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Building the Villa |
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We bought 43 acres with spectacular views. The site was perfect for our project with water and electricity. |
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The foundations are very deep because rammed earth walls are very thick and heavy. The under floor plumbing goes in. |
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The earth is quarried locally and graded for building. The small heap in front has had 5% cement added to stabilize the earth when it is rammed. |
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The moistened earth is put into the formwork and rammed with a pneumatic rammer until it “pings” which means that it has been compacted sufficiently. |
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This is the first pillar that we completed. Weren't we proud? The real hard work had just begun! Building can only take place in the summer when the earth can dry out. |
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This shows the gradual progress made. The French door is made of cedar. The roof is “tied-down” with cranked galvanized bolts to withstand gale force winds. |