A true expression of the landscape they rest on, rammed-earth homes are constructed of compacted soil molded in plywood forms. A robust and energy-efficient material, rammed earth also has a striking, striated appearance, taking on natural color variations. The residences below demonstrate how the impressive building technique has been adapted to environments all over the world.

A Sustainable Rammed-Earth Home in New Mexico

A Portuguese Home Fused to the Environment With Rammed Earth

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An Off-Grid Rammed-Earth Home in the Colorado Plateau

A Home Replaces Concrete Block With Rammed Earth

A Palo Alto Home of Redwood and Massive Rammed-Earth Walls

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A Dramatic House With Striated, Rammed-Earth Walls

An Unexpected, Curving Rammed-Earth Addition Expands a Family Bungalow in Melbourne

Rammed Earth Meets Steel at This Australian Home

Rammed-Earth Walls Tie This Eco-Friendly Home to the Desert

A Rammed-Earth Home Rises on a Breathtaking Site in New Zealand’s Southern Alps

Two Rammed-Earth Buildings Host a Sustainable Live/Work Space For a Colorado Artist

Learn more about the use of rammed earth in our podcast, Raw Materials 3 Ways: Dirt.

Appears In

Architect Spotlight: Byoung-soo Cho

11 Glorious Rammed-Earth Homes That Celebrate the Landscape