They were long derided as old-fashioned symbols of grinding poverty, but mud and straw houses are making a comeback in Hungary as a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to concrete. Master builder Janos Gaspar, who renovates earth houses, is worked off his feet as more people cotton on to the material's all-round qualities and easy availability. "Clay houses were built everywhere so it proves they found the proper types of soil for that. This yellowy earth is perfectly suited to this purpose," the 48-year-old -- who has built more than 200 clay houses -- tells AFP. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES