Table of Contents
Prelims (Praise for this book, Contents, Tests, About the authors, Acknowledgements, Preface to the Second Edition)
1. Introduction
2. Materials
3. Formwork
4. Groundworks
5. Superstructure
6. Stability
7. Details and finishes
8. Earthquake areas
Back Matter (Appendix 1, Appendix 2)
Endorsements
‘An essential reference guide for anyone interested in the practice of rammed earth construction. This new improved edition includes updated photographs from recent projects.’
Professor Pete Walker, Director, BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials, University of Bath
‘You might say that rammed earth construction is a sort of tonic offered to a world still mindlessly addicted to fuel-intensive building, a breath of fresh air and reason that is so badly needed. Julian and Rowland Keable are the administering doctors, and with this lucid volume make rammed earth construction safe and easy for everyone. If you've thought of building a home from this most local of materials, you would do well to own and consult this guide.’
Bruce King, Director of Ecological Building Network, author of Buildings of Earth and Straw
‘As an architect and builder who has designed and built in rammed earth in both Zimbabwe and Australia I wish I had had this document long ago. It is a true working manual which is demystifying, credible and well illustrated. The most important process with rammed earth is selecting, grading and mixing the material miles out in the bush without a testing lab down the road. With this book you can now do it yourself and build up your own knowledge base and methods using visual and physical testing with your hands and eyes. Well done to the two Keables! I would now like a similar manual for all the other building trades.’
Mick Pearce AADipl (hons) RIBA MIAZ, architect with global experience
