Earth lies under the upper hummus layer and is found in all parts of the world. In the form of excavated material it surfaces directly on the building site and can become a valuable material instead of being transported to the landfill site. It is used in around 40 different earth-building techniques, depending on the proportions of silt, sand, and clay. This material is different everywhere, which explains the diversity of local building cultures. Before industrialisation building with earth was standard practice in Europe, too, but it gradually lost its importance. It remained only for "poor people" and went hand in hand with less elaborate execution. And it was a means that was used in crisis situations. Now earth building is experiencing a comeback in industrialised countries as a one-off and a luxury item, which is expensive due in part to the large amount of manual labour involved. Vorarlberg native Martin Rauch comes from the tradition of the ceramicist, the tiled stove builder, and the sculptor. For almost 40 years he has been experimenting with earth, specialising in rammed earth, and with his business Lehm Ton Erde he pursues the goal of establishing earth as a climate-neutral building material that is fit for the future and can be used in large structures up to five storeys high.
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