UK
A small number of rammed earth structures have recently been constructed in the UK. Below are a number of possible upcoming projects, and a selection of recent constructions.
Upcoming projects
Douai abbey
Architect David Richmond & Partners and structural engineer Price & Myers are creating a rammed earth wall using local soil for a new library and archive at Douai Abbey.
The proposed 300mm-thick, 2.7m-tall earth walls, which will be built on a 100mm-tall concrete plinth, offer the right amount of thermal mass to ensure a stable internal temperature.
Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres
A centre in Nottingham, UK looking to use rammed earth
Rammed earth RSPB centre on Teeside
Futuristic bird centre to land in Teeside - Building
A rammed earth building to be built close to us in Durham by the RSPB
Recent projects
Grand Designs Live
In July 2008 the Channel 4 television programme Grand Designs ran a spin off - The House that Kevin Built. This house was designed to be ultra sustainable, and contained a rammed earth wall.
Bird in the Bush
A rammed earth extension to the Bird in the Bush Children's Centre in London was initially constructed during winter 2003. Unfortunately the wall tops were not covered during the winter break, allowing water to ingress, and reducing the quality of the construction. The walls were unfortunately eventually demolished, and the developement became the center of a High Court battle.
Rivergreen developments
Rammed earth formwork at Aykley Heads, Durham
A rammed earth wall in the centre of a sustainable office complex on the outskirts of Durham. The rammed earth wall acts as a feature in the centre of the building, and is coupled with rainwater recycling and other ecological features to make this an example sustainable building.
Technology for architects from SimmondsMills architects
Archibase articlePines Calyx
Pines Calyx is a conference venue 90 minutes from London and aims to provide a sustainable and natural environment for delegates. Built from rammed chalk, the site claims to be one of the most sustainble buildings in Europe.
Genesis Project
The Genesis Centre is the sustainable construction resource and learning centre for the South West of England. The centre aims to demonstrate that traditional construction materials and methods can work in harmony with recycled waste and modern materials and techniques. The Centre runs Continuing professional development courses for construction professionals and those involved in self build and sustainable construction projects.
WISE Project Centre for Alternative Technology
The Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales has recently completed the rammed earth walls of the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education.
The soil mix was sourced locally from a quarry waste material, and compacted in curved formwork.
Although planned to be the highest rammed earth walls in the UK at 7.2m, it appears that the rammed earth was not properly constructed by the contractors on site, and collapsed soon after construction.
New Builder articleEden Project
Rammed earth wall at the Eden project
The visitor centre at the Eden project, Cornwall is constructed in rammed earth. Eden aimed to provide a natural and sustainable building in rammed earth, in addition to the iconic domes at the site.