I want to meld old and new technologies together for this project. I think it will be important to observe and respect traditional East Timorese construction methods and materials, but also to adapt new technologies and materials to solve problems. Metaphorically, it could be seen as a way of imbracing outside influences in order to evolve traditional methods. It is important the the people of East Timor can identify with the building and all it has to offer.
An uplifting quality of space will be an important component of this project. Namely due to the fact that the building is to perform so many tasks, from everyday occurances such as a community market, to an international government meeting or expo.
Lightness, texture and geometrical composition could be used to create memorable qualities from what will probably be a little space.
I am interested in rammed earth technologies and the amazing textures achieved. I think it will be important to use the earth of East Timor as an expressive, warm and inviting element to the spaces. Depending on its composition it could also be used as a type of diapragm bracing.
The above link is for a series of blog sites relating to the performance characteristics of rammed earth.
The above link is to a report by the CSIRO on the insulation properties of rammed earth. Apparently it is a poor insulator against thermal conductance. However, in my design I will be interested in using rammed earth in the interior spaces. As they will not be absorbing radiation directly, this will not be such an issue.
One thing that is an issue is the effect of the environment on the integrity of the walls. Rammed earth is not often used in wet or temperate climates due to the moisture in the air which affects the chemical composition of the material. However, remarkable ways have been devised to overcome such problems: SETTING FIRE TO THEM!
The above link is to another Peter Zumthor project, the Brother Claus Chapel in Germany.
The interior has been glazed by piling timber next to the walls and setting the timber alight. The carbon given off from the combustion adheres to the rammed earth surface and seals it from the environment.
Sustainability and maintenance of the building will be of paramount importance. Therefore, if I can implement traditional building materials with new "technologies" or techniques, I will be able to provide much more than just feature walls.
This image shows and example of the beautiful textures that can be found when compacting a sample of earth with other elements.
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