ABSTRACT
Earth constructions are common sight in rural Taiwan. In Yún-lín county, a region where agriculture is the first resource, examples can be found in most villages. They are usually parts of the so-called sān-hé-yuàn, the traditional U-shaped open courtyard houses still peppering the country. When in good physical condition, these are usually built with fired bricks. But for the fewer number built with adobe blocks, the situation is bleaker. They are predominantly in a critical state of disrepair. Lack of use, maintenance and sympathy is quickly bringing them to disappearance.
This paper presents our first attempts to document elements of this cultural heritage in danger. Various perspective are followed. Materials, construction parts, techniques, elements of typology are presented. But before and triggered by discussions and interviews of farmers about their live and activities in the houses, elements are given to help understanding their rise and now their fall.
