and practical, economical construction. 

Every project begins by understanding the site, the climate and the people who will use the building. The aim is to create buildings that are comfortable, durable, healthy, and affordable to build and operate, while responding sensitively to their environment. 

We believe that thoughtful design should always come before technology. When buildings are carefully designed to work with climate, place, and people, they require fewer resources, consume less energy and provide healthier, more enjoyable places to live and work. 

To dig the earth from beneath your feet, wet it and mould it into a brick that dries in the sun and can be used to build a home is a very simple and beautiful thing. 

I discovered the magic of earth as a young child, using it in cubby houses and for building toy-sized roads and bridges. I can still remember being amazed at how it became so hard after drying in the sun, withstanding Brisbane’s tropical rainstorms even when fully exposed to the elements. 

That childhood fascination never left me. In 1982 I built my first mudbrick home, and what began as curiosity gradually became both my profession and my lifelong passion. The more I have learned about building with earth, the more I have realised there is still to discover. 

Over the years I have researched Australia’s historic earth buildings, studied traditional building techniques from around the world and visited remarkable earth settlements, including the ancient city of Çatalhöyük in Türkiye. These experiences have reinforced my belief that we should not ignore the wisdom embodied in vernacular architecture. Generations before us created comfortable, durable, and beautiful buildings using local materials and a deep understanding of climate and place. I believe there is much we can still learn from that knowledge by combining traditional wisdom with contemporary science and design. 

Today, although earth building technology continues to evolve, earth remains one of humanity’s oldest and most remarkable building materials. It connects us with place and continues to offer practical solutions for many of the environmental, social, and economic challenges facing the built environment today. 

I believe earth is one of humanity’s greatest building materials—ancient in origin, yet perfectly suited to the future. 

Peter’s experience extends well beyond designing and constructing earth buildings. 

Over more than four decades he has worked as a builder, designer, educator, researcher, and consultant, helping people understand, build and conserve earth structures in Australia and internationally. 

His experience includes: 

• Designing and constructing mudbrick, cob and rammed earth homes and public buildings.  

• Providing consultancy for new earth buildings, heritage conservation and remedial works.  

• Delivering practical training through workshops, TAFE, universities, and community organisations.  

• Working with Indigenous and regional communities to develop affordable, climate-responsive buildings using local materials and local skills.  

• Researching and developing earth building systems, construction equipment and innovative technologies.  

• Collaborating with researchers and engineers on structural testing and improving the performance of earth buildings.  

• Serving as a founding member of the Earth Building Association of Australia, including fifteen years as President, promoting earth building through education, advocacy, and industry development.  

Peter also holds qualifications in Building Supervision, Training and Assessment and Ecovillage Design, complemented by decades of practical experience and ongoing professional development. 

Our mission is to advance the understanding and application of earth building through consultancy, design, construction, training, and research. 

By combining traditional wisdom with contemporary science and innovation, we seek to create buildings and communities that are healthy, resilient, and responsive to climate, while making responsible use of local materials and resources. 

As Australia and the world transition towards renewable, low-carbon economies, we believe earth building has an increasingly important role to play in providing practical, affordable, and enduring solutions that positively benefit both people and the environment.