UK architects are turning back to traditional building materials, like rammed earth, to build homes that not only reduce carbon emissions but also create unique and sustainable living spaces.
In the UK, a low-rise homestead perched in the countryside appears to be just another rural outpost at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, the texture of the walls reveals something distinct from the usual facade of cement, brick, and steel – it's made from compacted earth, a material that has been used since the Neolithic period.
As the construction industry is responsible for more than a third of global carbon emissions, architects are seeking ways to improve its sustainability. The use of rammed earth sourced from or near the site of proposed buildings is gaining attention as a way to address these issues.
One project that stands out is the Rammed Earth House in Cranborne Chase, Wiltshire. Built using unstabilised rammed earth, this house benefits from the convenience of in-situ construction, with materials gathered from a local area and used to create something new, but can be returned to the ground in the case of demolition.
The ingenuity of unstabilised rammed earth lies in its circular construction process. Materials are gathered from a local area and used to create something new, while also being able to return to the ground in the event of demolition. This approach not only reduces carbon emissions but also creates unique and sustainable living spaces.
Swiss-based architect Roger Boltshauser is optimistic about the prospects of localised factories producing prefabricated rammed earth blocks, which can then be delivered to building sites within a 300km radius. His practice has used former cement and brick factories as locations to produce blocks, and he believes standardisation of prefabricated blocks can circumvent the need for unique approval for each project.
The benefits of using rammed earth extend beyond its environmental impact. The material also produces incredibly beautiful spaces to live in, work in, and be in. As Jonathan Tuckey, founder of Tuckey Design Studio, said: "It has so many benefits... It more than just does a good thing for the environment in terms of its responsibility. It produces incredibly beautiful spaces to live in, to work in, and to be in."
As architects continue to explore new ways to build sustainable homes, they are turning back to traditional materials like rammed earth. By embracing these unique approaches, they can create buildings that not only reduce their carbon footprint but also produce beautiful and functional living spaces.
In the UK, a low-rise homestead perched in the countryside appears to be just another rural outpost at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, the texture of the walls reveals something distinct from the usual facade of cement, brick, and steel – it's made from compacted earth, a material that has been used since the Neolithic period.
As the construction industry is responsible for more than a third of global carbon emissions, architects are seeking ways to improve its sustainability. The use of rammed earth sourced from or near the site of proposed buildings is gaining attention as a way to address these issues.
One project that stands out is the Rammed Earth House in Cranborne Chase, Wiltshire. Built using unstabilised rammed earth, this house benefits from the convenience of in-situ construction, with materials gathered from a local area and used to create something new, but can be returned to the ground in the case of demolition.
The ingenuity of unstabilised rammed earth lies in its circular construction process. Materials are gathered from a local area and used to create something new, while also being able to return to the ground in the event of demolition. This approach not only reduces carbon emissions but also creates unique and sustainable living spaces.
Swiss-based architect Roger Boltshauser is optimistic about the prospects of localised factories producing prefabricated rammed earth blocks, which can then be delivered to building sites within a 300km radius. His practice has used former cement and brick factories as locations to produce blocks, and he believes standardisation of prefabricated blocks can circumvent the need for unique approval for each project.
The benefits of using rammed earth extend beyond its environmental impact. The material also produces incredibly beautiful spaces to live in, work in, and be in. As Jonathan Tuckey, founder of Tuckey Design Studio, said: "It has so many benefits... It more than just does a good thing for the environment in terms of its responsibility. It produces incredibly beautiful spaces to live in, to work in, and to be in."
As architects continue to explore new ways to build sustainable homes, they are turning back to traditional materials like rammed earth. By embracing these unique approaches, they can create buildings that not only reduce their carbon footprint but also produce beautiful and functional living spaces.
! I mean, it's already been used for like, thousands of years, so we're basically just getting back to nature here 
. And not only does it reduce carbon emissions, but it also creates these amazing textures and patterns on the walls that are literally works of art 
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! The way the walls just sort of... melt into the landscape is like, whoa 
. Anyway, using rammed earth in building homes is a step in the right direction, but let's keep pushing the boundaries and seeing what we can come up with 
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. Like, the fact that it's been used since ancient times and all that just goes to show that nature has some pretty smart solutions built into it 
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. Those houses just look... amazing 
. Like, you can imagine living in one of those spaces and feeling like you're actually connected to the land, you know? It's not just some boring old house that's just going to sit there looking pretty - it's a home, with a history and a story behind it 
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. Like, think about it - we're talking about reducing waste and emissions in two different ways at once 
. It just feels like common sense to me 
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it's like they're tapping into the past to create something more sustainable for the future 
. and can you believe that these factories are reusing old cement & brick factories to produce blocks? genius 
. I'm rooting for architects like Roger Boltshauser and Jonathan Tuckey to keep pushing the boundaries of sustainable design 
. we need more innovative solutions like this to tackle climate change 
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. And what about the materials used in the construction process? Are we really sure that using natural earth won't affect the air quality nearby?
. Will these unique spaces still be maintained and enjoyed by future generations? And what's the cost of using rammed earth compared to traditional materials? It's all about finding a balance between our love for nature and our need for sustainable living 
. And I have to say, I agree with Jonathan Tuckey about the aesthetic benefits 
. Rammed earth homes are like nothing you've seen before - they're like a breath of fresh air 
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. As the construction industry continues to grow, we need innovative solutions like rammed earth to help reduce our carbon footprint 
It's like a big ol' hug for the planet 
. It's like a game-changer for sustainable building practices 
. And standardising the blocks can make it easier to produce and transport them, which is a huge plus 
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I've had friends who built their own eco-friendly homes using rammed earth and it looks amazing! They said it was super easy to work with too 
. Can't wait to see more of these unique buildings popping up around the country 
. We need more people like Jonathan Tuckey who get it about creating spaces that are not only eco-friendly but also beautiful and functional. Let's keep pushing for change and making our planet a better place 
