Rammed Earth Construction Techniques

article image
by Adobestock/Lea

The author describes his experiences in the 1940’s using rammed earth construction techniques to build a rammed earth house, an oddball decision at the time, and how well the structure has served him since.

Back in the 40’s I was considered an oddball. I wore a beard–revolutionary then–and I started, by myself, to build a house out of (of all things) rammed earth. People wondered about me.

Today–as a V.P. and corporation director–I appear Establishment, and my home doesn’t look unusual either. It hugs a hilltop landscape, it’s surrounded by spacious lawns and sheltered by big oaks … and in the garage are two (count them, two) Mercedes. But my house is still made of rammed earth.

It’s a good building: snug in winter, cool in summer, fireproof, and termite-proof. Houses like it have stood for hundreds of years. When the windows are closed it’s airtight, like a Volkswagen. In fact, a visitor wouldn’t notice anything unusual except the thick walls. So what’s different? Nothing, except that those walls are free. Free, that is, if you don’t charge for your own work.

Preparing the Earth

  • Updated on Jun 16, 2023
  • Originally Published on Sep 1, 1973
Tagged with: earth blocks, earth buidling, natural building
Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368