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Rammed Earth - from the Ice

From a geological point of view, rammed earth can be described as "ice land".

Indeed, wherever glaciers have advanced and retreated over the ages, we find rammed earth.

This phenomenon results from the alteration of feldspars present in the parent rock under the effect of glaciations, leading to the formation of the clays that we know today.

As glaciers melted and rivers formed, these clays mixed and reworked with gravels and sands, giving rise to rammed earth. This is why this material is mainly found in old river meanders and on moraines.

glacial, forming very distinct geological strata:

Topsoil
Rammed earth
Sandy gravel with many pebbles

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A concrete of earth

Naturally present in our soils, it requires no washing and/or granulometric correction. The clay acts as a natural binder, replacing cement, lime, or plaster in more traditional concretes. This material has remarkable physical and thermal properties that make it a major asset for sustainable housing:

Thermal inertia and phase shift: Thanks to its high mass, rammed earth absorbs heat and releases it slowly, ensuring a significant thermal phase shift.
Hygrometric regulation: Rammed earth is a breathable material, capable of absorbing excess humidity from the ambient air and gradually releasing it when the air becomes drier.
Healthy and ecological material: Unlike synthetic materials, rammed earth contains no chemical additives or toxic components. It does not release any VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
Fire resistance: Rammed earth is non-combustible, which improves the safety of buildings in the event of a fire.
Sustainability and recyclability: Rammed earth constructions dating back centuries are a testament to its exceptional longevity. Furthermore, at the end of its life, a rammed earth wall can be reused or simply reintegrated into the ground without causing pollution.

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A modern response to ancient know how

Faced with current environmental and economic challenges, rammed earth is positioned as a relevant solution for sustainable construction.

However, its traditional implementation is restrictive: it requires heavy formworks, skilled labor and an execution time that is difficult to align with the tight deadlines imposed by modern construction.

To meet these constraints, we have developed a modular formwork allowing us to manufacture custom-made rammed earth blocks in advance.

Thanks to this prefabrication, on-site installation is simplified, costs are reduced, and the time saved by reproducing the same elements is optimized.

Assembling the walls thus becomes an assembly game, similar to a large Lego brick joined with a clay mortar.

Thanks to this innovation, prefabricated rammed earth has established itself as a modern and relevant alternative, making it possible to integrate this ancestral technique into contemporary construction in a simpler, more efficient and economical way.

Rammed Earth - from the Ice

An Odyssey Through Time

An Odyssey Through Time

A concrete of earth

A modern response to ancient know how