RAMMED EARTH CONSTRUCTION: A CIRCULAR SOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

Abstract

The building and construction sector is one of the most harmful industries to the environment, responsible for producing high levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy consumption, and waste. Rammed earth, a traditional building technology is deemed as a promising solution to tackle these challenges. In addition, the low level of skill required for rammed earth buildings paves the way for self-built activities. This paper presents the preliminary findings of an ongoing research study focused on the rammed earth construction technique. The primary objective is to assess its sustainability and circularity within the context of Europe and the Mediterranean. The methodology employed is based on an analysis of rammed earth techniques and a review of relevant regulations related to the selected context. The analysis includes case studies of contemporary European rammed earth buildings. They aim to illustrate possible design strategies that incorporate rammed earth alongside well-established construction technologies. These case studies also shed light on how the integration of various construction technologies introduces circularity variables into buildings, thereby influencing their overall sustainability. These variables are contingent upon the techniques, technologies, and performance characteristics of the selected building elements. As a result of this analysis, the paper initiates a discussion on the role that rammed earth constructions can play in the development of sustainable hybrid buildings.