designbuildBLUFF uses rammed earth to build a community kitchen in utah

This article details the challenging yet rewarding process behind creating a unique hot tub seamlessly integrated into a natural boulder at Tyler Quinn’s off-the-grid Joshua Tree residence. Quinn, a former film production worker and furniture maker, embarked on this ambitious six-year construction project as his first build, emphasizing a desire for a restorative oasis that countered the desert's unexpected cold and wind. Rejecting conventional fiberglass hot tubs and their accompanying jets, he envisioned a soaking tub crafted from natural materials, blending organically with the rugged desert landscape. The design process began with Quinn scoring an eight-foot circle into the chosen boulder, establishing the boundary for the hot tub. He meticulously crosshatched this circle in a checkerboard pattern, cutting four to six inches deep with a concrete saw, and then manually removing each layer of granite using hand tools like chisels and a hammer. This labor-intensive method was chosen over power tools to prevent unwanted fracturing of the stone and to allow for better control over the material. Furthermore, this approach enabled him to treat the boulder as a quarry, transforming the excavated granite into usable blocks rather than useless rubble. The water for the hot tub is sourced from a well on the property, filtered, and then heated by a propane heater. A variable speed pump ensures efficient energy consumption, with the piping simply plumbed over the tub's rim. The hot tub's design incorporates carved steps and a seat, strategically oriented to maximize the scenic desert views. The project's resourcefulness extended beyond the hot tub itself; the granite blocks quarried during its construction were repurposed to create stunning granite tiles for the home's kitchen countertops, with the help of a local mason, Jean Michael. Quinn considers these kitchen tiles one of the most gratifying elements of the entire house. Ultimately, the boulder hot tub stands as a testament to ingenuity and a deep connection to the natural environment, designed to endure long after the human inhabitants are gone. The builder anticipates that even if the house were to succumb to a brush fire, the stone tub would remain, collecting rainwater and providing sustenance for local wildlife, embodying a profound sense of permanence and integration with nature. The project highlights a successful blend of determination, hands-on craftsmanship, and a thoughtful approach to material use in a challenging remote desert setting. #HotTubConstruction #BoulderIntegration #JoshuaTreeDesign #OffGridLiving #DesertHomes #NaturalMaterials #DIYHomeImprovement #SustainableDesign #SweatEquity

Michael Lerner, a musician from the band Telekinesis, and his wife Amiee, transformed their Seattle property by adding a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) to their backyard. This decision was spurred by the pandemic, which prevented Michael from touring and working, providing him with an unexpected opportunity to pursue a long-held interest in construction. The couple had considered various options, including converting a shipping container, but ultimately partnered with local prefab builder NODE for a more cost-effective solution. NODE's involvement was part of a pilot program testing new prefab technologies, offering a streamlined process that included design, engineering, site preparation, foundation installation, framework completion, rough plumbing and electrical, and managing all necessary permits for the 392-square-foot DADU. The construction started in late fall of 2019, allowing Michael to work alongside NODE's crew for two months, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the building process. Once NODE completed their initial phase, leaving the couple to finish the interior, Michael faced the daunting task of completing the remaining work without formal training. He extensively utilized YouTube tutorials, dedicating approximately 1000 hours to learning various skills, from laying large-format tiles with a radiant heating system and trimming plumbing and electrical, to installing an IKEA kitchen and constructing a deck. Despite initial feelings of being overwhelmed, Michael discovered that with perseverance and research, each task was achievable. The couple chose plywood for the walls and opted for a bio ethanol fireplace, as a wood-burning one wasn't feasible, allowing them to enjoy the ambiance without the complexities of ventilation. They incorporated an IKEA kitchen for its sleek and space-saving design. The only aspects they outsourced were the installation of the quartz countertop, backsplash, and bathroom drywall, with Michael noting how the quartz elevated the look of the relatively inexpensive IKEA products. Michael also personally crafted custom walnut plywood pieces for the floating media console and a desk/eating area, highlighting the cost consideration and learning curve involved in working with such materials. Completed in August 2020, the DADU is now rented out on Airbnb, generating additional income. Michael reflects on the project with immense pride and a newfound appreciation for the construction industry, acknowledging the effort and cost involved in building a home. He emphasizes that the experience was not only enjoyable but also a meaningful way to navigate the challenges of the pandemic year. The interior features a cozy bedroom nook with a platform bed and wool felt-lined walls, creating a 'cocoon-like' sleeping environment. The exterior was finished by Michael with 2x2 cedar boards, a task that took about four weeks and required 2,000 screws. The project underscores the couple's careful, DIY approach to their finish work, with Michael conducting thorough research for every step. #DADUConstruction #PrefabHome #DIYRenovation #BackyardCottage #SeattleRealEstate #PandemicProject #HomeBuilding #SustainableLiving #SmallHomeDesign

