Rammed earth is a technique for using local earth as building material. A formwork is used where different layers of earth can be rammed on top of each other. It allows for free, continues shapes with gradients in color, which creates a natural, warm look and feel. The construction is sustainable and fully recyclable.

Rammed Earth is mostly associated with building practices in developing countries, where earth is widely available, locally sourced and locally used. But now, in more industrialized developing countries, rammed earth has been rediscovered as a building material with surprisingly good sustainable characteristics, which makes it a serious alternative to more traditional building materials and techniques.

In the Netherlands, rammed earth is not the most obvious construction method because of the climate. Rammed earth is sensitive to, and has to be protected against moist and wind. Besides being able to build structures with earth, you can do more with it, like using it for interior walls, floors, bars, benches, etc. In this Public Room, Rotterdammers are introduced to the possibilities of rammed earth while using it.