What Is the Terrio Project?
Terrio is the brainchild of two entrepreneurs driven by a clear vision: to bring earth back to the heart of modern construction. They believe it’s totally possible to build in a way that’s more virtuous, using ancestral materials that fit perfectly with today’s construction demands. The idea? Use the right material in the right place, blending tradition with innovation.
The Main Benefit: Low Carbon Construction
Terrio manufactures rammed earth blocks—prefabricated, low-carbon building materials made from raw earth. These blocks can be used for loadbearing walls in some tertiary buildings and non-loadbearing walls in residential and public buildings. Here’s why they matter:
- Construction accounts for nearly 25% of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Traditional materials like bricks, concrete, and steel are highly polluting.
- Rammed earth blocks reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects.
- Blocks are recyclable and made from earth considered as waste, so no pressure on natural resources.
- Production processes consume very little energy compared to conventional materials.
- Earth improves building comfort and thermal properties significantly.
The Challenge Facing Construction Today
The construction sector is undergoing a massive shake-up. With its huge carbon footprint, the industry is under pressure to change. The widespread use of bricks, concrete, and steel is a big part of the problem—they’re just so polluting. Governments worldwide are pushing for materials and production methods that slash carbon emissions. In France, for example, the new RE2020 regulation is stepping in to limit CO2 emissions per square meter of built space, promoting low-carbon materials and energy-efficient buildings that stay cool in summer. It’s a game changer.
Why Earth and Rammed Earth Matter
Earth as a building material is fascinating. Bastien Neufeind, one of Terrio’s founders, was immediately captivated by rammed earth and raw earth in general. Yet, he was frustrated to find it used in less than 0.01% of construction sites—mainly due to a lack of knowledge about the material, its properties, and the skills needed to work with it. But the benefits are clear:
- Earth is abundant and available almost everywhere.
- Transforming earth into building materials requires very little energy.
- Buildings made with earth offer better comfort and thermal regulation.
Despite this, affordable and standardized solutions are still rare. Big players like Saint Gobain are starting to take notice, signaling a shift in the industry.
Terrio’s Innovative Approach
Founded in 2022, Terrio’s mission is to make raw earth an indispensable material for tomorrow’s constructions. The company is developing machines to produce rammed earth blocks competitively, aiming to rival mainstream materials like concrete. This innovation is crucial because it helps overcome the barriers of cost and scalability that have held back earth construction for so long.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by developing new, low-carbon building materials.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – promoting eco-friendly construction practices.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – using earth waste and recyclable materials.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the construction sector.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – minimizing resource extraction by utilizing earth considered as waste.
The Future of Construction with Terrio
Terrio is more than just a company; it’s a movement towards a greener, smarter way to build. By combining ancestral knowledge with modern technology, it’s paving the way for construction that respects the planet without sacrificing performance. The journey is just beginning, but the potential? Huge. As regulations tighten and awareness grows, earth-based materials like those Terrio produces could soon become the norm rather than the exception. And that’s something worth watching closely.
