Dirt Cheap: The Mud Brick Book by John & Gerry Archer (1980)

Authors:
John Archer & Gerry Archer (1941–1988)

Publisher:
Melbourne: Compendium; Leura, NSW: Second Back Row Press, 1980
(Originally published 1976, Birregurra, Vic.)

Format:
Softcover

Pages:
ix, 90 pages, illustrated throughout

ISBN:
9780909325206/0909325200

Condition:
Very Good – light wear to covers, clean internally and tightly bound

Description:
Dirt Cheap: The Mud Brick Book is an Australian classic on low-cost, sustainable construction using earth and mud bricks. First published in the 1970s, this revised 1980 edition by John and Gerry Archer presents step-by-step guidance for building adobe, pise (rammed earth), and earth brick homes—with a focus on affordability, environmental harmony, and DIY techniques.

Illustrated with diagrams and photographs, the book covers planning, materials, design considerations, and construction methods, making it an invaluable resource for alternative builders, architects, and anyone interested in sustainable housing solutions.

Why You’ll Love It:
A practical, grassroots guide with timeless relevance for those exploring natural building techniques. Whether you’re renovating, building, or dreaming, this book is a down-to-earth companion for sustainable living.