One of the significant benefits of rammed earth constructions is its excellent thermal mass; it heats up slowly during the day and releases its heat during the evening. This can even out daily temperature variations and reduce the need for air conditioning and heating. On the other hand, rammed earth is not a good insulator. Like brick and concrete (which also have excellent thermal mass), rammed earth is often insulated in colder climates. The thickness and density of the walls lends itself naturally to soundproofing and the materials used in the walls make them virtually fireproof.
Rammed earth has been used around the globe for millennia in a wide range of climatic conditions, from wet northern Europe to dry regions in Africa. Rammed earth walls may be placed within the weatherproof fabric of the building. Depending on conditions walls may also have external insulation, soft plaster, timber cladding or a number of locally specific finishes which are applied to masonry buildings. |
