The Process of Building Rammed Earth Walls. Alternative Construction Methods

[donandroz]

what is the price comparison compared to a regular build?was interested in building my own home and have been looking for different building constuction designs that has excellent insulation from heat and fire australian bush is prone for it and was interested

[earthbuilders]

There are many factors in comparing the cost of a rammed earth home verses a standard frame construction home especially as an owner/builder. For us typically we find that a rammed earth home is about 10% more than a frame home. But if you are doing most of the construction yourself the cost could be a lot closer in price. You may pay more but you get more for a rammed earth home. Hope this is helpful to you.

Pat Bellestri-Martinez

[stimsWonderland]

@earthbuilders you guys just haven't perfected the skill of rammed earth or the materials aren't the same as those in rural china. the upshot is no heating or air conditioning required

[marypatriciaann]

We have never worked with cob walls. The fact is when you have dissimilar materials there is always a chance that a crack will occur. More than likely it will happen.

[DontFriendInviteMe]

How well would rammed earth walls incorporate with cob walls, if one wanted to create straight earth walls & curved cob walls in the same room? Are there any problems with separation of the walls or cracks where they join?

[VasilyKiryanov]

@DontFriendInviteMe There are a few techniques to join different materials. One could apply some bars that would stick out of the rammed earth wall and into the cob section. Then, the cob mixture itself can be done in several variations, starting with adding some earth that has gone into the rammed wall, to make it more or less homogeneous with the straight section, then adding less and less of it while going further on the lenth of the curved section.

[MonkeySpecs301]

Hi, i will be the owner builder of a rammed earth home starting next year. I was wondering if my walls are to be higher than my formwork, at the last tamping at the top of the wall, do i add rebar within the first portion of the wall before i move the formwork up? I guess what i am asking is, do the bottom and top walls braced/connected or does the top wall just sit on the bottom wall? Really appreciate your expertise.

[earthbuilders]

@MonkeySpecs301 If I understand your question, no we do not put in rebar for the next level. If there is much time between finishing the bottom section and starting the upper section we would spray it down with a bit of water and sprinkle some dry portland cement in.

[MonkeySpecs301]

@earthbuilders Hey thanks for the reply. And if i understand your response, portland cement goes in between the two wall sections?.........I am still looking for architectural services, does your company provide any?

[earthbuilders]

Please contact me through our website --the Contact page and we'll expand on our services. Thanks.

[katherineursula]

How long does this process take?

[earthbuilders]

Lets say for example a 3,000 sf home the exterior walls would probably take about 3 weeks but it really depends on the design of the house.

[MultiTheTyler]

what do you use for the plywood reinforcement?

[earthbuilders]

The plywood reinforcement you are referring to is actually the forms we use. They are typically used for forming concrete.

[DeathDude72]

And the warranty of the walls: 4+ billion years.

[earthbuilders]

Thanks but we can only do 3 billion years.

[electronicdruid]

The soil does seem like it is lacking the required moisture content. It appears to be a hot day; as the skid steer is kicking up loads of dust.

At optimum moisture content, you should be able to make a decent sand castle.

Other than that, RE is very nice. I enjoy rammed earth building. I am currently writing a large technical report on application, construction, moisture content, and compressive strength for RE. It is very interesting stuff.

[earthbuilders]

It is usually dusty around here! No surprise there is a cloud around the skid loader. After 25 years of tamping walls we have the "formula" down. If the moisture content is off it will not compact. Our "test" is a fist full of the moistened dirt--it stays together, drop it on the ground and it falls apart. Would be interested in reading your technical report! Thanks for your comment.

[Achbar]

How Expensive are rammed earth Homes?

[earthbuilders]

The costs vary from house to house but to get a ball park estimate you could say between 5-8% higher than a traditional house with all things being equal.

[HotRodHarley93]

@earthbuilders Offset by savings in energy costs almost immediately. Not to speak of stable indoor temps. I'll never live in any other kind of home again. You guys make great houses.

[earthbuilders]

Thank you very much for your comment.

Me Too!!!

[MrEhud77]

How does this compare to Adobe?

[Thyrinal]

While i doubt stucko or anything is neccary i would like to see the roof built as well. good video it looks alot like concrete.

[Ultra4]

@Thyrinal I love the idea to build without concrete, but and eco home should not have to chop down trees to make the roof. Any alternatives? steel does not come with environmental costs, but since it's recyclable seems some appeasing

[kingmike40]

Stupid question for earthbuilders.

I read your comments in the description box and it states that the exterior walls will have foam and stucco on the outside and plaster on the inside. I thought that the earth rammed walls could be bare and the rammed earth would act as a insulator. Do all exterior earth rammed walls have to be covered?