#seminar
CNR-ISPC Conference
The EVER-EARTH project has been selected to be presented at the CNR-ISPC conference, which will take place in Naples from 26 to 28 May.
for further info, see:https://www.ispc.cnr.it/it_it/2025/04/08/ever-earth/
picture: poster of the conference
#seminar
SIACOT 23 – España 2026
The members of the research units presented an article at 23° Seminario Iberoamericano de Arquitectura y Construcción con Tierra (SIACOT) in Huesca and Palencia, Spain, titled “EVER EARTH: una estrategia integrada para la conservación y la puesta en valor de la arquitectura vernácula en tierra” to illustrate the advancements and the experimentations of the project.
For further info, see: https://redproterra.org/es/23-siacot/
picture: poster of the international conference
#outreach
Heritage walk in Priocca
May 2026
A heritage walk open to everyone, designed to discover the earthen architectural heritage of Priocca, Cuneo Province. The route will wind its way through streets, courtyards and historic buildings, offering the chance to observe up close construction techniques, local materials and details that are often little known but essential to understanding the history of the area. An experience that combines walking, discovery and awareness, inviting participants to view the built landscape with fresh eyes and rediscover the cultural and environmental value of local traditions.
picture: some participants to the heritage walk
#experimentation
Risk assessment methodology kickstart
April 2026
The Research Units are starting the activities for a comprehensive risk assessment method, serving as a tool to synthesise the various inventories, surveys and risk analyses that have been carried out to date during the course of the research activities. By adopting the ICCROM-sanctioned ABC methodology, in fact, data processed by different disciplines can be synthesised and compared, via an implementation of existing methodologies and an adaptation with established tools to the specificities of earthen heritage. Researchers defined a pilot cluster of 10 buildings, located in Southern Piedmont, on which to apply the risk assessment methodology.
picture: one of the pilot buildings in Tigliole, Asti Province
#knowledge
Closing of the earthen heritage census campaign
April 2026
The census campaign conducted by the PoliTO Research Unit is completed, with more than 50 earthen buildings added to the ICCD geodatabase platform.
For further info, see: https://caserurali.cultura.gov.it/progressi/
picture: an earthen rural church in Alessandria, part of the documented buildings
#experimentation
Second round of experimental test on in-situ earthen-based plaster samples
March 2026
A comprehensive testing campaign was conducted on earthen-based plasters to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and durability properties on real, on site conditions. The testing assessed parameters such as compressive strength, adhesion, porosity, moisture absorption, and resistance to environmental factors. The second round was aimed at analysing the differences with the first campaign carried out in December 2025, to evaluate the different performances of plasters after they were exposed to weather phenomena.
picture: on-site testing on plaster samples
#outreach
EVER-EARTH student workshop 2026: community engagement orienteering activity
March 2026
An engaging educational experience is proposed for primary school children through an orienteering activity aimed at exploring and understanding local earthen architectural heritage in situ. Guided by maps, clues, and interactive challenges, participants are encouraged to navigate the area while developing the ability to identify and appreciate traditional built environments, including historic dwellings, courtyards, and structures constructed with clay and other natural materials.
picture: kids engaging in the orienteering activity
#training
EVER-EARTH student workshop 2026: experimental activities on site
March 2026
In the second edition of the EVER-EARTH Workshop, the students take part in an experimental activity in Pozzolo Formigaro (AL), dedicated to the survey and testing of earth plasters, using an approach that combines traditional building techniques with advanced analytical tools. During the activity, physical tests are carried out on earthen plaster samples to assess their characteristics and performances, and photogrammetric surveys using geomatics techniques to document and analyse the surfaces with scientific precision.
picture: moments of the student workshop
#experimentation
Photogrammetric survey of earthen buildings in Cuneo and Asti Provinces
March 2026
As a propaedeutic activity to future risk assessment initiatives, the project carries out a photogrammetric survey of two earthen buildings in Tigliole and Priocca (Asti and Cuneo Provinces) to address the effect of weather and atmospheric events on built earthen heritage. The initiative is taking place with the support of the Geomatics Laboratory, integrating technical expertise and applied research to provide an in-depth analysis of the built environment.
picture: moments of the photogrammetric survey in Priocca
#experimentation
Laboratory testing campaign on lime putty plasters
January 2026
A comprehensive laboratory testing campaign was conducted on lime putty plasters to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and durability properties under controlled conditions. The study involved preparing multiple plaster samples using traditional lime putty mixes, followed by systematic testing to assess parameters such as compressive strength, adhesion, porosity, moisture absorption, and water resistance.
picture: water absorption test on a lime putty earthen plaster sample
#experimentation
3D scan of earthen-based plaster samples
December 2025
After the application of earthen-based plaster samples on the identified building in Pozzolo Formigaro, the Geomatics Laboratory of the Politecnico di Torino was involved to produce a first high-resolution, structured light 3D scan of the plasters, in order to assess their behaviour facing the aggressive action of external agents (weather, climate, etc.) with the passing of time.
