The number of different types of construction you can choose is very broad. One you may not have heard about though is rammed earth architecture. It is a traditional method but is still popular in various parts of the world. There has even been an increase in it in the UK and Europe. As one of the most dynamic architects London has, we want to take a look at what it is, how it works, and the benefits.

Creating walls

People have been using earth to create walls for centuries. An ancient method was to build wooden formwork and then fill it with layers of aggregate. For example you would generally find a layer of gravel or sand then a different layer of clay, then repeat. A ram would be used to compact the aggregates, making them solid and sturdy. This process is known as rammed earth construction.

The benefits

Building walls in this way is good for a number of reasons. Firstly, while it can be labour intensive, it is an eco-friendly way to build. It relies on natural resources that are readily available and not difficult to mine. It also does not rely on heavy machinery. Even a modern method that uses a mechanical ram to compact the aggregates does not require much energy.

This kind of construction is also great because the walls will have excellent thermal mass. What this means is they will absorb heat, slowing its movement through the materials. They will then release this as temperatures drop. As a result, the walls help to make it more comfortable inside the property.

Aesthetically, this kind of building is also very impressive. When the formwork is removed you can see the individual layers of aggregate. The specific colours of each layer here can vary depending on the location and type of aggregates. However, in most cases they will be alternating layers in shades of red and orange.

More stability and insulation

A modern development with this type of construction is adding a small amount of cement to the walls. This can improve the strength and durability. In most cases a wall will only have around 10 to 15% cement.

It can also be possible to add extra supports like steel rebar. However, it is important to ensure using them does not affect the compaction of the aggregates.

In terms of insulation, in a lot of cases the earth walls do not need any additional materials. However, some people will want to add them. If so, it is vital to think about the impact on thermal mass as you can lose the benefits. The insulation must also allow the walls to breathe so it does not trap moisture and cause issues.

Talk to architects in London

Whatever kind of construction you have in mind, whether it is a niche method or a more common one, we would love to help. Coffey Architects is a skilful team that aims to deliver amazing properties. This could be a unique home, a bespoke piece of commercial architecture, or an iconic public building.

So, if you want to talk about a project with architects, London has few experts that can bring as much to the table as us. Get in touch today or learn more about us on our website.