Tag: natural building

  • Jayne’s House – rammed earth

    Jayne’s House – rammed earth

    When we were asked to build this landmark building in Noordhoek, there were some nerves! This was to be our first new build – plus we had to build the entire house out of rammed earth, which was also a new experience for us. The client was very clear in her vision: she wanted a rammed earth house with a natural pool as part of an off-grid household. This is exactly what we gave her! To this day she is over the moon with her house.

    We were all most fortunate to have Ecowerks involved in this Noordhoek project. It was a steep learning curve for all involved and Regardt took it on with 100% commitment and passion. The result was a beautiful, unique house. It was the first house in Cape Town to be built entirely with rammed earth.Ecowerks is a company that is serious about its commitment to natural building and sustainability. Regardt was willing to embrace the design and inputted along the way in helpful and practical ways. The management of the processes on site, maintaining of records and documentation was excellent. His care for his crew during the Covid shutdown was also exemplary and together with a very supportive client managed to keep his guys employed throughout!

    Well after the dust settled his care and consideration was still evident as any follow-up or remedial work was always promptly attended to.

    Ecowerks delivered. Well done Regardt and his great team!

    David Roberts – architect

  • Strawbale House

    Strawbale House

    Our task here was to renovate and add onto this 20-year-old strawbale house in Scarborough. The first task was to determine the state of the wall structure. Upon inspection we learned that the bales in the walls were mostly rotten, due to a cement plaster being applied in the past, and water ingress, leading to rot. We had to rebuild and strengthen most of the walls and make provision for the building of a new timber frame and hemp addition. 

    Materials used here include strawbale with clay plaster interior and lime plaster exterior. Timber frame with timber cladding exterior and hemp/lime plaster interior. Rock was used to make the exterior entertainment area plus steps to the garden.

    By doing this we not only added value to the home but also lengthened the time that this building will last for future generations to enjoy.