PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Silt, clay, soil are natural building materials and occur in different compositions under the top mold in every part of the world.
More than a third of the world's population lives in houses, which have been built completely or at least to some part in silt and rammed earth.
Rammed earth is very solid, its density can be compared to concrete.
Silt earth shows a equilibrium moisture content of about 6 to 7 %, which means it is dryer than wood, but has the ability to absorb dampness out of the air very fast and releasing it at the same speed.
Usually the walls are placed on a concrete plinths which rise min. 35cm out of the fastened or unfastened soil.
Lintels are constructed in concrete or done in steel. In the case of larger door openings or window series, reinforced concrete bands made of site-mixed concrete are integrated into the earthen walls.
Due to the special structure and color of the rammed earth, erosion and partial damage will not become very obvious and critical.
Earthen walls ideally undergo a natural aging process, especially because of the UV resistance of the earth pigments.
With a technical flawless building process of edges and surfaces, maintenance should not be needed for decades.
Center of Gravity Foundation Hall by Predock Frane Architects
Chapel of reconciliation in Berlin by Reitermann & Sassenroth with Martin Rauch -
Family house in Austria by Boltshauser Architekten
