Tierra project – evidence of sustainability

We want this project to be a successful business model for sustainability. We will use Stabilized Insulated Rammed Earth through the expertise of Terracotta Builders in this area, to build consciousness in all the actors in the community. This is to be the emphasis of this project, so that the state of Texas can potentially become a leader in the sustainable change towards energy efficiency. We will use this ancient technology, in compliance with today's standards and current building codes, to help guarantee an environmentally rich future. This project is to prove that sustainability and the triple bottom line (people, planet, profits) can be attained.

In regards to people, we desire to prove that the Stabilized Insulated Rammed Earth wall works to maintain optimum indoor humidity, which in turn results in improved, indoor air quality. Also, Stabilized Insulated Rammed Earth walls create quiet spaces that resonate solidness, which can be perceived as an increased sense of comfort. Therefore, we wish to show that a Stabilized Insulated Rammed Earth building could lead to a happier and more productive work environment.

As for the planet, we wish to highlight the fact that Stabilized Insulated Rammed Earth construction uses fewer resources, both in construction and over the life of the building. The elimination of off-gassing alone would be a major victory, as well as the project's minimal use of traditional lumber from trees and little or no use of the traditional interior gypsum core panels faced with heavy paper on both sides.

In regards to profits, we want to demonstrate that the use of the Stabilized Insulated Rammed Earth as a heavyweight construction material, with high thermal mass, can reduce total heating and cooling energy requirements by up to 25% compared to a similar project built of typical lightweight construction materials with a low thermal mass. These energy savings can be attained by the use of the stabilized insulated rammed earth along with a passive solar design.

In conclusion, in addition to having a visually appealing and environmentally savvy interior, we want to show that the Stabilized Insulated Rammed Earth is a feasible, responsible, proven and cost-effective approach to take appropriate care of our environment. This project could be a catalyst for the construction of more Stabilized Insulated Rammed Earth buildings and even more Rammed Earth communities. This building will be a place to educate the public as tangible proof of our taking theory and proven ancient technology of the past into 21st century sustainability. This project is to be the “living proof of sustainability”.

Moreover, we wish to have the building LEED Gold certified through the United States Green Building Council, thereby requiring that the Tierra Eco and Terracotta team work together under the leadership of a LEED Administrator, with input from the Commissioning Authority, to make every effort to ensure success of the certification process.

By: Mauricio Lopez, Tierra-EcoSolutions Conscious Member

Why build with rammed earth?

“The Thermal Flywheel Effect” - During the day, the compacted earth has the ability to gather and retain solar warmth, while keeping the inside cool and arid. It then
releases the solar energy into the cool night, keeping the shelter cool in the day, and warm at night. If properly designed this can significantly reduce heating and cooling bills. ·
Indoor air quality - Unlike wood-frame buildings, packed earth does not emit and hazardous fumes. When covered with natural and organic finishing, no toxins are off- gassed, providing superior air quality inside the building/ ·
-Longevity, durability, and low maintenance - The Tschudi Palace in Chan Chan, Peru has been in existence for over 2,000 years. While still having to be minimally maintained, the durability of the construction is impressive. With the addition of modern stabilizers, concrete foundations, and steel reinforcing, it is entirely possible for rammed earth housing to last for many centuries. -Fire and insect resistance - Two important reasons for choosing to build with solid earth walls are that they are fireproof and resistant to damage from termites and other insects. This also helps with maintaining and the longevity of the buildings. · Environmental responsibility - Since an earth walled building saves construction and energy resources, doesn't pollute, and lasts practically forever is a wise investment in
the future of the planet.

An Ancient stepping Strong, Rediscovering rammed Earth, "La tapia Pisada".

Earth construction is an ancient technique which has been refined until today it involves knowledge of soil science, engineering and building construction.

The beginnings of Rammed Earth can be traced deep into the history of civilisation. The Great Wall of China, 7.5 metres high and 9 metres wide in places, was built of Rammed Earth and stone (246-209 BC), and in Germany and France there are several buildings of rammed earth over 400 years old.

Earth homes are economical to build, and the relationship of earth building to the environment can not be matched by any other building material. There is no smell of synthetics, no sound of mechanical systems and no rattling when the wind roars. A home of Earth is simply a constructed environment that grows from the earth, yet remains as a natural, sustainable environment.

The design of earth homes, and their thick walls, make interior temperatures quite stable on a daily and yearly basis. In summer, the walls of the home are cooled at night, and their thickness and construction allow them to hold that cold through the heat of the next day. In winter, the homes are heated by the sun during the day and the walls release heat during the night and help keep us warm.