Rammed Earth Study, The Rauch House
Modeling Sustainable Architecture at Scale
Parsons School of Design M.Arch Year 2
David Maria d’Olimpio, Tuhina Dutta, Ariana Medina
To build something is to understand it.
The Rauch Home is an incredible feat of architectural design, using unstabilized rammed earth to create a beautiful example of circular and sustainable architecture. As a component of our Construction Technologies 2 Class, Ariana Medina, Tuhina Dutta, and I chose to model a section of the Rauch Family Home at a 1”=1’ scale. Exploring the stereotomic tectonics of this building was a process of trial and error, producing a 3’ high rammed earth model with materials as close to the original building as possible from drawings and diagrams collected from thorough rigorous research.
Our modeling process began with digital modeling and drafting sections of the overall building. Once we understood the tectonics of the building, we began were able to diagram and begin the model’s construction.
Designing the formwork for the model with assembly and disassembly in mind was a key aspect of a successful build. This diagram demonstrates the formwork both for the wall and the base.
Once the formwork was designed, we began experimenting with different ratios of soil, rockite, water, clay, and sand. The third trial held its form, did not adhere to the formwork as it dried, and resisted enough compression loads to use as a base for the larger model.
Final Model
Formwork and Final Model
Joint Condition: Roof Assembly
Joint Condition: Foundation Key
Joint Condition: Concrete Floor Slab
Distress in the Final Model
Textures Created by Layering Earth
Components, Materials, and Detail Model with Interior Finish