‘We can learn from the old’: how architects are returning to the earth to build homes for the future

February 5, 2026

TL;DR

Rammed earth is an ancient building material made from compacted earth, attracting attention for its eco-friendly properties.
Its use can create a circular construction process, reducing the carbon footprint of the building sector.
Rammed earth offers benefits like thermal mass, temperature regulation, and moisture control, especially relevant with rising global temperatures.
Challenges include the material's lack of consistency due to varying soil composition, which can complicate building regulations and home insurance.
The material's vulnerability to water and low temperatures can lead to erosion, particularly in exposed exterior walls.
Stabilized rammed earth, which includes additives like lime or cement, addresses structural issues but may compromise its low-carbon benefits.
Prefabricated rammed earth blocks offer a solution for consistency and easier regulation, though transportation incurs a carbon cost.
Standardization of prefabricated blocks and localized production can help overcome challenges and minimize emissions.
Rammed earth construction offers aesthetic and atmospheric benefits, creating unique living and working spaces.

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