Welcome to Terrafirma
Rammed Earth's website.
This site is primarily to outline the works that can be carried out by our
company, but also to provide some practical advice on the use of this unique medium.
Morrocan Cazbar rammed earth walls built centuries ago.
Rammed Earth or Pise, as it is sometimes known as has been a common form of construction throughout the centuries. In its simplest form the earth at the site of the proposed building is mixed with water and placed into simple formwork to create the wall. In some cases additives such a straw or animal dungs were added to improve the properties of the wall.
Things in principle have not changed drastically, just been refined to meet todays standards. The base earth material can still be used directly from the site. The earth is mixed with cement, water and additives, then compacted into formwork designed to provide a consistant off-form finish that creates a natural rustic finish, with arguably, the best thermal mass and accoustic insulative properties .
Typically external walls are 300 mm thick, but this can be varied to suit the situation and internally walls may be reduced to 200mm. Standard formwork sizes allow for vertical increments of 600mm, but this again can be varied to suit. Generally the cement/earth ratio is in the range of 1:12 to 1:20, but the amount of cement and additives depends on the earth material type, the location and the type of building being constructed. Walls can have other additves included in the mix to improve the water repelency and load bearing characteristics. Rammed earth walls are generally sealed for protection from weather externally and internally as a binder to reduce dusting and assist in cleaning.
Morrocan desert edge village built entirly from rammed earth.
Terrafirma Rammed Earth is a totally independent Rammed Earth Wall contractor, based in Mandurah, Western Australia. We have been building Rammed Earth walls for almost 15 years, primarily in the metro area and throughout the southwest of the state.
Our projects include over 60 residences, a community centre, entrance statements, reception desks, feature fences and recently the Piney Lakes Enviromental Education Centre. Many of the projects feature in our photo gallery. Please take the time to view these to see the extent of practical uses of the medium.
Contacting us:
Phone: 08 9534 2822
Fax: 08 9534 2562
Mobile: 0419 912 088
Email: info@rammedearth.com.au
