Although I initially thought that "Rammed Earth Renaissance" referred to some kind of Egyptian architectural revival, this program is actually about...compacted dirt. A relatively low-budget effort, the video interviews author and builder David Easton, who traces the history of using rammed earth for dwelling walls, explains the advantages and durability of the material, and then shows viewers how a rammed earth construction is put together. Although some of Easton's commentary comes from way left-field ("natural selection favored species that could use earth to build;" say what?), the revival of adobe architecture in the southwest has re-ignited interest in rammed earth. While rammed earth structures are not entirely the environmentally-neutral critters claimed in the program (concrete, steel reinforcement, and huge pre-fabricated wood forms to shape the walls are all used), Easton makes a good argument for the relative benefits, both cost-wise and eco-wise, as compared to traditional wood frame houses. A companion tape to Easton's book The Rammed Earth House, larger collections will definitely want to consider this overview. Aud: C, P. (R. Pitman)
The Rammed Earth Renaissance
(1996) 31 min. $45. Lyceum Productions. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 0-9652335-0-2. Vol. 11, Issue 6
The Rammed Earth Renaissance
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