CONTEMPORIZING VERNACULAR
Rammed Earth is an environmentally and readily available alternative to highly processed mass materials. While reconnecting with vernacular practices, rammed Earth allows high-tech structural performance and acts as a thermal storage device that reduces heating and cooling energy demand.
This study explores digital tools and construction methodologies to introduce greater design variability for rammed Earth. Specifically, adaptive and stackable formwork for rammed Earth with different additives are developed, fabricated, and tested. This study contributes to the broader adaptation of natural mass assemblies by allowing form generation dictated by a combination of mechanical and thermal properties.
This study explores digital tools and construction methodologies to introduce greater design variability for rammed Earth. Specifically, adaptive and stackable formwork for rammed Earth with different additives are developed, fabricated, and tested. This study contributes to the broader adaptation of natural mass assemblies by allowing form generation dictated by a combination of mechanical and thermal properties.
date:
2018 - 2020
project:
Sustainable Design Graduate Thesis, Carnegie Mellon University
thesis student:
Pragya Gupta
lead advisor:
Dana Cupkova
publication:
Gupta, P., Cupkova, D., Ben-Alon, L., & Hameen, E. C. (2020). EVALUATION OF RAMMED EARTH ASSEMBLIES AS THERMAL MASS THROUGH WHOLE-BUILDING SIMULATION. In ASHRAE Topical Conference Proceedings (pp. 618-625). American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
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