Rammed earth construction, an ancient technique originating independently in China and the Iberian Peninsula several thousand years ago, is gaining recognition for its numerous green building benefits. This method, utilized in structures like the Hakka Tulou in China and the Alhambra Palace in Spain, offers low embodied energy, recyclability, high thermal mass, low energy loads, and non-toxicity. Terrell Wong, principal of Stone’s Throw Design Inc. in Ontario, Canada, advocates for rammed earth, highlighting its durability and longevity, asserting that a rammed earth house can last 500 years or more without needing paint. Rammed earth walls are constructed in approximately 11.5 ft. panels with flexible joints. The material mix typically includes 20% to 30% clay, sand, and 5% to 10% cement for added strength, with silicate-based waterproofing sometimes incorporated for cold, wet climates. The process involves layering a foot of material into formwork, which is then compressed to 6 inches using a pneumatic tamper. The forms, usually made from Marine-grade plywood and 2x12 walers, are about 20 inches wide and 4 feet tall. For multi-panel walls, a recess on the first panel locks with the second. Conduits for plumbing and electrical wiring are integrated during construction, requiring precise planning as changes are impossible once the wall is set. Walls typically dry within 24 hours and possess a load-bearing capacity comparable to concrete. Despite its ancient origins and proven effectiveness, rammed earth construction remains a niche method in North America. Terrell Wong designs three to four rammed earth houses annually, noting only a handful of builders in Ontario specialize in this technique. Sylvia Cook of Aerecura Rammed Earth Builders emphasizes that the method's thermal mass benefits apply universally, delaying heat gain in hot climates and shifting heat loss in cold climates to periods when solar gain can compensate, thus maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. The limited adoption is primarily attributed to a lack of public and professional knowledge about the system’s versatility across different climates. The distinctive earthy-toned striations characteristic of rammed earth walls are achieved by adding pigment to the cement mix. The ramming process pushes the colors to the formwork edges, creating a natural gradation. Exaggerating the undulations in the formwork can enhance these visual effects. While modern rammed earth construction has advanced, North America lacks specific building codes for it, unlike Australia and New Zealand where codes are formalized, and research even suggests superior seismic resistance compared to brick or block walls. In Canada, builders obtain approval by demonstrating that rammed earth meets existing code requirements, similar to concrete. In colder regions like Ontario, fiberglass rebar is used for structural stability, and recycled polyiso insulation is often integrated into the walls to minimize thermal bridging. The cost of rammed earth projects is influenced by design complexity, with curved or angled walls being more expensive due to the labor-intensive nature of the method. However, by simplifying design and formwork, Terrell Wong successfully applied the technique to an affordable housing project meeting Passive House standards. Many rammed earth homes are hybrids, incorporating elements like stick- or timber-frame walls for interior partitions or upper floors, sometimes combined with straw-bale construction or CLT-panel roofs. The featured single-family home, situated in a rural Ontario subdivision, exemplifies the integration of rammed earth with Passive House strategies. The design maximizes thermal mass, harvests southern light, and utilizes cross breezes to enhance passive ventilation, eliminating the need for mechanical cooling. The home's heating demand is approximately 20 kWh/m2 annually. The exterior walls consist of 530 tons of thermal mass, comprising two 6-inch rammed earth wythes around 6 inches of insulation. The construction’s embodied energy is exceptionally low, as 90% of the unprocessed material was sourced from a nearby gravel pit, and salvaged wood from a local roundhouse was repurposed for the main stair. #RammedEarthConstruction #SustainableBuilding #GreenBuilding #ThermalMass #PassiveHouse #BuildingMaterials #EcoFriendlyHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #CanadianArchitecture

The Desert Wash home, designed by architect Brent Kendle of Kendle Design Collaborative, integrates with the Arizona desert landscape through its site-specific design and material choices. This 6,700-square-foot residence in Paradise Valley, Arizona, was created for a family of four and is named after the existing desert dry wash on the property, a drainage area susceptible to severe flooding. To address this natural challenge and embrace the environment, the home features an elevated glazed bridge that spans the dry wash, transforming a potential obstacle into a defining architectural element. The residence is thoughtfully designed to immerse its occupants in the natural surroundings while offering modern comforts and ample space for entertaining. The layout positions the majority of the home, including the master suite and three guest bedrooms, to the north of the dry wash. The foyer, an office, and one guest bedroom are situated to the south, connected by the aforementioned glazed bridge. This separation and connection allow for varied experiences within the home, highlighting the desert views from multiple vantage points. The material palette and neutral color scheme are deliberately chosen to harmonize the expansive structure with the desert environment. Rammed earth walls are a prominent feature, extending from the exterior into the interior, visually and texturally linking the dwelling to the earth. These walls, combined with extensive glazing, flat steel, and wood roofs with deep overhangs, define the architectural character. The use of predominantly white