Ward + Blake Architect’s have designed an incredible rammed earth home complete with a green roof, located on a sprawling site in Squirrel, Idaho. Comprised of 5,994 square feet of living space, the architect’s created this home with their patented EarthWall construction system which uses a post-tension steel as the framework to construct the rammed earth walls that seems to rise from the soil.

Additional materials used in the building process includes corten steel, reclaimed wood and stone, concrete, cedar and maple. Transparency was a key element to the design process, where large expanses of windows were incorporated into the building envelope, opening in to the exterior.

Concrete flooring travels throughout the interiors and extends to the patio, creating a seamless flow and helping blur the boundaries between indoors and out. 

Incorporating sustainable design principles into the building process, the structure was oriented to maximize solar heat gain through its energy efficient windows and high-thermal mass walls.

Not only does the structure offer passive solar design, additional energy efficient features includes a ground source heat pump which carries water naturally kept at the earth’s core temperature and needs minimal heating and cooling for interior use.

The use of sustainable building materials includes reclaimed douglas fir, which was used in both the soffits and ceilings. Reclaimed stone was used for architectural detailing, which reinforces the homeowner’s request to reduce their environmental impact of the building footprint.

Have a look through some other inspiring properties comprised of rammed earth presented here on One Kindesign:

Spectacular beach house in Maui

Concrete and rammed earth: Desert Courtyard House

Rammed earth house in Australia becomes a visionary design

Striking rammed earth dwelling in the countryside

What We Love: The beautiful use of reclaimed materials, and the rammed earth walls that creates a very natural, organic aesthetic to this home that is very warm and welcoming. What do you think of this rammed earth design, do you like the look? Let us know why or why not in the comments section below!

The master bedroom features generous-sized picture windows that captures endless views of farmland and fields.

Photos: Roger Wade