The Rammed Earth House

The Rammed Earth House, by David Easton.
Chelsea Green Publishing Co., 1996. Softcover, 274pp.

In this age of nondescript tract housing and synthetic town homes, nothing sounds so refreshing as a "house of earth". As we sit in our corporate office buildings and yearn for a closer relation with Mother Earth, David Easton might advise to just pick up a shovel, and build with Mother Earth. David Easton has been working with the earth, building houses and structures in Napa Valley, for over 20 years. Working with the earth as a form of shelter is not new, in fact, it may be the oldest form of shelter. For David Easton, rammed earth housing represents the future, a future of permanence and solidity.

David Easton's The Rammed Earth House, is written for the owner-builder, in a manner that is both organic and technical. Working with the earth is organic by nature, yet the building processes that have evolved over the years have become very technical. Professionally trained as an industrial engineer, with 20 years of experience, and over 100 buildings to his credit, Easton's knowledge of the subject is clear and concise.

Easton's book is divided into 12 chapters, which cover everything from the history of the building method, the planning, design and preparation of the site, the construction process, and the finishing touches. Easton teaches how site selection plays into the design, and building orientation can take advantage of what the earth has to offer from wind, water and sun. Working in earthquake prone Northern California, Easton has developed improved wall-system designs that incorporate portland cement in the soil mix and concrete bond beams capping the walls for improved strength.

Easton's book also focuses on the economic aspect of the building process, and gives alternative building methods, and multiple uses for building materials which leave nothing for scrap. Easton points out that plywood from the forms can be used as roof sheeting, 2"x4"'s from formwork can be used as interior wall framing, and 2"x12"'s can be used as roof framing. It is obvious from Easton's book that this type of construction is very labor intensive, and depending on how much of the labor you do yourselves will greatly affect the overall price of the project.

Easton completes his book with a builders' resource section which contains photographic step-by-steps, sample home designs and information, soil identification information, a restoration project, and structural design information.

Overall, David Easton has combined a wealth of experience and a passion for the earth in an inspiring guidebook for the novice, and the expert. He has shown us that our childhood past-time of playing with mud can still be as satisfying as you remembered. Only now, your countless hours can reward you with a house of substance and fortitude. A house of permanence and solidity that can stand the test of time and give years of comfort and pride. If you are planning to build, or just feel the need to get back to Mother Earth, take David Easton's book as inspiration and lesson.