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 Is rammed earth construction regulated?By state law, rammed earth structures can reach a maximum of two stories. Rammed earth walls must be at least twelve inches thick. The New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department has released a document of building codes for earthen materials, including rammed earth. It can be found here. Can I incorporate custom details into my rammed earth walls? Our walls are shaped by custom forms and are not limited to simple rectangular shapes. Curves, oversized windows, differing widths and heights are all possible. They can also take on a variety of colors and textures, based on chosen colorants and finishes. Is rammed earth recognized as a green method by today's standards? For information on rammed earth as an environmentally-friendly building method, see our Is It Green? Page Will it survive in the New Mexican environment and climate? You betcha. Rammed earth has a reputation for excelling in extreme climates, so the temperate climate of New Mexico poses no problem. Can my walls be built without cement as an additive? Walls can be built without cement provided they achieve required Code strength, but the exterior must be stuccoed to protect them from the elements. Can rammed earth be combined with other building methods (stone, wood-frame, etc.)? Rammed earth can be combined with other building methods in a variety of ways. We at SGB are happy to work with designers and architects who seek to create a building utilizing these other wall types. What effect does precipitation have on RE? Studies and experience have shown that stabilized rammed earth withstands precipitation exceptionally well. One twenty-year-long study predicted that even unplastered, unstabilized rammed earth walls could last over sixty years in a wet continental climate. Can RE be patched? Yes. Can I hang pictures and shelves? Rammed earth walls support accessories like any other wall, but we recommend planning ahead by incorporating these items into the design phase to avoid the presence of numerous nail holes. How expensive is rammed earth? Cost varies with each design. Basically, the final cost is determined by the complexity of the desired wall(s). If you would like more information on the cost of a specific design, feel free to contact us by email or phone. Where can I learn more about rammed earth? On the Web: Books: |
Rammed Earth Construction is one of the most interesting and efficient construction styles, learn more here
SGB has years of experience in straw bale construction, click here to see some of our completed projects 
SGB has completed numerous Public Works projects all over the Southwest, click here to see some examples 
Occasionally, SGB will take on residential remodeling projects, check out some of our beautiful projects