RAMMED EARTH IS WHAT WE DO
Whether you want a little knowledge or a lot of structure, De la Tierra brings decades of building, research, testing, soil science, mix design and proprietary technology to the table. Browse the links below to learn about what we have to offer.
DESIGN / CONSULTING
Whether you have a blank slate, a rough concept, or just need help with some troubling details, our extensive knowledge of the medium and experience in all facets of the design process can help steer you down the path to a successful project. Reach us here to find out more.
TURNKEY WALLING
From specialized foundation work to bond beams of any type and all the doorways, windows, lintels, embeds, utilities and anchorages in between. Using our own unique forming systems and a full range of fabrication capabilities, we can bypass numerous vendors to prepare earthen walls for finish build-out or team with established and vetted contractors experienced in dealing with walls of this type to complete your project. (read more)
CONSTRUCTION DETAILING
Earth wall-specific flashings, waterstops and anchorages, custom volume displacement devices, embeds of all sizes and types, adhesives, fasteners and coatings, and divergent material interfaces all require specialized knowledge and attention. Our years of experience in many types of construction uniquely position us to assist in the planning phase of your project. (read more)
SOIL SOURCING AND ANALYSIS
Confirmation of site soils for suitability or local sourcing of appropriate earth is critical to the bottom line of any earth building project. Beyond boilerplate consideration of particle size and clay content, many factors can impact the performance of earthen walls. A thorough and science-based approach to to identifying source material is cheap insurance for any project. Ask about the many ways we can streamline this process. (read more)
MIX DESIGN AND SAMPLING
With a soil source secured, the work of mix design begins. Stabilizers, pigments, admixtures and supplemental aggregates can all be used to address design and performance issues with the source material. Stabilizers and admixtures require particular batching consideration since "more is better" seldom applies. Extensive sample creation and testing goes a long way to insure success if the formulations are accurately reproduced in the field. We provide training, materials and documentation to streamline this process. (read more)
FORMS
De la Tierra manufactures our own patent-pending forms designed from scratch, exclusively for rammed earth. We drew on decades of experience to include unique features and capabilities which move material and labor freely within the forms, reducing tamping time and bottom line costs. Adjustable to any thickness and well suited to tapers, curved sections and custom form liners, our standard forms and custom fabrications can set your creativity free.
FABRICATION SERVICES
Embeds, anchors, lintels, custom hardware, modular bond beams, built-ins, sacrificial blocking, and more -- if it needs placement in, on or near an earth wall, we can build it. We offer full service architectural fabrication in steel, aluminum,stainless, bronze, copper, timber, fine woods and stone. (read more)
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
We offer everything from informational talks on all aspects of rammed earth construction, to consulting, to hands-on workshops. We also offer on-site training in forming, mixing and placement of earth. Curious? (read more)