The Process of Building Rammed Earth Walls. Alternative Construction Method.
The exterior walls being constructed in this video are 18 thick rammed earth. Rammed Earth is an age-old building technique. The rammed earth walls are built by tamping a mixture of soil, 3% portland cement, and a 6-10% moisture content. With a skid loader the soil is dumped into the forms. It is put in lifts of 7-8 and is tamped down to 4-5 with pneumatic tampers. A larger footing is required for the mass and weight. The forms can be stripped immediately, as the wall is strong enough to stand right away. For each day that passes, the wall becomes stronger. The exterior of the walls will receive layers of foam insulation, metal lath and stucco. The interior of the wall will be lathed, plastered and painted. The finished thickness of the wall will be nominally 21" thick. Video & Description From Las Cruces, New Mexico Soledad Canyon Earth BuildersThis home was built by Soledad Canyon Earth Builders in the exclusive golf course community of Picacho Hills in Las Cruces NM . It was custom built for clients in 2004. The exterior walls are constructed of 18 thick rammed earth. The thickness and radius create a soft look of Santa Fe . Wood accents throughout the home create a warm southwestern atmosphere. The media room features a multiple cove ceiling. Both the ceiling and walls in the media room are finished with American Clay Plaster. This uniquely New Mexican Home truly epitomizes the term timeless.
Southwest Rammed Earth Custom Home in New Mexico
This custom home has a twelve sided polygon shaped great room. A fireplace is in the center of the great room with a built in sitting area and adobe wall. This house was custom designed with the clients style as well as energy efficient attributes in mind. The exterior walls of this home are 18" thick rammed earth. A special plaster was used for the finish to achieve an aged rustic look. For more about rammed earth, visit our website at www.rammed-earth-homes.com
Solar Powered Energy Efficient Rammed Earth Home
The historic town of Mesilla, New Mexico is located next to the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico in Southern New Mexico. A perfect setting to create history. Soledad Canyon Earth Builders mission is to build homes that will be historic homes. Homes that will last through many generations. Bill Perry and Sally Williams home located in Mesilla will be one of these homes. The home was completed in 2006. It is situated on five acres with the all coveted view of the Organ Mountain from most rooms in the home. Construction began in 2005. It is a 3,445 square foot home with an 852 sq. ft. garage and 604 sq. ft. of portals. The homes electrical usage is powered by the sun. Sixteen Photovoltaic solar panels are mounted on the roof of the home gathering the sun to generate electricity. Enjoy the tour—look for those 18 rammed earth walls.
