Rammed earth (pisé)

Rammed earth, also known as ‘pisé,’ is an ancient construction technique. It’s distinguished by its unique characteristics, durability, and versatility. This technique is experiencing a resurgence and is seen in modern architecture and furniture design due to its ecological benefits and aesthetic appeal.

Layered

It is a construction material primarily composed of earth, sand, clay, and sometimes small amounts of cement or other binders. It is compressed into layers and dried to form a solid and durable structure. The different layers, often with subtle color variations, give the surface a beautiful sense of layering. This technique has a rich history, with examples of earth architecture dating back thousands of years in various parts of the world, such as the Great Wall of China and the ancient city of Shibam in Yemen.

Sustainable Material

One of the most striking features of rammed earth is its sustainability. The material is natural, locally available, and has low energy consumption during production. It also possesses excellent thermal properties, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and save energy. The production of rammed earth begins with mixing the right proportions of earth, clay, and sand. This mixture is then compacted into layers in a formwork and allowed to dry. The resulting wall is solid and can be finished with various textures and colors, offering aesthetic possibilities for architects and designers.

Unique objects

Rammed earth finds application in both architecture and furniture design. In the construction sector, it is used for building walls, floors, and even entire buildings. It is valued for its natural appearance and texture, contributing to a warm, earthy atmosphere. In furniture design, rammed earth is often used to create unique pieces with an organic, earthy aesthetic.

Local availability

In the Netherlands, there are few examples of rammed earth applications. This is due to our damp, cold climate, the required wall thickness, and the labor-intensive construction process. It is also only applicable to low-rise buildings. However, it remains a highly interesting construction method, and with proper application and maintenance, it can also be used in the Netherlands. It is an intriguing construction technique with a rich history and a promising future. It combines sustainability, aesthetics, and local availability into a captivating material that plays a growing role in contemporary architecture and design. The picture shows a wonderful example of rammed earth in interior architecture, created byRammed Earth Works. If you know a company that makes walls and objects in rammed earth in The Netherlands please let us know. Contact us via email.

Photo credit: Rammed Earth Works