Rammed Earth
Rammed earth walls are constructed by ramming a mixture of selected aggregates, including gravel, sand, silt and a small amount of clay, into place between flat panels called formwork.
The colour of rammed earth walls is determined by the earth and aggregate used. The ramming process proceeds layer by layer and can introduce the appearance of horizontal stratification to the walls, which can enhance the overall appearance. It can be controlled as a feature or eliminated.
Aggregates can be exposed and special effects created by the addition of different coloured material in some layers, and elements such as feature stones or objects, alcoves or relief mouldings can be incorporated into rammed earth walls. Unusual finishes can be achieved by including shapes in the formwork that can be released after the wall has been rammed
The colour of rammed earth walls is determined by the earth and aggregate used. The ramming process proceeds layer by layer and can introduce the appearance of horizontal stratification to the walls, which can enhance the overall appearance. It can be controlled as a feature or eliminated.
Aggregates can be exposed and special effects created by the addition of different coloured material in some layers, and elements such as feature stones or objects, alcoves or relief mouldings can be incorporated into rammed earth walls. Unusual finishes can be achieved by including shapes in the formwork that can be released after the wall has been rammed
The Cave in Pilares / Greenfield
A natural reserve that fuses the passion of fauna conservation and the pleasure of enjoying nature through architecture.The ecological reserve “Pilares” is located in the northern region of the state of Coahuila, in a 40,000 hectares land that is fully dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and the reproduction of others that had already disappeared from Mexican territory, In this context emerges “The Cave”, an architectural project that materializes the idea of creating a neutral space, one for socialization and contemplation,
Like in vernacular architecture, the building responds directly to the site where it’s emplaced, with basic and even primitive volumes that rise with materials from the region, gaining color and texture right from the landscape. The feeling while visiting the project resembles to that of a cave, partially buried into the ground, providing a shelter from the exterior and allowing the user enjoy it from the warming interior.
Earth House / Jolson Architecture Interiors
Earth House is a 465 sqm 4 bedroom residence. With integrated landscaped garden on a 97-acre property in coastal Victoria, this holistic architectural project blurs the line between architecture, interior, landscape and furniture design. Careful consideration is made to site and context to ensure the house contributes to the rural characteristics of the area from all exterior and interior vantage points. Sightlines from adjoining properties and roads were an influencing component to the master planning.
Constructed primarily in rammed earth using local Dromana crushed rock, this split- level house seemingly rises from the landscape and cranks to capture the sweeping rural and coastal panoramic views. Individual modules containing each living zone; lounge & dining, bedrooms & bathrooms, study & kitchen, are interconnected via a feature corridor; ‘a disappearing street’ which facilitates the transition between modules, a subtle play between lightness, darkness, and dramatic framed views.
Separated from the main house by the courtyard is a self-contained sleeping and living zone, connected to the main house by a glazed link that can slide open to integrate the wet-edge pool and associated deck.
Earth House / BCHO Architects
Earth house is a house which focuses on the primal relationship between nature and humans. It is built with careful consideration of constructional efficiency and our somatic senses.The 14m x 17m concrete box is buried in the ground and contains 6, 1-pyeong, rooms and two earth filled courtyards. The ‘small house’ is open to the courtyard which is open to the sky. The one pyeong rooms originated from the size of one kan (6×6 ja; 1 ja = approx. 30cm) which are just large enough for an adult to lie down straight. The house has a small kitchen, a study, two resting rooms, a bathroom with a wooden tub and toilet, and a wash room. The rooms are all adjacent to each other and open directly to the earth filled courtyard. Connecting rooms can be joined to create a bigger room. The house doors are small, entering the house requires making your body into a smaller shape.
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Site Plan
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Elevation
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Section
The lateral pressure from the earth on four sides is resisted by thick concrete retaining wall and a flat roof and base plate. There is also a hidden steel column in the center wall that reinforced the structural plates. Rammed Earth walls provide all the interior spatial divisions and the walls facing both courtyards. The earth used for the walls is from the site excavation. Even though the viscosity of the existing earth was low, only minimal white cement and lime was used so the earth walls can return to the soil later. Four gutters are placed in the corners of the courtyard for drainage. The house uses a geothermal cooling system with a radiant floor heating system under the rammed clay and concrete floor. Off-peak electricity is used at night to heat the small gravel under the floor. A combination of passive cooling and geothermal tubes which are buried in the earth around the buildings keep the temperature cool in summer and warm in winter. A pine tree which was cut down from the site, was sliced into 80mm thick discs and was cast into the concrete walls of the courtyard so as it decays, it will host small plants and new life will arise with time. The wooden canopy protecting the entrance into the small house uses 39mm tensile wires. Recycled lumber was cut into 30mm x 50mm wide pieces and joined with flat steel bar, keeping the material to a minimum. All of the interior furniture and closets are also recycled wood from old Korean gates.