Traditional earth construction represents significant architectural heritage, yet adoption patterns remain poorly understood despite documented environmental and cultural benefits. This study employs Socio-Technical Systems Theory to examine how technical subsystems (performance attributes), social subsystems (community structures, knowledge systems, perceptions), and their interactions shape earth construction adoption. Using sequential mixed-methods research combining semi-structured interviews (n = 12) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (n = 121) in Punjab, Pakistan, we investigate relationships between socio-technical system elements and adoption commitment. Results demonstrate that Maintenance Requirements, Social Perception, and Thermal Performance significantly influence adoption commitment, while Economic Benefits, Functional Versatility, and Structural Reliability show non-significant direct effects. Notably, Maintenance Requirements exhibited positive rather than hypothesized negative relationships with adoption, suggesting maintenance acceptance reflects system commitment rather than deterrence. The model explains substantial variance in adoption commitment ( R 2 = 0.588). Knowledge Accessibility emerges as critical, significantly influencing both Innovation Adaptability and maintenance understanding. Community Support shapes both knowledge systems and social perceptions. Innovation Adaptability bridges technical attributes and social acceptance, confirming socio-technical co-evolution. Findings suggest that adoption emerges from socio-technical system alignment rather than technical superiority alone, providing evidence-based guidance for integrating vernacular earth construction within contemporary architectural practice while preserving traditional architectural heritage.
Ahmad et al. (Mon,) studied this question.