This photo is of a rammed earth dwelling in Arizona - obviously a hot arid climate. I thought rammed earth might be an interesting material to use as it has very good thermal mass properties which work well with climates with high fluctuations between night and day temperatures. Also we will need to consider getting materials out to remote places. If the earth on the site is suitable it makes sense to use it in terms of lowering the embodied energy in the dwelling, and making it blend in with its place. Ongoing maintenance is also an important consideration in distant hot places. Rammed earth is a very durable, low maintenance material is constructed properly.It would be good to use locally sourced materials wherever possible. I have heard that indiginous people wove screens out of local grasses. When wet they have a cooling effect when the breeze passes through them.
If we cannot use locally sourced material we should aim to use materials that are simple to transport and durable and able to stand up to the harsh climatic conditions so that ongoing maintenance is minimised.
2 comments:
I agree with your thoughts on materials. I think the building should look like it belongs on its site as well as incorporating passive design. Rammed earth will probably suit our site better than concrete, and it has similar thermal properties. What do you think of corrugated iron roofs? too cliche?
No I don't think corrugated iron roofs are too cliched. It is a vey practical material for that part of the world - durable and light weight for transport. In fact just about all the buildings in Broome are made out of corrugated iron - walls and rooves. The main street is all corrugated iron clad buildings.
I love the steel sheets used for the roof in the Arizona house below. They are angled to collect rain water in one point.
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