◆Information
What is Rammed Earth?
One of the oldest and most enduring building methods in the world, and one of the most beautiful.
◆What is Rammed Earth?
One of the Oldest and Most Enduring Building Methods
Rammed earth is one of the oldest and most enduring building methods in the world, and one of the most beautiful. It's made by compacting a carefully selected mix of earth, sand and aggregate in layers, building a solid, load-bearing wall that stands as its own finished surface.
The walls we build are stabilised rammed earth: by adding a small amount of cement (around 6%), a wider range of soils becomes suitable, and the result is an extremely durable, weather-resistant masonry product. Our standard external walls are a minimum of 300mm thick and monolithic, poured and compacted in one continuous mass, with no mortar joints to weaken them.
◆How It's Built
The Construction Process
Earth is compacted in layers roughly 15cm deep between temporary forms. As each section is filled and compacted, the formwork is raised, and the process repeats until the wall reaches its full height.
We build in water-repellent additives as we go, run electrical conduits and lagged plumbing through the wall, and can incorporate features: reliefs, recesses, stones, even artworks directly into the earth.
When the forms come off, the wall is complete. It's then sealed, but never needs rendering, plaster or painting.
Why Rammed Earth
Benefits of Rammed Earth
Thermal Performance
At 300mm thick and dense, rammed earth has exceptional thermal mass. Heat and cold move through it slowly, keeping interiors comparatively stable and warmer in winter, cooler in summer. It's why rammed earth has long been favoured for buildings where temperature matters, from wineries to homes that need no heating at all.
Sustainability
Rammed earth is non-toxic, non-polluting and breathable, with very low embodied energy. Often, the earth can be sourced locally and sometimes from the site itself, making it one of the most environmentally sound materials you can build with and one of the healthiest to live in.
Durability
Built to standard, an earth wall has, in the CSIRO's words, "an unlimited life… immune to the destructive action of fire, termites and the weather." Our laboratory-tested mixes, water-repellent admixtures, and decades of quality control produce walls built to last for generations.
Acoustic Performance
The mass of a rammed earth wall dramatically reduces noise transmission, rated at 50+ decibels for a 250mm wall, and better again for our standard 300mm walls. Ideal for keeping out traffic, separating living and sleeping zones, or as party walls between dwellings.
Low Maintenance
Once built and sealed, the walls need almost no attention typically for 10-20 years, when exposed surfaces may benefit from a fresh coat of sealer. They won't dent, fade or need repainting.
Fire Resistance
Earth doesn't burn. CSIRO testing rated a 250mm earth-block wall at a 4-hour fire resistance; our 300mm monolithic walls are stronger still, with no vulnerable mortar joints. An ideal choice for bushfire-prone and leafy settings.
Aesthetic Appeal
No two walls are alike. Rammed earth carries the colour and texture of the earth it's made from, from soft creams and sandy tones through to rich reds, browns and charcoals and pairs beautifully with timber, steel, glass and lightweight materials. It grounds a building and rewards a second look in every changing light.
◆Design Possibilities
Far More Than a Simple Straight Wall
Architects are using rammed earth across an extraordinary range of styles and functions. Within sound design and engineering, we can achieve far more than a simple straight wall:
Curved Walls
With the right formwork and engineering, rammed earth curves into flowing, sculptural forms that become the centrepiece of a space.
Large Spans & Feature Heights
We've built walls up to 4.7m tall on commercial sites, using scissor lifts and rigorous WHS practice to deliver safely at scale.
Archways & Openings
Arched doors, slit windows, circular windows, recesses and alcoves can all be formed into the earth.
Feature Walls
Multi-coloured layers, oxides, embedded stones, crystals, reliefs and commissioned artworks. At the Garangula Art Gallery, we set indigenous artist Jonathan Jones's work directly into the entry wall.
Commercial Applications
Galleries, museums, wineries, hospitality, offices and civic buildings, including precast panel systems for large developments.
Interior Applications
Thermal banks, statement walls and acoustic separation that bring solidity and calm to any interior.
◆FAQs
Common Questions
Can't find what you're after? Get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.
There's no fixed rate. Price depends on wall height, shape (straight or curved), number of openings, site access, engineering, and location. Talk to us, and we can give you a rough estimate.
Yes. We work across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and regional areas, and are available for international projects.
Absolutely. Many clients use rammed earth for feature walls, entry walls, or parts of the home they want to highlight.
Build time depends on the size and complexity of your project. Smaller feature walls can be completed in days, while full homes or commercial builds take weeks to months. We'll give a clearer timeline once we understand your design and site conditions.
Rammed earth is available in a wide range of natural colours, depending on the soils, aggregates, and oxides used in the mix. From soft creams and sandy tones to rich reds, browns, and charcoals, every wall is unique. We work with clients and designers to achieve the desired look for each project.
Yes. With the right design, engineering, and formwork, rammed earth can be formed into curved walls, feature elements, and architectural statements. Curved walls offer a unique way to add visual interest while maintaining the strength and performance of rammed earth.
Absolutely. Rammed earth is ideal for galleries, museums, hospitality venues, offices, and public buildings. Its durability, thermal performance, and striking appearance make it well suited to both commercial and community spaces.
Rammed earth is a durable, low-maintenance material that requires very little upkeep. It doesn't need painting or regular refinishing, and when properly constructed, can maintain its appearance and performance for generations.
We have done it for clients but it's less common than you'd think. It's unusual to find a soil that's ideal on its own; even good site soils usually need aggregate or other materials blended in, plus screening to remove stones, organic matter and clay lumps. More often than not, it's better and more cost-effective to select a tested mix from a quarry, which also gives a more consistent colour and finish. We can assess your site's soil and let you know whether it's viable.
Electrical conduits are built into the walls during construction, so there's nothing to see in the finished surface. Plumbing can be incorporated in the same way, provided it's properly lagged. We plan service runs with you before the pour so everything is in place from the start.
Termites and other pests can't eat rammed earth, so there are no cavities to live in and far less structural timber to attack and we've never seen termites attempt to penetrate our walls. That said, rammed earth isn't yet recognised as a termite barrier under the Building Code of Australia, so termite proofing is still required. The simplest solution is to build on a concrete slab, which serves as both an approved termite barrier and an excellent foundation. All our work is designed by accredited architects and engineers, built to the Australian Earth Building Handbook (HB195-2002), and certified by authorised building certifiers.
Want to Learn More About Rammed Earth?
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Download Our Capability Deck◆Getting Started
Planning Your Project
When to Contact Us?
Early. The most successful rammed earth projects begin at the design stage, before plans are finalised, that's when we can have the greatest influence on cost, feasibility and the finished result.
Working With Architects
We collaborate closely with architects, designers and engineers, and are happy to advise on what's possible, prototype mixes and finishes, and quote on the wall scope so it can be compared against other methods. We work just as well with owner-builders and principal builders as with subcontractors.
Site Considerations
Soil transport distance, wall area and height, design complexity, site access and engineering all influence cost and program. We can assess your site, advise on whether local or site-won soil is viable, and tailor an approach to suit. Building on a concrete slab is the simplest way to meet termite-barrier requirements and provides an ideal foundation.
Ready to Explore Rammed Earth for Your Next Project?
Talk to Us About Your Project Today◆Get In Touch
Let's Talk Early
Great outcomes start well before construction. You don't need finished plans to get in touch. We'll review your site, discuss opportunities and cost considerations, and help determine whether rammed earth is the right fit for your vision.