Material Intelligence / 10.2026
Rammed earth: ancient mass, modern performance
1 min read
Rammed earth is one of the oldest ways to build a wall: soil compacted in layers inside a formwork. Its thermal mass slows the movement of heat, keeping interiors more stable through the day.
Adapting an old method
Contemporary mixes often add a small amount of stabiliser to improve strength and resistance to moisture. Testing the local soil early shows whether it is suitable and what it needs.
The result is a wall with visible layers and natural colour, built largely from material found close to the site.
- Material Intelligence