Rammed earth construction uses compacted soils or aggregates, such as chalk, lime, gravel, sand or clay, within formwork to form floors, walls and individual building components. Adam’s project demonstrates the possibilities provided by combining this traditional method with modern technology, creating a modern earthworks factory and research centre on the banks of the River Tyne.
The project proposes using excavated land from local construction sites, which would usually go to landfill, to create prefabricated rammed earth blocks – a low carbon, locally sourced building material. The earth works would also include prototype housing, giving people the opportunity to gain practical experience and skills building with the finished blocks.