Towards a new earthly vernacular

About the Project

This studentship is based in the College of Arts, Technology and Environment.

This PhD project explores how contemporary architecture can develop a new “earthly vernacular” by drawing on the environmental, cultural, and material intelligence of earthen construction.

As earthen architecture re-emerges in response to climate change, resource scarcity, and the need for low carbon construction, it faces the challenge of meeting modern performance expectations while expanding its expressive and architectural potential. Despite growing interest, existing practice is often limited to historical replication or isolated experimental work, reflecting a broader lack of design frameworks that translate vernacular knowledge and material behaviour into mature, integrated, and scalable architectural languages.

Current research rarely combines technical innovation, digital fabrication, and design language development, leaving a significant gap in understanding how earth can meaningfully shape contemporary architectural form. This project aims to address that gap by defining the principles, methodologies, and design processes that could underpin a new, contemporary earth based architectural vernacular.

Using a practice based, design led methodology, the research will integrate material experimentation, prototyping, case studies, and collaboration with engineering and fabrication partners – including HG Matthews, Ryder Architecture, and Elliot Wood Engineers – to investigate the interplay between craft traditions, technical performance, and design expression. The project will generate new design frameworks, physical and digital prototypes, and critical insights for sustainable architectural practice, aiming to reposition earthen construction as a credible, expressive, and innovative component of contemporary building culture.

For more information about this studentship please contact Tavs Jorgensen at tavs.jorgensen@uwe.ac.uk.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2627-OCT-CATE05.

Supporting documentation

You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and a recognised English language qualification is required.

You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application.

Interview dates

It is expected that interviews will take place on weeks commencing June. If you have not heard from us by July, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.

Funding Notes

The studentship is available from 1 October 2026 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £20,780 (2025/26) per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years.