interior walls creates a bright and airy ambiance, serving as a neutral backdrop for the family’s art collection. Kendle Design Collaborative emphasizes that the Desert Wash home utilizes indigenous materials to delineate its main living spaces. The rammed earth walls literally bring the earth into the interior, providing a sense of rootedness and unity with nature. The design reflects a profound sensitivity to the site, respecting its natural topography and characteristics by nestling the home into the earth and spanning over the ancient wash. This approach ensures that the residence not only coexists with but celebrates the unique qualities of the Arizona desert. #DesertArchitecture #RammedEarth #SustainableDesign #ArizonaHomes #KendleDesignCollaborative #SiteSpecificDesign #ModernHome #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Blend Projects, a British Columbia-based company, offers prefab homes, including tiny cabins and larger residences, focusing on healthy, toxin-free materials. Founded by high school friends Simon Fyall and Richard Egli after realizing a need for architecture that harmonized with the natural surroundings of British Columbia, the company utilizes crisp gabled homes constructed from eight-foot-long cedar-sided glulam sections. Their approach aims to blend custom home benefits with the efficiency of prefab construction, minimizing waste and resources. The company manages the entire process from design and permitting to site works, building, and final occupancy, and has plans for national and international expansion. Blend Projects' base model starts at approximately $290 USD per square foot, a price that encompasses everything above the concrete slab, including design, finishes, fixtures, appliances, doors, windows, electrical, HVAC, lighting, and plumbing, excluding only site works and foundation. The homes feature standing seam metal roofs made from steel and natural cedar cladding, which is darkened with a low-VOC, formaldehyde-free stain. Interiors showcase kitchens equipped with Fisher & Paykel appliances and matte black cabinetry finishes, alongside lighting from brands like Graypants, Muuto, A-N-D Light, Barter, and Wesco. Wall panels are fabricated from MDF and finish-grade plywood in Blend Projects' Nanaimo workshop, and aluminum-framed windows from Pella are strategically placed to promote cross ventilation, complemented by skylights and clerestory glazing. Clients can customize various design elements, including the entire floor plan, window specifications, and door locations, with options for multiple stories and interconnected structures. While the underlying glulam beam structure is fixed, the building system allows for expansion and contraction in eight-foot sections. The company also offers numerous upgrades for fixtures, finishes, and appliances, ensuring flexibility to meet client visions. For their two-story models, upstairs floors are paneled with engineered hardwood, and bathrooms feature matte porcelain tiles from Canadian supplier Ames Tile. Additionally, Blend Projects offers the installation of solar arrays and water catchment systems. The process from contract to completion is targeted for one year, with actual construction taking around eight months once permitting is secured. The company has successfully completed various projects, with the Flanagan Residence on Salt Spring Island highlighted as a significant early success. This project, built for a growing family on a challenging lot, not only satisfied the clients but also led to one of them becoming the head of sales for Blend Projects, showcasing the company's commitment to client satisfaction and building community. Currently, most projects are within British Columbia, with one in Toronto Island, and expansion plans include other parts of Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Blend Projects emphasizes its full-service approach and its team's deep connection to nature, which influences every aspect of their work. The company positions itself as a champion of the prefab movement, providing homes that combine bespoke design with the inherent advantages of prefabricated construction. #PrefabHomes #HealthyMaterials #SustainableDesign #ModularConstruction #CustomizableHomes #CanadianDesign #EcoFriendlyBuilding #BritishColumbiaHomes

In Arizona's San Rafael Valley, the architectural firm DUST has completed "Casa Caldera," an off-grid dwelling designed to harmonize with the unique historical and environmental context of the region. This area, located 15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, is characterized by its volcanic origins, which have resulted in mineral-rich land and a storied history influenced by various cultures and historical events. The design of Casa Caldera directly responds to these influences, emphasizing sustainability and integration with the landscape. The dwelling's construction material, scoria—a porous, lightweight red volcanic aggregate—is integral to its design and performance. This basaltic lava was mixed into a semi-fluid state and pressed into formwork, a technique similar to rammed earth construction, allowing the walls to be self-supporting. This choice of material not only provides excellent thermal insulation due to its 18-inch thickness but also ensures the structure visually blends into its volcanic surroundings. The 880-square-foot home's layout is informed by local architectural typologies, specifically the "zaguan," a central hallway or passage. This design choice addresses the clients' request for both outdoor living and sleeping zones, organizing the interior space efficiently. The house features a rectangular plan divided into three zones: living accommodations and sleeping quarters flank the central zaguan. Large folding metal doors at both ends of the zaguan allow the covered living space to open up to the surrounding landscape, promoting natural light and cross-ventilation. When closed, these partitions offer security and protection. This