It was on a trip to the Azores that Tania de Froberville first encountered raw earth construction techniques. Captivated, this nature lover threw herself wholeheartedly into a new adventure that brought her back to her home island in 2025, where she founded her company, Kalypso—sowing the seeds of a quiet revolution.
‘I feel something incredible when I work with earth—it takes me back to my childhood, and even further,’ Tania confides. Fascinated by ancestral building techniques, she spent two years travelling the world as a student, humanitarian volunteer, employee and project manager. Puerto Rico, Kenya, Europe… brick by brick, she built a rich human network whilst deepening her expertise.
Arriving on our shores last year, she brought with her a wealth of dreams—among them, the ambition to breathe new life into these age-old methods, whose worth has long been proven. ‘150 years ago, earth was still the most common building material in the world: the Alhambra in Granada and even the Croix-Rousse district in Lyon are built from it!’ she says. With a visionary’s instinct for gradual change, she chose to ease her way into the Mauritian market by first launching a range of earth-based plasters, available in natural, textured shades of brown.
These come with a host of advantages, not least their ability to absorb moisture—a real asset in our tropical climate! ‘No more condensation on the shower glass with just one earth-plastered wall!’ says Tania. And should an imperfection appear, there is no need to repaint entire walls as with conventional paint: since the colour of earth render does not fade over time, a simple touch-up is all it takes.
Committed to the principles of the circular economy, Tania recovers earth excavated during construction projects. What follows is a lengthy process: a full series of tests is required to assess whether the earth is suitable for use. For now, the focus is on plasters—but Tania has bigger plans. Through her educational workshops, she is already writing the opening chapter of a sustainable, timeless approach to construction. A remarkable story that is sure to make waves!
@kalypso.clayworks.mru
(c) Karl Ahnee