Took me a whole Spring, Summer, and Autumn to build my Rammed Earth Walls. Shoveling 600 tons of sand and gravel and man-handling 40 KG bags of cement ain’t for the weak of spirit. I had good weather though, despite being unbearably hot at times. I drank three or four liters of liquid a day. Beginning the first wall, I had excruciating finger pain after the first day. I had to redesign the building, shrinking the planned 11 foot walls to 8 foot walls. After a weeks rest, I was back to work. I still can’t believe I built these.
Rig i designed for lifting 250 pound form for building Rammed Earth Walls.
First Form is up and fortunately NOT falling down despite winds.
Home Depot buckets full of cement and other special ingredients for mix. Ramp is for the wheel barrow. Tarp is for the hot sunny days. Everyone in awhile the wind blows them down.
Placing insulation and horizontal rebar in walls.
Forming an L-shaped wall.
Using plywood holder to lift forms up and into position.
This is how you brace a form for tricky corners.
Making progress on the walls.
Closing in on the Final Walls
Preparing side of house for drainage.
Beauty of Rammed Earth.
Getting creative (having a bit of fun). It’s always interesting when the form comes down to see what’s been created. You don’t know when you’re ramming.
Peaceful Day’s End
Water proofing the walls for drainage.