flexible design allows the central volume to serve multiple functions, from lounging and dining to an additional sleeping area. The zaguan functions as a transitional space, allowing occupants to engage with the natural environment, observe the passage of time, and experience the changing climatic conditions. Heating within the dwelling is provided solely by a wood-burning stove and a fireplace, maintaining the off-grid ethos. Cooling relies on the natural thermal mass of the thick scoria walls and passive airflow, which is managed through strategically placed external operable windows. These windows are intentionally small to minimize direct solar heat gain during the hot summer months, reflecting a careful consideration of solar orientation to optimize indoor comfort without reliance on active cooling systems. Casa Caldera is a testament to custom craftsmanship, with DUST undertaking the fabrication and installation of nearly all components, including the walls, windows, hardware, leather pulls, wood siding, millwork, casework, and framing. This comprehensive approach ensures a cohesive and deeply integrated design. For its utility needs, the dwelling is self-sufficient: an existing well provides water, and a small solar electrical system, situated away from the main house, supplies basic electrical power. Cooking, water heating, and refrigeration are powered by propane gas, further reducing the home’s environmental footprint and reliance on external infrastructure. Completed in December 2015, Casa Caldera represents a harmonious blend of traditional building methods, sustainable practices, and a deep respect for its unique desert environment. #OffGridLiving #SustainableArchitecture #VolcanicRock #ArizonaDesign #DUSTArchitects #CustomBuild #PassiveCooling #Zaguan #DesertArchitecture

The Downey residence, a 3,200-square-foot rammed-earth home, is situated near the Rio Grande in Corrales, New Mexico. Designed by architect Efthimios Maniatis of Studio eM Design, the home integrates modern contemporary regionalism with sustainable building practices. The design draws inspiration from local adobe farmhouses and agricultural structures, while adhering to a minimalist aesthetic requested by one of the homeowners, Roger Downey. Central to the home's design are its rammed-earth walls, which contribute significantly to its eco-friendly features and thermal performance. These walls are constructed by compacting a mixture of dirt (90%), Portland cement (10%), and water (6-10%) into eight-inch "lifts" within wood forms. This construction method results in walls with subtly varied colors and textures that change throughout the day with the natural light, offering a unique aesthetic quality. The architect emphasizes the tactile nature of the material, noting its inviting texture that encourages touch. The rammed-earth construction provides excellent thermal mass, which helps regulate indoor temperatures naturally, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This inherent property of rammed earth is a cornerstone of the home's sustainable design, minimizing its environmental footprint. The integration of traditional regional materials and building techniques with modern architectural principles creates a dwelling that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. The home is a testament to the potential of sustainable design to blend seamlessly with regional aesthetics. By utilizing locally abundant materials and time-tested building methods, Studio eM Design has created a home that respects its natural surroundings while offering contemporary living spaces. The project showcases how a focus on material properties and local context can lead to innovative and energy-efficient architecture, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to residential development in the New Mexico landscape. #SustainableDesign #RammedEarth #NewMexicoArchitecture #EcoFriendlyHome #StudioEmDesign #ThermalMass #ModernRegionalism #GreenHomes #CorralesNM

Connect:Homes, a new company founded by Jared Levy and Gordon Stott, former members of Marmol Radziner Prefab, aims to address the high cost associated with prefabricated homes. Their previous experience involved designing and manufacturing innovative prefab homes, including one featured in Architectural Digest. However, they identified logistical limitations, particularly high delivery costs and affordability issues, as significant barriers in the modular housing industry. To overcome these challenges, Levy and Stott developed a patent-pending modular system that allows homes to be constructed up to 95% complete at the factory. These highly finished modules can then be transported efficiently via rail, sea, or truck, similar to standard shipping containers. This innovative approach significantly reduces on-site construction time and labor, contributing to a lower overall cost. Connect:Homes is pioneering a model where modern, green, and affordable prefab homes are manufactured in a single California-based factory. From this central location, the homes can be shipped to both national and international markets. The company advertises an all-inclusive price of $145 per square foot directly from the factory, a price point that positions their offerings as a more accessible option in the modern prefab market. The focus of Connect:Homes is on providing a comprehensive solution that includes a modern aesthetic, sustainable building practices, and an affordable price without hidden costs. By streamlining the manufacturing and transportation processes, they seek to make high-quality, architecturally designed prefab homes available to a broader demographic. This initiative represents an effort to disrupt the traditional prefab market by directly tackling the long-standing issues of cost and logistical complexity. #ConnectHomes #PrefabricatedHomes #AffordableHousing #SustainableArchitecture #ModularConstruction #ModernDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #CaliforniaArchitecture

