rammed – verb; packed with force.
earth – noun; the substance of the land surface; soil.
The qualities of rammed earth
- Thermal mass- the dense, thick walls make a home perform remarkably in extreme temperatures- averages out day and night temperatures (cools down over night in summer, releasing it during the day; warms up during the day in winter, then releases it during the night)
- Low embodied energy
- Aesthetics- the texture and colour of each wall is both unique and timeless- a sort after material in high end residential, commercial and government buildings
- Very low maintenance
- Strength and Durability- the walls are solid earth throughout- with clay, cement and compaction being the magic that binds it all together
- Sound proofing
- Healthy living- the walls comprise of mostly sand, aggregate and clay, with a low 5% portion of cement- a non-toxic sealer is used on the surface to prevent dusting
Rammed earth is as much an art as it is a science.
It is a style of building which has been around for centuries and is today a tried and tested method of building. As we progress more and more into the future, we are perfecting the process and techniques used to construct these beautiful, strong walls.
The process of rammed earth
Stabilised rammed earth is comprised of sand, aggregate, a small portion of clay, water, and 5 to 10% cement. It is mixed with a bobcat or more recently a mixer (purpose built for rammed earth).
Then it is poured in layers into our formwork via a conveyor belt. Compaction is made by pneumatic tampers. When the wall is complete, the formwork is removed to reveal an off-form finish, which is both beautiful and unique.
A rammed earth admix is also mixed in to make the walls water resistant, this allows the walls to be used in an external scenario. A non-toxic rammed earth sealer is applied to all surfaces to prevent any dusting.
Typically rammed earth contractors are the first trade on site after concrete, excepting necessary steel works/waterproofing.
We are more than happy to answer any question you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us.