Compatibility between Sustainability and Conservation in Earthen Architecture: Initial Analysis of Restoration Interventions and Contemporary Applications in Spain

[EN] The rehabilitation of traditional earthen architecture in Spain currently faces the challenge of reconciling heritage values with sustainability objectives such as energy efficiency, emission reduction, and cost-effectiveness, increasingly applied across the construction sector. Earthen architecture represents significant cultural heritage, offering an opportunity to promote traditional bioclimatic strategies and circular economy practices adapted to the demands posed by climate change. Within the context of the "Earth4Future" research project, which aims to evaluate the rehabilitation of traditional buildings and contemporary earthen construction, this study focuses on identifying intervention dynamics documented in 70 traditional buildings and contemporary applications in 15 newly constructed buildings. A statistical analysis has been conducted on the types of interventions, the compatibility of materials and techniques used, and the primary motivations driving these interventions. The analysis of the contemporary applications examines the type of technique employed in relation to traditional methods and the mechanisms applied for quality control, energy improvement, or cost reduction. The paper ultimately aims to identify patterns of good practices, evaluate the synergies between tradition and innovation, and lay the groundwork for sustainable intervention guidelines.