The Desert Wash home, a 6,700-square-foot modern residence in Paradise Valley, Arizona, was designed by architect Brent Kendle of Kendle Design Collaborative for clients Keith and Becky. The initial challenge for the design was a desert wash that bisected the building site, which the owners initially viewed as a hindrance. However, Kendle embraced this natural feature, transforming it into a central element of the home’s design and ethos. The architect's vision was to create a contemporary residence with minimal site impact, integrating the structure harmoniously into its desert surroundings. The home's design is divided into three distinct parts. The southern section houses the entrance, a guest suite, and an office. This compact volume is connected to the main body of the house, situated to the north, by an enclosed bridge. This bridge is elevated above the desert wash, allowing periodic floodwaters and local wildlife to pass underneath undisturbed. This innovative structural solution not only preserves the natural flow of the wash but also provides unique views and experiences from within the home, making the natural landscape an intrinsic part of daily life. To ensure the house blended seamlessly with its environment, Brent Kendle utilized a material palette and design elements that echoed the desert landscape. Rammed earth walls, constructed from soil excavated directly from the site, are a prominent feature, providing a direct physical connection to the land. This choice of material contributes to the home's eco-friendly credentials and offers natural insulation properties. A neutral color palette further enhances the integration, making the structure feel as if it has emerged organically from the desert. Expansive glazing, including Fleetwood sliding pocket-doors, is used throughout the residence to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. This allows for continuous visual and physical access to the surrounding desert, fostering a deep connection with nature. Outdoor living rooms are strategically integrated into the design, extending the habitable space and providing shaded areas for relaxation and enjoyment of the natural surroundings. Douglas Fir soffits and integral color-synthetic stucco for exterior walls complement the rammed earth, creating a cohesive and visually appealing facade. From various points within the home, such as the open great room and the master suite, sweeping views of the desert wash and the broader landscape are framed. The master bedroom features a corner window specifically designed to capture these views, while a freestanding soaking tub in the master bath is strategically placed beneath another shaded corner window. The interior also features Verano-brushed 12x24 limestone flooring in the great room, which benefits from ample natural light. The kitchen boasts a three-inch Calcutta Prima slab on the range wall and backsplash, adding a touch of elegance to the natural material scheme. Keith, one of the homeowners, noted that the wash, rather than being an obstacle, has become a "freeway" for local wildlife and an endless source of entertainment and educational opportunities for their two young children. The design emphasizes site-sensitivity, respecting the natural topography by nestling into the earth while spanning over the ancient wash, thereby minimizing disruption and maximizing the symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the natural desert ecosystem. #EcoFriendlyHome #RammedEarthWalls #DesertArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ModernResidence #SiteSensitiveDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArizonaHomes #KendleDesignCollaborative

Rammed-earth construction, a technique thousands of years old with origins in China and the Iberian Peninsula, offers numerous benefits for contemporary home building. Examples such as the original rammed-earth sections of the Great Wall and the Alhambra palace in Spain demonstrate its historical durability. This method is favored by Terrell Wong, principal of Stone’s Throw Design, due to its low embodied energy, recyclability, high thermal mass, low energy loads, and non-toxicity. Wong highlights its longevity, stating that a rammed-earth house can last 500 years or more, requiring no painting. These walls function as the structure, insulation, finish, and thermal mass of a building. The construction process involves creating panels approximately 11.5 feet long from a mixture of 20% to 30% clay and sand, with 5% to 10% cement. In colder, wetter climates, a silicate-based waterproofing agent is often incorporated. Walls are built in layers, or lifts, where one foot of material is placed into formwork and compressed to six inches using a pneumatic tamper. The forms, typically made of HDO plywood and lumber, are about 20 inches wide and 4 feet tall. When constructing walls longer than a single panel, a recess on one end of the first panel allows the subsequent panel to interlock, ensuring structural integrity. Conduit for plumbing and electrical wiring must be planned precisely, as these cannot be altered once the wall is erected. Rammed-earth walls are typically dry and load-bearing within 24 hours, exhibiting compressive strength comparable to concrete, usually between 1600 psi and 1800 psi for 2-foot-thick walls. Rammed earth is particularly effective as a thermal mass, absorbing and storing solar radiation during the day and re-radiating it at night. This property helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures and humidity levels, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Many modern rammed-earth homes are hybrids, combining rammed earth with other construction methods like stick or timber-frame walls, or even straw-bale construction for upper floors. