> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.acelabusa.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Rammed Earth, Earth Blocks, and CMU

> Let's explore the evolution of building materials, comparing ancient options like rammed earth to modern concrete masonry units (CMU).

export const AndreBaros = () => <div className="flex space-x-6 items-center">
    <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/acelab/image/upload/v1786565555/lms-resources/andre-baros.jpg" alt="Andre Baros" className="m-0 aspect-square w-full max-w-[160px] shrink-0 rounded-full border object-cover object-center" />
    <div className="flex-1">
      <p className="mt-0">
        <strong>Andre Baros</strong>
      </p>
      <p className="text-sm">
        As Senior Director of Material Research at Acelab, Andre Baros brings 25
        years of architectural expertise to the intersection of materials and
        design excellence. His passion lies in understanding how the right
        materials transform good projects into great ones.
      </p>
      <ul className="mb-0 text-sm">
        <li>
          Shaped modern architectural projects across all scales at leading
          firms including HOK, Wheeler Kearns Architects, and SAR+
        </li>
        <li>
          Specializes in crafting thoughtful spaces that serve people, from
          intimate residential to large-scale commercial developments
        </li>
        <li>
          Leads Acelab's materials research initiative, advancing material
          intelligence for the future of architecture
        </li>
      </ul>
    </div>
  </div>;

## Introduction

In this course, we explore the evolution of building materials, comparing ancient options like rammed earth to modern concrete masonry units (CMU). The discussion highlights sustainability, fabrication techniques, and innovative design within these materials. You'll gain insights into low-carbon alternatives, precast solutions, and new structural possibilities in architecture.

### What You'll Learn:

* The history and sustainability of rammed earth and mud blocks
* The evolution of CMU and its role in modern construction
* How precast rammed earth panels combine tradition with convenience
* Innovative low-carbon concrete options in CMU
* The versatility of CMU in structural, decorative, and fire-resistant applications
* Where to explore these materials further through AASB’s Materials Hub

### About Your Host:

<AndreBaros />

## Video: Rammed Earth, Earth Blocks, and CMU

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FDueXvpHa-o" title="Architect Andre Baros Compares Rammed Earth, Earth Blocks, and CMU in Construction Materials" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />

## Add products to your library

Want to add products featured in this video to your Acelab Library?

Click a manufacturer's name below to learn more:

* [Acme Brick Co.](https://app.acelabusa.com/manufacturer/acme-brick-co-df8748555f724a889ec3bfe7f9bd9c4e)
* [Angelus Block Co Inc.](https://app.acelabusa.com/manufacturer/angelus-block-co-inc-61d2b45a4f0447238ebd6aa412427)

Click to see other courses in the [Materials Exploration](/resources/material-science) series.