The proportion of funding devoted to the basic structure of buildings has dropped from a historical average of around 80% to less than 20% today.
The cost of mechanical systems has steadily risen, now often consuming more than a third of the cost of construction.
That we spend more on building services (for both initial and operational costs) than on any other single item reveals the value we assign to comfort and environmental control.
Insulated rammed earth architecture rolls this shift in priorities back; funding for mechanical systems can be slashed in favor of dramtically enhanced architectural character - and comfort.
The steadily increasing emphasis on mechanical systems in buildings has occured alongside a devaluation of tectonic expression.
Timeless distinction.