Soil is the main ingredient of building around the world. It is estimated that at least one third of the world’s population lives or works in buildings constructed of earth. This is one of the oldest forms of building, with a particular distribution due to the possibility of multiple applications and high availability.

The purpose of this research is to create a handbook of natural building with main component the soil. This is an attempt to describe and analyze techniques, involving the use of clay in raw form, mixed with other natural materials such as aggregates and plant fibers.

Initially, some general features of the natural building and characteristics of soil as a building material are presented. The four basic techniques - materials that constitute the backbone of this project are Cob, Adobe, Rammed earth and Earthbags. These techniques are analyzed in the way of preparation and construction, with particular emphasis on traditional practices and references to their modern versions. The research of historical data of each material helps firstly to obtain a more comprehensive knowledge of its applications and secondly to reach conclusions about the advantages or disadvantages of using them today. In this manual, is also attempted a brief reference to some minor techniques of natural building and covering materials.