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Rammed Earth
HISTORY & CULTURESintermediate
Definition
A construction technique in which layers of moist earth — typically a mix of gravel, sand, silt, and clay — are compacted in temporary formwork to form solid walls. Rammed earth walls are dense, durable, fire-resistant, and have high thermal mass. The technique is experiencing a contemporary revival for its sustainability.
Example
The Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre in British Columbia by HBBH Architects (2006) uses rammed earth walls made from local desert soil — anchoring the building climatically and culturally to its Okanagan First Nation context.