Basic Techniques 1

Basic Common Techniques of the Different Types of Earthen Construction

In these pages - First, I will discuss the basics of the different Types or Techniques and/or Methods of Earthen Construction I offer to you. Then I will discuss the basic common popular designs that I offer. Though I must point out, at this point, that it will become apparent here, that with an Artisan Builder such as myself; one is never limited to choosing just a basic or common popular design. This will also be discussed here.

Some concepts and processes not offered by Earthen Construction are also discussed here for Educational and Understanding Purposes. All examples or images given here, are found under and taken in "Common Public Domain" and are offered under the "Fair Use" Act/Policy, as common examples for the education, information and understanding of the global public. We claim no Responsibility or Copy Rights to any of the images provided on this page. Who can visit "Our Gallery" to see actual images of our buildings, projects and structures.

All images are provided for educational purposes without profit and are {will be soon} linked to their original locations and you can click on that image to visit that site and/or to see more. Your Very Welcome! For the Free Advertising and Info. Abundant Blessings!

Pages Included > 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11

Examples of Common Rammed Earth Adobe Techniques ~

In the Image above, in the header of this page, you see a prime example of basic common Rammed Earth Construction, which is just one of several different styles, forms of or techniques used in Adobe Construction. A techniques which may pop up first if you do a random on-line search of the words "earthen construction". In the images below, you'll see more about this basic common process explained and some of the structures that have resulted.

Now as I have already pointed out on our home page. That this process has been somewhat improved upon and utilized differently over time and can be and has been combined with other materials and processes over time... One example of how this construction process has changed over time is that there are now machines that can compact or ram earth for us, far better than we can, and that there are now manufactures of Rammed Earth Adobe Bricks for those who do not want to make there own or can't for one reason or another. You can order or purchase them already for you made these days. Though I or my company Earthen Construction does not at the moment own one of these machines and can currently only offer you hand built rammed earth techniques. Currently hand built rammed earth structures are among some of the oldest standing buildings and/or structures on the face of our earth. I/we do aspire for our organization to eventually own one of these machines of our very own some day. It's a goal, I have set for us.

One example of how this process has been combined with other processes or materials that is also discussed on our home page, is Rammed-earth-tire Construction. Here, common basic Cobb Adobe and Rammed Earth processes are combined with Bio and/or Eco Architecture and/or Sustainability Concepts = Recycling in Construction processes and/or Techniques. A process where dis-guarded hazardous garbage even possibly toxic nuisance waste becomes transformed into useful sustainable thermal and even "free" building blocks.

Below - More example of new innovations, improvements, developments, equipment and/or tools.

I repeat, as it has already been said on our home page. Earthship® which is a Registered Trademark by Michael Reynolds who popularized Rammed-earth-tire construction and who has obviously designed, developed and marketed some new tools for this type of construction. I/we have no affiliation with him or his companies. Advertised and Utilized under "Fair Use".

A basically Free plentiful supply of dangerous and potentially toxic waste in their current situation that can be transformed into thermal insulated building blocks.

Tire Bales are constructed of 100 tires each

Taking it all one
step further. >
Currently, there are those
building homes
out of Tire Bales.
I am not sure, I personally would want to take on a project on this scale. I/we just beginning this branch ministry
are not equipped
ourselves to do so at this point.

If your thinking to yourself, but??? Is this really even possible or can this type of building or structure even be built here in Kentucky or can one even get a permit to build something like that here? A statement or question? I have heard many times now. The following video should answer that question.

Not very impressed??? With these so called "Earthships" or Rammed-tire-construction? Maybe this next video will impress you

Some Final thoughts, quotes and references on the Durability of Rammed Earth Construction ~ The Great Wall of China ~ From EARTH ARCHITECTURE

Rammed Earth: Oldest
Wikipedia notes:

"The Chinese were already familiar with the techniques of wall-building by the time of the Spring and Autumn Period, which began around the 8th century BC. During the Warring States Period from the 5th century BC to 221 BC, the states of Qi, Yan and Zhao all constructed extensive fortifications to defend their own borders. Built to withstand the attack of small arms such as swords and spears, these walls were made mostly by stamping earth and gravel between board frames."

Is the Great Wall the oldest mud brick building in the world? If not, what is?

This article states:

"The year 2000 was to see the discovery in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province of a township site of the Longshan Culture (c.2310-1810 BC). With its double encircling walls this find is further confirmation that the history of city building in antiquity can be traced back in China to the late Neolithic Age. The Longshan Culture is characterized by its burnished black pottery, examples of which were first unearthed in Longshan, Shandong Province in 1928. The Lianyungang site offers an insight into ancient building techniques through its finds of rammed earth foundations."

Is this the oldest historical evidence of rammed earth? If not, how long has rammed earth been in use?

Synopsis
Currently it is estimated that one half of the world's population—approximately three billion people on six continents—lives or works in buildings constructed of earth. And while the vast legacy of traditional and vernacular earthen construction has been widely discussed, little attention has been paid to the contemporary tradition of earth architecture. Author Ronald Rael, founder of Eartharchitecture.org provides a history of building with earth in the modern era, focusing particularly on projects constructed in the last few decades that use rammed earth, mud brick, compressed earth, cob, and several other interesting techniques. EARTH ARCHITECTURE presents a selection of more than 40 projects that exemplify new, creative uses of the oldest building material on the planet.

Basic Examples of Common Cobb Adobe Techniques ~

I kept thinking, that I should have started or lead you in with this one - Cobb. Because it all basically began or started with this one. The common basic Technique of Cobb is the mixture of soil, clay, mud, sand and straw (not corn cobs). This is formed into globs, loaves or bricks that work as the building blocks for your house. The initial foundation is completed first, and the house is framed as usual. Then the Cobb mixture is used to form the walls of the house. After the walls are done and completely dry, you will apply a mixture similar to plaster, to seal the walls against the outdoor elements.

It is at this point in the construction process, or at any point from here on out actually, that we can add other natural elements or materials to the earthen mixture to color and/or improve, even strengthen it; giving it even more of an artisan look or quality and/or more element and weather resistance and/or durability... By adding other Natural elements or materials such as Kentucky Hemp/Hemp to the earthen mix. Which "is strongly recommended" for health and durability reasons by Earthen Construction.

The following are images of basic common Cobb Techniques demonstrating the common yet unlimited uses of Cobb. Unlimited, as has already been seen in the resulting common Techniques above, and that remain to be seen in those to come; the many Techniques that have emerged or resulted from. Along with some of the types of common structures and designs that have resulted throughout the years of it's common use. Including some common yet uncommon all inspiring examples of other Artisan's uses, exploitations or manipulations of Cobb Techniques in building, as this has been seen as a common material and/or medium - a tool commonly used by Artisans throughout Cobb's lengthy history for many Artisans to create from. Expressing themselves and/or others thoughts, purposes or visions in it during the construction process from the beginning and throughout time.

Basic Examples of Common Cobb Adobe Earthbag Construction ~

Continued on page > 2 Other Techniques > 3 , 4 , 5

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