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels can also be used for roofs. Wong frequently integrates rammed earth for interior partition walls as well. A case study highlights a single-family home designed by Wong in a rural, woodland setting. This home incorporates Passive House strategies, maximizing the thermal mass of rammed earth, harnessing southern light, and utilizing cross breezes for passive ventilation. The effective natural cooling eliminates the need for mechanical air conditioning, and the house consumes only about 20 kW of heat annually. The exterior walls, composed of 530 tons of material with two 6-inch wythes of rammed earth sandwiching 6 inches of insulation, benefit from locally sourced materials, resulting in exceptionally low embodied energy. Recycled wooden formwork was also repurposed for interior use. Beyond energy efficiency, rammed-earth walls offer soundproofing qualities due to their thickness. The absence of organic matter in the material prevents mold growth, contributing to superior indoor air quality. Sylvia Cook, principal of Aerecura Rammed Earth Builders, emphasizes that the thermal mass benefits are equally significant in both hot and cold climates, stabilizing internal temperatures. The technique remains a fringe method in many regions, including Canada, primarily due to a lack of awareness and specific building codes in North America. While other countries like Australia and New Zealand have formalized codes, in Canada, practitioners demonstrate compliance by showing rammed earth's similarity to concrete or concrete block, often incorporating rebar in colder, wetter climates and recycled polyiso insulation to minimize thermal bridging. The aesthetic appeal of rammed-earth walls is characterized by earth-toned striations, created by adding pigment to the cement and allowing the ramming process to push colors to the visible outermost layer. The amount of material in each layer can be varied to enhance these natural color patterns. While complex designs with curved or angled walls can increase costs due to the labor-intensive nature of the method, Wong has successfully applied rammed earth to affordable housing projects by simplifying the design and formwork. Test cylinders filled with rammed earth are used to measure psi before and during construction to ensure engineering code compliance. #RammedEarthConstruction #SustainableBuilding #GreenBuilding #ThermalMass #EnergyEfficiency #DurableHomes #EcoFriendlyMaterials #ArchitecturalDesign #PassiveHouse

The growing interest in sustainable architecture is leading to a resurgence of earth-based building materials, reimagining ancient techniques for modern construction. One significant development is the upcoming UCCA Clay museum in Yixing, China, designed by Kengo Kuma, which is set to open in October 2024. This 25,800-square-foot facility will be Kuma’s first project to predominantly feature clay as a construction material. Located in Yixing, a city celebrated for its millennia-old ceramic tradition, the museum's facade will incorporate ceramic panels with varying textures and colors, creating a "kiln transmutation" effect that changes with light and viewing angles, blending historical context with contemporary design. This innovative approach to material use is indicative of a broader trend towards integrating natural and sustainable elements into architecture and interior design. Beyond UCCA Clay, several other manufacturers and designers are championing earth-based solutions. Sirewall System, for example, is utilizing rammed earth walls for projects like the Edmonton Valley Zoo entrance. These walls, constructed from local aggregates and compacted sediment, offer a layered aesthetic reminiscent of riverbanks. They not only provide strength and durability comparable to concrete but also boast a significantly reduced CO2 footprint. Similarly, WOW Design offers a minimalist ceramic lattice system named Icon, crafted from matte terra-cotta. Available in two colors, this system highlights clean lines and symbolic depth, showcasing the Spanish studio's expertise in high-end ceramic tiles. Shildan’s Extruded Terracotta Rainscreen Panels are designed to enhance both the aesthetic and performance aspects of modern buildings. These durable and eco-friendly cladding panels, made from natural clay, ensure long-lasting, weather-resistant facades. They can be installed horizontally or vertically, offering excellent thermal insulation, design flexibility with various colors and textures, and effective moisture management. ERDEN, an Austrian firm, specializes in prefabricated heated rammed earth floors, making this sustainable option more accessible and affordable. Their customizable floors can include integrated heating, subsurface insulation, and soundproofing, all while utilizing locally processed soil to reduce waste and emissions and optimize indoor climate. Telling Architectural Systems provides Argeton Terracotta Rainscreen Facades, which serve as a vital passive system for building protection. These high-performance, durable, and weather-resistant cladding systems, made from natural clay tiles, prevent moisture buildup when installed on a ventilated substructure. They offer design flexibility through a range of colors, textures, and sizes, while maintaining thermal efficiency and effective moisture management. In furniture design, Australian designer James Walsh has revived ancient techniques with his Anthropic Bench. This piece features conical plinth legs made from hand-rammed earth mixed with recycled glass and compacted in a CNC-milled mold. The plinth shades vary based on the soil source and mineral content, and the legs secure an American oak top solely through gravity, eliminating the need for fasteners. Lastly, Glen-Gery offers custom bricks made from clay, slate, sand, or recycled materials, providing distinctive textures and colors that can be tailored to specific architectural contexts. A notable example is The Grand Mulberry in New York, designed by Morris Adjmi, which features custom bricks with hemispherical ornaments that create an abstracted Italianate facade in relief. These diverse applications demonstrate how earth-based materials are being innovatively integrated into various aspects of architecture and design, offering sustainable and aesthetically rich solutions for contemporary building practices. #SustainableArchitecture #EarthBasedMaterials #RammedEarth #Terracotta #CeramicDesign #EcoFriendlyBuilding #NaturalBuildingMaterials #ArchitecturalInnovation

