Your Invitation

Let Us Collaborate to Bring Your Dream Home to Life.

Earthcrete Built Process

  • Reach Out to Earthcrete Built
  • Explore
  • Visit
  • Assessment
  • Quote
  • Finalize
  • Layout / Excavation
  • Construction
  • Enjoy Your Built Home.

Nervous about managing the building process of your Dream Home?

Rest assured … From start to finish, we take care of every stage in the build process:

  • FIND OUT: From Foundation to Ground Floor to completed Home, your resolute team of professionals and artisans will give you the choices and tools to create a home that is uniquely yours
  • CALL & GO TO SEE: Our Design Studios and Model Homes were designed to inspire and provide a one-stop shopping experience to bring your dream home to life.
  • DESIGN: We make building your dream home hassle-free and joyful, so you can start collaborating in the design of your dream home as soon as you get here.
  • FINALIZE: We verify that everything is as YOU want it before we ever break ground.
  • BUILD: Your construction manager will keep you informed throughout the construction process.
  • MOVE IN: Enjoy your magnificent dream home and relax knowing that you are protected by our industry-leading 10-year insured structural transferable warranty.

Earthcrete Construction Process

At Earthcrete Built, we take pride in delivering high-quality rammed earth construction, a technique that blends ancient methods with modern technology. Are you ready, as we walk you through the step-by-step explanation of the Earthcrete construction process, from initial planning to the final structure?

1. Site Assessment and Preparation

Before beginning any construction, the site is carefully assessed to ensure it is suitable for rammed earth building. Key factors like soil composition, topography, drainage, and access are evaluated.

  • Soil Testing: Samples of the local soil are taken and tested to ensure they meet the requirements for rammed earth construction. Suitable soils contain a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay.
  • Site Clearing: The site is cleared of any obstructions, vegetation, or debris to prepare for foundation work.

2. Design and Planning

Once the site is approved, the design phase begins. This includes architectural planning, material selection, and project timelines.

  • Custom Design: Working with architects and engineers, we develop detailed blueprints that align with the client’s vision, whether it’s a residential home, commercial building, or public facility.
  • Material Sourcing: Earthcrete primarily uses locally sourced soil and other natural materials. During this stage, we also plan for any required reinforcements or finishes like doors, windows, and flooring.

3. Foundation Construction

The foundation is critical to any building, and in Earthcrete construction, it needs to be stable enough to support the heavy rammed earth walls.

  • Excavation and Leveling: The foundation area is excavated to the required depth and leveled to ensure stability.
  • Foundation Laying: A reinforced concrete foundation is typically poured, ensuring the structure will remain stable and strong over time.

4. Formwork Setup

Formwork is essential in rammed earth construction. It serves as a mold in which the earth is compacted, giving shape to the walls.

  • Installing Formwork: Sturdy, reusable formwork panels are set up along the foundation according to the design of the building.
  • Reinforcement Installation: Depending on the design, reinforcements such as steel rods or rebar are placed inside the formwork to provide additional structural integrity.

5. Mixing the Earthcrete Material

The earth mix used for rammed earth construction must be carefully prepared to ensure the correct consistency and strength. The ideal blend includes soil, sand, gravel, clay, and sometimes small amounts of cement or stabilizers for added durability.

  • Mixing Process: The materials are mixed on-site, ensuring an even blend. Moisture levels are controlled to create the right consistency for compaction.
  • Testing: Small samples of the mix may be tested to ensure it meets quality standards before the main building process begins.

6. Ramming the Earth

This is the core process where Earthcrete buildings take shape. The prepared soil mix is placed inside the formwork in layers and then compacted.

  • Layering the Soil: The earth mix is poured into the formwork in layers, usually around 4-6 inches thick per layer.
  • Compaction: Each layer is compacted using pneumatic rammers or manual tools to create dense, solid walls. The compaction process ensures the earth walls are strong and durable.
  • Building up the Wall: This process is repeated, layer by layer, until the walls reach the desired height.

7. Formwork Removal

Once the earth has been sufficiently rammed and compacted, the formwork is carefully removed to reveal the solid earth walls.

  • Curing Time: The newly formed walls are allowed to cure for a specified period. This ensures that the structure achieves its maximum strength.
  • Inspecting Walls: After the curing process, the walls are inspected for any imperfections or weak spots. Any necessary adjustments or repairs are made at this stage.

8. Finishing the Exterior and Interior

With the main structure complete, finishing touches are applied to both the interior and exterior of the building to enhance its appearance and functionality.

  • Exterior Finishes: Depending on the design, the exterior walls can be left natural to showcase the unique texture of the earth, or they can be sealed and finished with protective coatings for additional weather resistance.
  • Interior Finishes: The inside walls may also be finished with plaster or left exposed for a natural look. Windows, doors, and flooring are installed, along with any other necessary interior elements.
  • Insulation and Utilities: Additional insulation may be added to enhance thermal efficiency. Electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems are installed at this stage.

9. Roofing Installation

The final structural component is the roof, which is installed to complete the building envelope.

  • Roofing Materials: A variety of eco-friendly roofing materials can be used, including green roofs, solar panels, or traditional tiles, depending on the design and sustainability goals.
  • Roof Integration: The roof is carefully integrated with the rammed earth walls to ensure proper drainage and thermal insulation.

10. Final Inspection and Handover

Once construction is complete, the building undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure it meets all structural and safety standards.

  • Quality Control: Every aspect of the construction is reviewed, from the strength of the walls to the installation of utilities and finishes.
  • Client Walkthrough: We conduct a final walkthrough with the client, addressing any questions or concerns and ensuring the project meets their expectations.
  • Handover: Once the client is satisfied, the building is officially handed over, ready to be occupied or put to use.

11. Post-Construction Support

At Earthcrete Built, our relationship with clients doesn’t end at project completion. We offer ongoing maintenance and support to ensure the longevity and performance of your rammed earth structure.

  • Maintenance Services: We provide long-term maintenance plans to keep your building in optimal condition.
  • Repair Services: Should any issues arise, our team is on hand to provide repairs and enhancements to the building as needed.