environment
informs
intent
Welcome to
RAMMED EARTH
SGB provides general contracting for Rammed Earth construction.
How do you construct Rammed Earth?
We build your project on-site as it is often an integral structural component of your building.
Each project has individual specifications depending on budget and design. Your Rammed Earth walls are sculpted during our process giving each project an individual and unique pattern of 'continuous lift'.
Your project may use 'sectional forms', 'continuous forms', or use a 'hybrid' form configuration. We work with your architect to decide which is best for your project.
During the design phase of your project, SGB will consult with your architects to ensure that this phase of the project has proper structure, blockouts and backing needed.
We construct forms based on the design requirements for your project.
This is the removable 'skin' of your product. Into these, SGB 'rams' our custom variegated base material mix to create the pattern or continuous lift recognizable in Rammed Earth. It's a lot like painting, but dangerously.
Once on-site, we mix a blend of locally sourced, multi-ingredient base material with our proprietary color / earth palette. We build a material sample for color approval.
Any hole created by our forms are filled post form removal.
What will my walls look like?
Rammed Earth walls have their own distinctive character. The material and thickness of the walls exude warmth, strength, and a sense of organic.
The walls are beautiful in their natural state with unique imperfect surfaces and artisan crafted color patters (continuous lifts). We will work with you to create a palette that distinguishes your project.
TO THE TRADE
SGB offers three types of forming systems for Rammed Earth to meet your project needs.
SGB designs and builds all the forms that we use in Rammed Earth construction.
"The form must both withstand the high pressure forces of the ramming process but also define the aesthetic value of the walls when we pull the forms off. I pay attention to the forms. Not only for engineering but also so that we can have the most esthetically pleasing wall possible." - Mike Sims, SGB
In fact on a recent job site a neighbor, a local engineer, was quietly studying our Rammed Earth forms. After some time he said: "The engineering on these forms is amazing!" It is always nice to have your hard work and expertise acknowledged and appreciated. So, thank you!
Sectional Form
For this style, we use a more a economical forming system for Rammed Earth construction. We build these forms anywhere from 2' to 12' in length. The forms are moved from one wall to another, reusing the forms.
Continuous Form
This forming system is custom built to length, per project specification, giving the final Rammed Earth wall an uninterrupted 'continuous lift' pattern. This is a fully custom built look for your project.
Hybrid
With this forming style, we combine forms to mimic a continuous wall. This way we can meet your project needs with a more financially feasable option when you are designing for a continuous lift look but your wall is interrupted. This forming style can be used to make your project more financially feasable.
Please contact us with any project questions.
Noteworthy News
Adjaye’s “Asaase” is made from blocks of rammed earth, a technique dating to the Neolithic period.
... After months spent contemplating the project, Adjaye described the experience of encountering the finished work as “insane.”
... Crushed earth, like that used to make “Asaase,” soaks up carbon dioxide, purifying the air. ... “The mud (rammed earth) became a way of protecting these communities, because it was more than just an enclosure,” he went on. “It was a kind of defense.”