The Periphery, a two-bedroom home located in Boulder, Utah, was designed and built by Locus Studio over four years. This 2,108-square-foot residence is situated at 6,300 feet, adjacent to the 1.8-million-acre Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a landscape characterized by wind, water, and geological formations. The design prioritizes integration with its natural surroundings, aiming to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces while preserving the delicate desert ecosystem. The home was developed through a design-build process by a team of experienced collaborators who oversaw the project from conceptualization to construction. A 75-foot thermal mass wall helps regulate internal temperatures, complemented by passive design strategies that maintain year-round comfort. High-performance mechanical systems ensure optimal air quality and energy efficiency. Light is a central element of the design, with large glass openings and fully operable panels providing immersive views of the changing desert conditions. The layout of the home is intentionally organized to create axial views and frame specific moments within the landscape. The primary material palette consists of oak, steel, and concrete, all left in their expressive natural states. The interiors feature flush, full-height oak doors and casework, frameless clerestory windows, and custom-built-in furnishings, contributing to a sense of quiet precision. A steam room clad in African mahogany offers a contrasting element of warmth and enclosure within the otherwise open-plan design. Despite its small footprint, the home incorporates extensive outdoor living areas, including a sheltered courtyard with a wood-fired hot tub, a natural swimming pond fed by a perennial creek, and a steel-framed workshop discreetly integrated into the landscape. Locus Studio managed a significant portion of the construction process, working closely with skilled craftspeople. This hands-on approach allowed for a deep engagement with the project's evolution, covering aspects from engineering and detailing to millwork and finish carpentry. The Periphery embodies the studio's philosophy, which emphasizes design driven by careful consideration of the site, climate, and the inhabitants' experience, rather than trends or spectacle. #UtahHome #DesertArchitecture #LocusStudio #SustainableDesign #ModernHome #DesignBuild #OutdoorLiving #GrandStaircaseEscalante

Ben Wright from Torquay embarked on a kitchen renovation project to transform his bland kitchen into a stylish, on-trend shaker-style kitchen, complete with a pantry, all for an impressive cost of just £235. The motivation behind this DIY endeavor was the kitchen's deteriorating condition after years of use, prompting the decision for a cost-effective and classic design that would withstand the test of time. He initiated the transformation by giving the existing kitchen cabinets a shaker-style makeover. This involved utilizing MDF to create the shaker profile, followed by several coats of B&Q cabinet paint in 'Toronto' to achieve the desired aesthetic. New handles sourced from The Range were then added to complete the cabinet update. Addressing a long-standing storage issue, Ben ingeniously decided to build a dedicated food store and pantry in the space previously occupied by the fridge. This involved constructing a stud wall and crafting an MDF shaker-style door for the new pantry, enhancing both the functionality and visual appeal of the kitchen. For the worktops, Ben demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness by repurposing old scaffolding boards. He meticulously sanded these boards down and joined them together using wood glue and a pocket jig. To achieve a luxurious finish, he applied Wilko medium oak dye, followed by Rustins Danish Oil, ensuring the surfaces were food-safe. Ben expressed particular satisfaction with the worktops, considering them the highlight of the renovation. Further enhancements included the installation of a new sink and a cooker hood, both acquired through Facebook Marketplace, highlighting his commitment to finding affordable solutions. He also created a splashback using leftover tiles. An innovative addition was a nifty bin drawer integrated into a previously unused corner cupboard, maximizing space efficiency. To accommodate the new kitchen layout, the fridge-freezer was relocated to the dining room, with plans to convert the dining area into a kitchen-diner to ensure it felt comfortable in its new setting. Ben expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, achieving a classic, French country-inspired kitchen within his stringent budget. He emphasized the importance of shopping around, utilizing preloved sites and platforms like Facebook Marketplace to source materials affordably. His advice included leveraging 'elbow grease and time' to make second-hand materials usable, saving hundreds of pounds on new solid wood worktops. The project serves as an inspiration for those seeking to revitalize their kitchens without incurring significant expenses. #DIYKitchen #ShakerStyle #BudgetRenovation #MDFProjects #ScaffoldingRepurpose #PantryBuild #CostEffectiveDesign #HomeImprovement #KitchenMakeover

