or listen to what others have to say….
The use of rammed earth in architecture is a fascinating fusion of modern technology, ancient knowledge, and innovative construction techniques, and is increasingly attracting attention. Today, rammed earth is not only of interest for alternative or ecological applications, but established architects are also discovering the creative possibilities of this versatile material with its advantageous properties for temperature control. archinform
Viable alternatives exist to the expensive and scarce building materials that are currently used in house construction. Rammed earth, a construction material as old as time itself, is an environmentally friendly, sustainable, durable, load bearing, heat resistant, cheap, energy and cost efficient alternative to bricks, steel and cement. It’s also fast to produce, and prefabricated rammed earth walls can be churned out to meet the demands of the low-income housing commitment made by the prime minister without the costs and energy inefficiencies that would arise if the same buildings were made, as they are in current practice, of bricks and cement. And if anyone is concerned about how the walls and floors would look, don’t worry. New technology means that rammed earth construction materials can be polished and painted to resemble stone and marble, for instance. So the “the common man won’t agree because he wants a traditional pucca house” argument doesn’t hold its ground either. In fact, rammed earth should be a prescribed building material in our building regulations. The New Internationalist
