---

For over 25 years, Martin Rauch has been at the forefront of research and development in all aspects of rammed earthed construction. As proper design with earth can only come from truly understanding the material, he would now like to share his experience and knowledge of this construction material in a design manual.

The publication goes beyond projects to focus on structural elements, such as the design and layout of floors, walls, ceilings and openings, which are clearly explained with detailed project information from structures previously realised by Martin Rauch. Various examples help to illustrate how to overcome structural engineering difficulties in earth construction and the design possibilities that result from these solutions.

Essays about earth as a material and its particular aspects in the areas of building biology, building physics and construction permits complete this fundamental work.

---

Otto Kapfinger, geboren 1949 in St. Pölten, freischaffender Architekturwissenschaftler und -publizist. Ausstellungen zur Österreichischen Architektur im 20. Jahrhundert. 1981 - 1990 Architekturkritiker der Tageszeitung "Die Presse". 1997/98 Gastprofessor an der Hochschule für Gestaltung in Linz.

---