The 'Faire le vide' public art installation is situated on a rocky promontory on Island no. 22 within Poisson Blanc Regional Park in Notre-Dame-du-Laus, Quebec. This installation is the inaugural piece in a series of artistic interventions planned for the park's islands, aiming to transform the reservoir area into a cultural and outdoor destination. The project originated from Poisson Blanc Regional Park, indicating a strategic effort to integrate art into the natural landscape and enhance visitor experience. Designed by a team comprising artist and architect Luca Fortin and Atelier mock/up, 'Faire le vide' was the winning entry in a design competition. The artwork manifests as a wooden cube, characterized by a minimalist and monolithic exterior. In contrast, its interior features sculpted, flowing curves and intricate textures, creating a juxtaposition between its outer and inner forms. This dual aesthetic is central to the installation's artistic expression. The design process for the monolith was deeply influenced by its insular environment. The installation is only accessible by water, typically via canoe or kayak, underscoring its remote and integrated nature. From the lake, its form and materiality serve as a subtle landmark, designed to pique curiosity and encourage visitors to explore Island no. 22. This integration with the natural setting highlights a thoughtful approach to site-specific art. Logistical constraints of the remote island location informed innovative construction methods. The structure was entirely prefabricated off-site to avoid the need for heavy machinery. Each wooden slab was transported by boat and then assembled manually on-site, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The installation's design and placement were carefully considered to ensure minimal disruption to the rocky outcrop and the surrounding natural landscape. Constructed from CNC-milled laminated cedar, the structure showcases two distinct geometric expressions: an orthogonal exterior shell and an organically shaped inner chamber. The exterior walls are clad with vertical slats, intended to visually harmonize with the surrounding forest. The interior surfaces retain the marks left by the milling tool, creating textures that evoke the natural ripples of wind on water. These toolpaths are the result of meticulous experimentation, illustrating how industrial processes can be leveraged to produce perceptual and poetic experiences. 'Faire le vide' represents a confluence of place and craft, where artistic vision and fabrication techniques are intertwined. The installation fosters a dialogue between human intervention, natural materials, and the rhythms of the landscape. It functions as a threshold, bridging the visible and invisible aspects of the environment and celebrating the poetic qualities of both place and time. The project emphasizes that art can emerge in unexpected locations, prompting a re-evaluation of how individuals perceive their surroundings and find meaning in the simplicity of the present moment. #PublicArtInstallation #ArchitecturalDesign #EnvironmentalIntegration #PrefabricatedConstruction #CNCmilling #CedarWood #QuebecArchitecture #RemoteInstallation #SiteSpecificArt

Rammed earth construction, a technique with historical roots evident in structures like parts of the Great Wall of China, is experiencing a resurgence as a sustainable, economical, and environmentally friendly building method. This rudimentary system involves compressing layers of earth, typically 15 cm high, into wooden formwork using manual or pneumatic tools to achieve the required density, resulting in robust and durable structures. This ancient building method, which had been largely replaced by modern construction techniques, is now being reconsidered for its inherent benefits. Joelle Eyeson, an entrepreneur in Ghana, is a proponent of this method, believing it can address the housing deficit in her region. The process of rammed earth construction involves sourcing local soil, often a mix of sand, silt, clay, and gravel, which is then carefully mixed with a small amount of water and, occasionally, a stabilizer like cement or lime. The moist earth mixture is then placed into temporary formwork, which defines the shape and thickness of the wall. Each layer is meticulously compacted, traditionally by hand using a rammer, or more recently with pneumatic compactors, until it reaches a high density. This compaction process removes air pockets, increasing the material's strength and durability. The formwork is then removed, revealing the distinctive layered aesthetic of rammed earth walls. The natural colors and textures of the local soil become a prominent feature of the finished structure, creating a unique and earthy appearance. The inherent thermal mass of rammed earth provides excellent insulation properties, helping to regulate indoor temperatures naturally, which is particularly beneficial in diverse climates like Ghana's. This reduces the need for artificial heating or cooling, leading to lower energy consumption and operational costs for buildings. Beyond its environmental and economic advantages, rammed earth construction offers significant aesthetic appeal. The varied colors and strata created by the layering and compaction process give each wall a unique, organic beauty that reflects the local geology. This natural aesthetic integrates well with the surrounding landscape and can contribute to a sense of place and cultural identity. The material's breathability helps to create healthy indoor environments by regulating humidity and improving air quality. Furthermore, the simplicity of the technique means that, with proper training, it can be implemented using locally available resources and labor, fostering local economies and empowering communities to build their own homes. The long lifespan of rammed earth structures, coupled with their minimal maintenance requirements, further enhances their sustainability profile. The renewed interest in rammed earth in Ghana, championed by individuals like Joelle Eyeson, highlights a global trend towards rediscovering and innovating with traditional, eco-conscious building practices to address contemporary challenges such as affordable housing and environmental sustainability. #RammedEarth #SustainableConstruction #GhanaArchitecture #EarthenBuilding #HousingSolutions #EcoFriendlyMaterials #TraditionalTechniques #JoelleEyeson #MaterialInnovation