Rammed Earth
Rammed earth is an ancient building method (with a modern twist). Rammed earth is made from basic ingredients- sand, gravel and cement- and is poured in compacted layers each with varying amounts of pigment, resulting in a wall full of wavy striated color. Aesthetically beautiful it is also a highly durable and energy efficient way of building.
Why build a rammed earth house?
1. Durable
Longevity: Rammed earth walls can last for hundreds of years, making them incredibly durable and resistant to weathering, rot, and pests. Rammed earth is compacted to meet the local concrete compressive strength
Fire resistance: Rammed earth is made from non-combustible materials and is naturally fire-resistant, so a rammed earth house can offer a level of protection in areas prone to wildfires.
Low maintenance: Rammed earth walls don’t require re-painting or re-siding.
2. Sustainable
Local: Rammed earth construction uses sand, gravel and cement in its mix, for which ever effort is made to source from a local quarry.
Energy efficiency: Rammed earth naturally regulates interior temperatures across the seasons and throughout the day. The thermal break within the wall keeps hot air out during the summer and cold air out during the winter.
3. Aesthetics
Unique, natural beauty: The texture and color of rammed earth walls are striking. The possible colors are varied (think red, blue, grey, black spectrums) and are determined by the amounts of added pigment. The layers can be as straight or wavy as desired and each wall is unique.
Connection to nature: The natural look of rammed earth can help a house blend into its surroundings, creating a harmonious connection between the home and the landscape.
4. Energy Efficient
Energy savings: Due to the energy-efficient nature of rammed earth walls there is far less reliance on cumbersome and energy hogging heating and cooling systems. The homes air tightness allows small systems to condition large spaces.
Super insulated: The walls are 2 feet thick with 6 inches of insulation sandwiched in the middle. The insulation creates a thermal break that isolates indoor and outdoor temperatures. The thermal mass of the rammed earth creates a home that is easy to heat and easy to cool.
5. Healthy Indoor Environment
Natural materials: Rammed earth houses avoid many of the synthetic materials and chemicals found in modern construction, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect indoor air quality.
Filtered air: The walls are naturally air tight, meaning the air exchanging system recycles stale, moist indoor with fresh, filtered outdoor air.
