Construction

Is a concrete slab put down first?

Yes as per a conventional brick home only with more substantial engineering. Overall the foundation and slab costs for a Rammed Earth house are similar to a typical brick house.

What material is best for internal walls?

When Rammed Earth is used strategically for internal walls, the house gives a much better overall thermal and acoustic performance. Internal mass of all buildings is an important aspect of comfort. While internal walls can be constructed of other materials the use or rammed earth both inside and out has structural, aesthetic, and thermal advantages.

How high can rammed earth buildings be built?

In Australia the highest single rammed earth wall is 9 metres high, while a four-storey resort/hotel is the overall tallest modern Rammed Earth building. About 10 stories would be the highest that Rammed Earth walls could be built in a modern setting. Double and triple storey houses are built with 300mm thick, load bearing Rammed Earth walls.