News

ERDEN – Martin Mackowitz & Sami Akkach

March 24, 2022, 6:30 PM

Rammed earth may be the oldest building material known to mankind. The technique requires little equipment, minimal processing, hardly any energy, and the buildings last a lifetime. Parts of the Great Wall of China made of rammed earth have even survived to this day. So why is the material uncommon in much of the world today? Can we revive the building technique? How can it be integrated into modern building practice? Vorarlberg architects, clay builders, canoe paddlers and carpet weavers Martin Mackowitz and Sami Akkach present their work at Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst. Founded by earth building pioneer Martin Rauch, Lehm Ton Erdehas become synonymous with rammed earth innovation and sustainable architecture. Design, research, manufacturing, PR and education – the two clay connoisseurs cover the entire spectrum of rammed earth and talk about their unique perspective on craftsmanship, sustainability, regionality and clay in construction.