Tuckey Design Studio's Rammed Earth House in Wiltshire Showcases Innovative Construction

Tuckey Design Studio has completed a residential project in Wiltshire, England, utilizing unstabilized rammed earth for the primary walls. The house, located on the site of a former brickworks, incorporates materials sourced directly from the property, including local clay and crushed demolition waste from existing structures. This approach minimized the need for external material deliveries. The design team collaborated with Austrian specialist Martin Rauch of Lehm Ton Erde, who provided expertise in creating durable earthen structures capable of withstanding damp and windy conditions without traditional protective elements like roof overhangs or cement additives. The construction process involved transforming the location into a temporary quarry. A mixture of equal parts clay, limestone gravel, water, and recycled aggregate was compressed to form the walls. Protective features include lime mortar layers that act as barriers against rainwater erosion and locally sourced limestone tiles on more exposed sections. Structural engineer John Gerrard of Webb Yates noted that the 400-millimeter-thick walls were designed with a 50-millimeter allowance for surface wear, ensuring long-term integrity. The 810-square-meter residence comprises two rammed-earth wings connected by a timber and glass kitchen structure, framing two walled garden courtyards. Original brick cottages were retained on the site. Interior finishes include casein coatings on exposed earth surfaces and clay plaster in other rooms. The layout allows flexible use, with separate wings that can be closed off. The project represents a significant exploration of large-scale rammed earth construction in the United Kingdom, with studio founder Jonathan Tuckey describing it as a testament to extensive testing by the team and contractor Stonewood Builders. The design references traditional English farmstead layouts, emphasizing humility and integration with the landscape. Photography and videography by Jim Stephenson document the build.