| Cast Earth is a mix of soil with the proper characteristics, and plaster of Paris (calcined gypsum)plus a retarder (probably lignin sulfonate). It is a wet mix that is poured into wall forms in layers, creating beautiful earthtone striations that look like the Painted Hills. A Cast Earth wall can help regulate interior humidity levels, is breathable, very strong, loadbearing, and can be insulated in the center of the wall during the pour. Electrical and plumbing lines can also be placed in the forms during casting. It sets up fast, so the forms can be removed quickly, and there is no lengthy curing process as in concrete, but buildings made of this material could stand for centuries. It is probably the most beautiful of all the earth building materials, and being made of local earth, is extremely sustainable. It can be cast into any shape, so that custom round rooms, interesting niches and low relief art work can be easily incorporated during casting. Because the creative possibilities are endless, the material's ability to lend itself to quick construction, and it's amazing sustainability, Cast Earth could have a great future in the commercial housing industry. |
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