Rammed clay is a historical construction method that offers a whole range of building advantages thanks to a special production technique and the mixing of purely natural building materials. What was already good back then can be used again today.
The return to nature combined with the strong demand for healthier living have led to a situation where building materials that had long seemed forgotten are suddenly back at the top of many architects’ wish lists. And for good reason, because clay offers many advantages, which will be discussed in more detail later. It is important to know that the results of this technique are not only healthy, they are also chic to look at.
The history of rammed clay
As early as the Neolithic period (10,000 to 3,000 BC), people built with rammed clay. Earth-moist clay is mixed with water and optionally gravel or straw. The fresh mass is then placed in masonry forms, compacted and allowed to solidify so that it forms a stable wall. The Stone Age people made the clay themselves by throwing all the building materials into a small earth pit and working it with their bare feet until it became a usable mass. This could then be processed in many different ways and served as the basic structure of entire houses, including the interior furnishings.
Rammed clay in modern times
Today, rammed clay is no longer produced by hand or foot. Most of the work is done industrially, as in other sectors. For the impatient, there is even the option of ordering ready-made rammed clay partitions. These then only have to be inserted and the owners can already enjoy the beautiful and unique appearance as well as a very pleasant room climate. This is a great advantage over normal house walls, because clay can absorb moisture and return it just as well when the air becomes too dry. An enormous advantage for many public and private rooms. It should be mentioned that normally no more exterior walls are made of this form of clay. It is mainly used indoors. Here, even wet areas are no problem.
Why museums like to use clay walls so much
In combination with reinforced concrete and glass, rammed clay looks decidedly modern. But that is not the only reason why museums, of all places, are so fond of clay walls. Here, they not only offer a visual eye-catcher and at the same time a practical basis for hanging pictures and presenting sculptures. They also create a healthy room climate. Sensitive works of art do not like air that is too humid or too dry. That is why museums are often supported by a sophisticated climate control system. Additional costs that the operators can save with clay walls, even if many visitors have wandered through the many corridors during the day and have been inspired by all the great works of art. Even residential toxins are filtered by the clay and it can store heat and then release it back into the room. This makes it pleasantly warm even in winter.
What do rammed clay and sneakers have in common?
Recently, Veja opened a chic concept store in the middle of Berlin. The special thing about it is not only the trendy eco-sneakers, but the shop concept itself. It was very important to the owners to focus on natural minimalism. That’s why the entire interior is made of clay and steel. The energy comes from natural sources, the sneakers themselves are also made exclusively from vegan ecological materials and so the natural cycle closes almost seamlessly. The Veja brand originates from France and has already implemented special shop concepts in Paris as well as in two other major cities around the world. Founder Sébastian Kopp was warned not to go to Berlin. But he really wanted the project and brought architect Gonzales Haase and craftsman Frank Lennart on board, who finally implemented the ideas expertly. The result is impressive and shows how modern such an old material as rammed clay can really be.
Here you can find even more inspiration on a wide range of building materials:
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Image copyright: dundanim