Rammed Earth and Stone Buildings Make Up Oaxaca School of Plastic Arts

Large north facing windows ensure plenty of natural lighting.

The earth in particular is well-insulated, so energy efficiency is high.

The stone and earth are great materials to use in Mexico because they create a comfortable micro climate.

The famous artist Francisco Toledo played a role in the building's exterior design.

Taller de Arquitectura was inspired to use the byproducts of ongoing earthworks to create building materials.

The Oaxaca School of Plastic Arts was commissioned in 2008.

When Ben Harper sang "What is of the earth is of the greatest worth," he wasn't referring to architecture, but we think his lyrics apply nicely to the Oaxaca School of Plastic Arts made of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/off-grid-rammed-earth-house-on-navajo-nation-catches-the-wind/">rammed earth and stone</a>. Designed by <a href="http://www.tallerdearquitectura.com.mx/">Taller de Arquitectura</a> with input from the artist Francisco Toledo, this project received its building materials from the byproducts of other earth-churning construction works that took place at the same time that the school was commissioned. In addition to creating a "grounded" aesthetic that seems appropriate in its Mexican context, these beautiful earth and stone structures are <a href="http://inhabitat.com/pixelated-residential-complex-maximizes-light-and-green-space/pixel-ed02/">naturally lit and ventilated</a>.