picture: moments of the scanning activity
#experimentation
Production of lime putty plasters
December 2025
The experimentation on innovative earthen-based plasters continues by addressing the performances of mixtures containing lime putty as a stabiliser, in order to compare its behaviour to those of the previously realised earthen/gypsum and earthen/lime plasters.
picture: production and application of plasters
#experimentation
First round of experimental test on in-situ earthen-based plaster samples
December 2025
A comprehensive testing campaign was conducted on earthen-based plasters to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and durability properties on real, on site conditions. The testing assessed parameters such as compressive strength, adhesion, porosity, moisture absorption, and resistance to environmental factors.
picture: on site testing
#experimentation
Application of earthen-based plasters on site
October 2025
The defined plaster mixtures are applied to an identified building in the municipality of Pozzolo Formigaro, with the aim of conducting on-site tests on them.
picture: the plaster samples applied on the building’s wall
#knowledge
Closing of the interest-holders interview campaign
October 2025
To understand the perception, the critical points, the potential and the future of earthen architectures in the Piedmont Region, the project carries out a campaign of semi-structured interviews to address property owners, citizens, stakeholders, experts, professionals and members of the institutions
picture: the plaster samples applied on the building’s wall
#seminar
KERPIC International Conference
September 2025
The members of the research units presented an article at Kerpic25 – Earthen Architectural Heritage, 13th International Conference in Rabat, Morocco, titled “Natural and anthropic risks assessment for preservation and sustainable reuse of earthen architectures in Piedmont (Italy)” to illustrate the scopes and the objectives of the project.
For further info, see: https://www.kerpic.org/2025/
picture: poster of the international conference
#knowledge
Earthen heritage census campaign: publication of the first results
September 2025
The first census forms that were compiled by the PoliTO Research Unit are available on the ICCD “Case Rurali” census website. These forms will help in monitoring and cataloguing earthen heritage in the local Piedmontese territory, as well as being part of a larger campaign of heritage documentation and preservation.
For further info, see: https://caserurali.cultura.gov.it/progressi/
To see an example of a census form, see:https://censimenti.cultura.gov.it/server/api/schede/cdf3e9e3-aa50-42f2-9d3c-83628bf20ce8/html
picture: Cascina Tolentina in Pozzolo Formigaro (AL)
#experimentation
Experimental test on earthen-based plaster mixtures
July 2025
The three different Research Units (PoliTO, CNR-ISPC and UNIFI) conducted a first round of experimental tests on the earthen-based plaster mixtures, each unit focusing on specific aspects. The carried-out tests were:
- Adhesion to the substrate
- Capillary water absorption (Karsten tube)
- Water erosion (Geelong) – index
- Crackability (index)
- Compressive strength
- Flexural strength
- Thermal conductivity (λ)
- Water erosion (spray)
- Water vapour diffusion resistance (µ)
- Residual water vapour permeability
Apart from laboratory tests, the project also defined a location in which to test on-site the plaster mixtures selected through the tests.
picture: adhesion test on one of the plaster mixtures
#knowledge
Beginning of the interest-holders interview campaign
July 2025
To understand the perception, the critical points, the potential and the future of earthen architectures in the Piedmont Region, the project carries out a campaign of semi-structured interviews to address property owners, citizens, stakeholders, experts, professionals and members of the institutions
picture: Cascina Clavaria in Novi Ligure (AL)
#experimentation
Preparation and identification of innovative plaster mixtures
June 2025
The experimental activities of the project begin! The research units defined together mixtures, additives and stabilisers in order to create and test some innovative earthen-based plasters. The experimentation is based on previous activities, carried out by the members of the Research Units, as well as a thorough bibliographical analysis. The defined earthen-based plaster mixtures were tested using stabilisers such as gypsum and hydrated lime, and corn cob as additives. As part of the experiments, the mixtures include already-commercialized earthen plasters, and traditional sand-and-lime mixtures.
picture: samples of the plasters
#formation
EVER-EARTH student workshop 2025
May 2025
As a first activity in the territory, the UNIFI Research Unit organised a theoretical-practical laboratory to learn about and explore the architectural heritage of Piedmont in raw earth through visits aimed at analyzing the building. The activities carried out will range from the study of the construction technique and materials used to the analysis of the state of conservation and seismic, anthropic and environmental weakness of the earth buildings.
picture: the students of the workshop gathered to analyse one of the case studies.
#knowledge
Beginning of the earthen heritage census campaign
March 2025
The EVER-EARTH research project begins with a detailed census of earthen buildings in the Piedmont region, with the objective of mapping, cataloguing and describing 50 relevant earthen architectures. Starting with the data collected in the 2006 census, the project aims at updating the current state of Piedmontese earthen heritage, 20 years after the promulgation of the Regional Law for its protection. The census is part of the ICCD (Istituto Centrale per la Catalogazione e la Documentazione) research campaign “Case Rurali”.
For further info, see: https://caserurali.cultura.gov.it/progressi/
picture: an earthen residential building in San Giuliano, Alessandria Province, Italy.