A Cost Analysis Model for the Valorisation of Earthen Architecture in Fraschetta (Italy)

This study addresses a relevant topic for the Fraschetta area in Piedmont. (Italy): the loss of the traditional heritage of Rammed Earth (RE) buildings. The Regional Law 2/2006 allowed a first attempt to regulate and valorise these architectures, which are currently still in a strong state of vulnerability. The lack of community recognition emphasises the paucity of actions aimed at their conservation. The aim is to stimulate a new approach to research to continue the initiative started twenty years earlier by the Piedmont Region, the Province of Alessandria and several local actors. The analysis was conducted from an overview of the state-of-the-art earthen construction, focusing on building types, construction practices and the traditional technological aspects of the Fraschetta area. Integrating a calculation model to evaluate the current construction costs allows us to propose a useful estimation tool for transmitting this type of heritage. Investigating the sustainability of this construction method could provide valuable data to inform policies and actions that support the use of biobased materials in construction. This research, in turn, may drive the creation of performance standards specifically for RE, encouraging its broader adoption in sustainable building practices.