The Interactions Between Ancient Materials and Life

Mud bricks are especially useful in arid environments because mud bricks like other forms of solid masonry are poor conductors of heat. Thick walls of mud brick will slow the rate at which the exterior solar heat is absorbed into the interior environment. They're good insulators if you're living in say a hot desert. And additionally structures like this, which are still common throughout North Africa, often feature high ceilings and small openings that high in the wall to encourage airflow. Also flat roofs since there tends to be less rainfall to contend with.