Featured Projects
Protea Eco
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By Eva Bali Its been many years ago since I visited the Dome -- since I fell in love with the untouched beauty of the valley and the views onto the “Gate to the African Continent” in the distance towards the east of Northumberland Road in Northriding. I never imagined owning land there one day. The previous owner is a renowned archeologist who has a passion for his profession and conservation. He lived on the land for the past 40 years and knows and loves every rock and tree. He had tried to sell off a portion of his property for many years, but persistently refused to hand this treasure over into the hands of ruthless developers. As we walked the property for the first time, the vision of developing an Eco Estate was born and we have not looked back since. In March 2009 we broke ground with the construction of a double story 2 bedroom cottage. The architecture incorporated many aspects of passive and energy efficient design as well as a rather uncommon building technique known as rammed earth.
Rammed earth: Alastair digged 3 test holes in different locations on the plot to check the soil colour and quality. The soil underwent certain quality tests to determine the composition of the ingredients. |
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 TEST CUBES
We had to build some test cubes with different mixtures and send them to the lab for testing of strength. The cubes would also give us an idea of the colour and texture of the mix.
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SETTING OUT
We are setting out the corner points of the building in preparation for the trenches for foundations.
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 FOUNDATION:
Concrete foundations are in the ground and the first bricks are being laid.
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 SURFACE BED:
The concrete surface bed has been poured, helping us visualise the ground floor area in the space.
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 FIRST SHUTTER:
Whilst the conventional brickwork is growing in the background, our first shutters for the rammed earth are taking shape.
The excitement and, a lovely team on site and beautiful weather brings joy to the process.
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 FIRST RAMMING:
The first section of shutter is ready and the mixing of sand and cement has started.
Students from Alastairs rammed earth courses came to help and be part of an important step in the building of a special home.
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 FIRST RAMMING. . .
. . and the very first shuffle of mixture gets filled into the shutter.
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 FIRST RAMMING:
And all are following the process with amazement and satisfaction as Alastair takes a turn to compact the fill skillfully.
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 FIRST RAMMED EARTH WALL COMPLETED!
And the result speaks for itself. Well done!
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 FIRST TIME:
A horizontal beam this distance, forming a full height corner window has never been done in rammed earth, as far as we know. We are all a little nervous, trusting the engineer and the test results, proofing the strength of the wall sufficiently by far.
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 PREPARING THE SLAB:
The first floor slab has been packed and is ready for the concrete.
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 THE SLAB GOES ON:
& the view is magnificent!
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 WORKING ON THE FIRST FLOOR:
As the shuttering on the first floor level continues, new challenges present themselves around the edges of the concrete slab.
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 FIRST FLOOR , OUT OF THE SHUTTER:
We are getting better and better, the walls are turning out more and more beautiful. Whilst one wall is curing, the work continues with ramming the next section.
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 FIRST FLOOR FINISHED RAMMED EARTH:
The rammed walls are built to lintel height and will be completed with 220 conventional brickwork to wall-plate level.
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 ON GOES THE ROOF:
We wanted to reduce the usage and dependence on municipal power. The house is equipped with a solar geyser and under the staircase provision is made for a future solar PV installation. A sub DB board has been installed and the wiring in the house has been done to accommodate that PV installation. The hob operates on gas and low watt appliances have been chosen to reduce energy consumption.
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 CONSTRUCTED WETLAND:
Since the property is not connected to a municipal sewer line, we operate with a septic tank, which is conventionally followed by a French drain. As another aspect of environmental responsible building and living we decided to create a wetland instead of the French drain.
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 WETLAND:
It is a specially designed concealed unit which receives the fluids from the septic tank and releases clean and odourless water into a storage tank that can be used for irrigation and anything else other than human consumption. A specific selection of plants will form an integral part of the landscaping and will attract a variety of wildlife.
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 MOVED IN:
Due to its thermal properties, the rammed earth wall wraps around the house to form part of the eastern face along the north elevation and around the western side. Large windows not only allow the low winter sun to shine deep into the living spaces and generate heat, but also open up the rooms to enjoy beautiful views. |
 MOVED IN:
The corner window with sliding doors connect inside and outside and the relatively small kitchen/dining room area borrows space from its outdoor environment.
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 MOVED IN:
The combination of rammed earth with its rough texture and warm natural colour contrasts with the clean and modern design of the kitchen and interior. The contrast forms and element of interest and intrigue.
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 A JOB WELL DONE!
The floors are a cemcrete finish with a mixture of different colour pigments. The concrete stairs are finished with a white washed ply wood. The walls are painted plaster without rhinolite and window are powder coated Aluminium due to low maintenance and to contrast the earthy feel of the rammed earth. |
 THANKS TO THE TEAM!
Thank you to the team who built the beautiful rammed earth walls, unfortunately not everyone appears in the picture. My Thanks extends to all the other members who played their role to complete the project and turn it into a success. I moved into my home the beginning of August 2009 and enjoyed and appreciated every day of staying in a special home, in an even more special environment which deserves to be preserved and taken care of. |
