What is rammed earth?
A precisely controlled blend of gravels, cement and waterproofing additives, the mixture is then slightly moistened, and pneumatically compacted in temporary formwork. Resulting in very strong, durable and beautiful building material.
Are rammed earth walls resistant to erosion from rain?
With recent refinement and the use of modern admixtures, professionally constructed rammed earth walls are impervious to water, making them a very resilient choice of building material.
What are the advantages?
Rammed earth walls are competitively priced when compared to double brick / plaster / painted construction. However their benefits far out weigh many other building materials for the same cost.
*Strong and durable. Rammed earth is an ancient building technique spanning thousands of years. Many walls standing today have withstood many lifetimes of weathering and erosion. With the modern development of rammed earth the walls are far more resilient today than ever before.
*High thermal mass. The 300mm thick walls store and transfer heat slowly and effectively, making the climate inside any building a very stabile and comfortable environment. The slow transfer of heat dramatically reduces fluctuations of temperature, minimizing the need for additional heating and cooling.
*Sound proofing. A rammed earth wall absorbs sound excellently and inhibits the noise transferring through the building, Often remarks are made of how quiet and peaceful rammed earth dwellings are.
*Low embodied energy. Simple and effective building and batching methods reduce the amount of energy required in construction. Making rammed earth a very sustainable building material.
*Vermin and fire resistant. Rammed earth walls are constructed using non organic material, making there structure inflammable and resistant to vermin and termites.
Are rammed earth walls load bearing?
Rammed earth walls 300mm thick are load bearing and can be engineered to suit multi story designs.
How are electrical and plumbing services concealed in rammed earth?
Electrical and plumbing services can be easily cast into the walls whilst under construction, saving considerable time and money.
Do rammed earth walls need sealing, plastering or rendering?
With the use of water proofing admixtures there is no need to additional seal the walls. There beautiful aesthetics are rarely plastered or rendered.
Can you fix into rammed earth?
You can easily drill and fix into rammed earth the same as you would for bricks or concrete.
How much does it cost?
Generally, Rammed earth walls are comparatively priced to double brick / plaster / paint construction. However they will need little or zero maintenance after construction, reducing any future maintenance costs. Their excellent thermal properties will also reduce your energy consumption and heating bills, saving you even more money.
UNIQUE EARTH rammed earth construction. PH: 0417 763 602
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