The Vermeer BP714 is the first compressed-earth-block machine that makes strong air-dried bricks out of dirt.

The blocks are produced using a metal machine applying pressure - a huge lever compresses the mix and the blocks are left to cure under plastic tarps.

Compressed-earth blocks Borst has worked with many earthen building techniques including straw bale and cob. For the main 2,936-square-foot house she chose compressed earth blocks for their stability.

Compressed earth block (CEB) construction uses unbaked blocks made of compressed soil, clay, concrete and a small amount of water compressed into super dense bricks and laid similar to ...