Rammed Earth Building An Explanation

The art of building with rammed earth is not new. Ancient civilizations were built using rammed earth construction, particularly in areas where wood was scarce. Some of these buildings are still standing today (rammed earth is durable!).
This technique is enjoying a resurgence. Here is an explanation of what rammed-earth building is, and why it is a sustainable building method.

What Is Rammed Earth Construction?

First, a wood framework of the future building’s walls is built. The framework is hollow, with at least a 12-inch space between the wooden sides of the frame.

Then, moist earth, mixed with a stabilizer, is poured into the hollow space where it is “rammed” by a mechanical tamper. While lime and animal blood were once used to stabilize the earth, modern construction usually adds concrete as a stabilizer. This is an area of concern as concrete production accounts for significant emissions.

Once the earth in the wood framework is sufficiently solid and dry, the wood is removed leaving solid, durable walls. The walls will continue to “cure” over time, increasing in durability until their strength is analogous to stone.

Characteristics of Rammed Earth Buildings

* Insulation – The thick walls of rammed earth buildings have good insulating properties, keeping inhabitants cool in summer and warm in winter. This insulating quality also means the interior of such buildings tends to be quiet.

* Natural – Many people are attracted to the natural aspect of rammed earth. There are no chemical components in the walls as there often are in conventionally built dwellings.

* Fire-resistant – Earth does not burn, and the harder it gets the more fire-resistant it becomes.

* Pest-resistant – As the earth cures, it becomes impenetrable and highly resistant to typical household pests.

* Durable – As noted above, rammed earth buildings are very durable. Parts of the Great Wall of China were built using this method.

* Sustainable – Eco-conscious people are attracted to the sustainable nature of rammed earth. Made from natural materials, rammed earth does not involve the destruction of forests, the mining of stone, or the manufacture of hazardous building materials. The soil used is “subsoil,” or soil underneath the top layer, leaving the topsoil available for farming.

The only “rub” is the concrete used as a stabilizer. Perhaps a more eco-friendly stabilizer will be developed. It is possible to build a rammed earth dwelling without concrete as long as the proper proportion of clay, sand, and other components in the soil are carefully measured in proportions that are conducive to hardening.

The interior of rammed earth buildings can simply be finished with oil, or covered with more conventional materials such as plaster or stucco.

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