The inception of this experiment began during a construction process for an ongoing project located in a small town of Koni that is situated 90 km north of Mangalore. A sizable mass of soil from the excavation of a pond and debri from the demolition of a 120 year old house got collected. Engagement with the site over time got myself, my client and my team thinking about the possibility of using earth as a construction material. I embarked on my journey to learn about earth building techniques that led me to a workshop in Auroville. During my time there I got a glimpse of the various earth construction technologies like compressed stabilized earth blocks, rammed earth and was introduced to a lesser known technique of poured earth construction.

Shuttering Kit, Version F2 (Rammed Earth)
Shuttering Kit, Version F2 (Rammed Earth) © GDK Designs

After returning to Mangalore, I was eager to bring my learnings back to the studio and start my exploration with rammed earth and poured earth construction. It was imperative for the entire team of architects, interns and workers, who had not been to the workshop, to get involved and really understand earth as a material and construction technique. Gaining an understanding of the theoretical process was just the starting point. The intention was to use this knowledge as a framework within which one could get playful and experimental. Learning and exploring earth as a construction material while developing a sense of its tactile nature was at the core.

Overhead view of the workshop table showing shuttering
Overhead view of the workshop table showing shuttering © GDK Designs
Vew of the workshop table showing shuttering
Vew of the workshop table showing shuttering © GDK Designs

In order to attempt earth as a construction material we had to understand the composition of earth and the role each of its components play in creating a soil mix.

  • Gravel gives compressive strength
  • Sand acts an a binder
  • Silt and Clay give plasticity
Overhead view of the workshiop table showing materials and tools
Overhead view of the workshiop table showing materials and tools © GDK Designs
View of the workshop table showing materials and tools
View of the workshop table showing materials and tools © GDK Designs

Designing, building and constructing involves mixing the above in various proportions in accordance with the soil available. Along with soil, the addition of sand, aggregate and water creates an adequate and workable mix. A stabilizer like cement is added to increases strength and durability.

  • Project Lead: Girish Dariyav Karnawat
  • Carpenters: Rajinder Sharma and Manikram Sharma
  • Interns: Ansh Ajmera and Taira Pinto