kerpiç

Kerpiç is a traditional building material consisting of sun-dried bricks made from a mixture of loamy soil, sand, water, and often straw or other organic matter. It corresponds to the English term adobe and has been used in many regions of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Central Asia, including Turkey.

To make kerpiç bricks, the soil mixture is placed in wooden molds, compacted, and then left in the sun to dry until the bricks gain sufficient hardness. The bricks are typically laid with mud mortar and can be protected by plaster. In some traditions lime or cement stabilizers are added to improve water resistance and structural strength.

Kerpiç walls have high thermal mass, providing heat storage and stable indoor temperatures in dry climates. They are lightweight and inexpensive but highly sensitive to moisture; prolonged contact with water can weaken the structure. Protection through proper foundations, drip edges, and exterior plaster is essential, and in damp or freezing climates stabilization is common.

Historically kerpiç has been a common feature of vernacular architecture across several cultures and remains in use today in rural building and in sustainable construction projects. It is valued for its low embodied energy and natural material, though its performance depends on climate, maintenance, and protective detailing.