Rammed Earth Design
Rammed earth has presence.
People gravitate to rammed earth because it’s a statement of endurance and beauty in a time of creative transition. What kind of world do we want to create, what do we want our children and grandchildren to experience?
Rammed earth is the epitome of holistic design. We look at the site, the climate, the landscape, the way people want to live, and the character they want the building to have. From there, we explore how rammed earth can become one with the architecture itself — shaping spaces, proportions, openings, courtyards, and the relationship between the building and its environment.
From Idea to Building
Most projects begin with a conversation. You may have collected images, materials and references without knowing how they belong together. You may want to a home that aligns with the way your want to live.
We can turn desire into design.
Included in the process:
The quality and nature of the living space
The natural features of the site
Climate, sun, wind and orientation
Existing views and landscape
Harmony between inner living space and outdoors
Rammed earth as structure, thermal mass and tactile experience
Other materials that will sit alongside the rammed earth
We want to make the foundational architecture to suit the needs of the people who will live there.
Walls that Speak
The process is both technical and creative.
A wall can be quiet and monochromatic, or reveal subtle or dramatic variations through its layers. It can feel refined and precise, or retain more of the irregularity of the earth from which it came.
Where appropriate, we develop samples and prototypes before the final design is resolved. This allows decisions to be made with the material in front of us rather than relying entirely on drawings or photographs.
Our Design Process
Imagination becomes a tangible experience
People → Site → Concept → Materials → Design → Technical Resolution → Construction
We begin by understanding the scope of the dream and how to shape it. As the design progresses, we test important ideas through drawings, models, material samples and, where necessary, full-scale prototypes.
By consolidating all these factors the possibility of creating a uniquely beautiful building becomes exponential.
We work with homeowners, landscape designers, developers and creatives at different stages of this process, from early idea through to completion.
Permanent architecture?
We are interested in buildings that stand the test of time
Rammed earth does not try to hide its natural architectural beauty. Its layers remain visible and its surface changes subtly with light.
Rather than create a building that only photographs well when it’s finished, our objective is to create buildings with character that are a joy to live in.
If you have a site, a project or an idea you would like to explore, we can begin by looking at what rammed earth could make possible for you.
Start a project conversation → Contact