Earthen vernacular architecture in cuneo’s territories (Piedmont, Italy)

Piedmont is characterized by the presence of numerous earthen buildings mainly concentrated in the province of Alessandria. Studies conducted over the last decade, however, have shown the presence of interesting examples of these buildings also in the provinces of Asti, Torino, Biella and Cuneo. They are generally two-storied rural constructions, built with both fired bricks (for the bearing structures) and earthen bricks (for internal and external walls). These buildings are evidence of the close relationships between man and his territory. Although there are only few examples, they do, however, represent the interesting evidence of know-how and old-aged construction techniques. They are fragile architectures, a little or not at all known, which may be irretrievably lost if not properly safeguarded. This paper intends to present the results of a research conducted by people belonging to different fields, in order to study the testimonies of earthen constructions in the Cuneo’s territory (Tanaro valley).