Frequently Asked Questions
What does SIREWALL cost?
It is not possible to quote a specific unit cost for SIREWALL because of the variables associated with architectural design, site conditions, and a variety of construction logistics. In general terms, SIREWALL is an upper end product comparable in cost with higher end masonry construction, or about a third more expensive than architectural cast in place concrete - although this fails to take into account the fact that SIREWALL is a complete wall system, whereas the masonry or concrete only represents a portion of the total wall cost. It is considerably more expensive as an initial cost than mainstream wood frame construction. The higher initial cost is significantly offset, however, with the long term savings and benefits associated with occupancy and ownership discussed on Health, Environment, Aesthetics, and Durability pages of this site.
What happens when it rains?
Nothing, really. You can launch an assault on a SIREWALL wall with a 2500 psi pressure washer for hours to no effect, other than getting really wet yourself. Additionally, in contrast to traditional rammed earth, which is highly hydrophilic (water absorbing), SIREWALL can now be specified as hydrophobic (water repelling). This is an excellent benefit with respect to implications for rising damp, efflorescence, or freeze-thaw concerns.
This is a very common question, and it is pretty reasonable if one is thinking of rammed earth as a low-tech, bohemian, counter-culture, low-cost alternative-lifestyle building method, probably favored by environmental fanatics. But with the possible exception of that last bit, SIREWALL is pretty much the opposite of everything conjured up by that mental image.
Is SIREWALL appropriate for wet climates?
Absolutely. SIREWALL was initially developed in a relatively moist climate, in the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. One of the most appreciated aspects of it there has been the fact that mold cannot find anything to eat in SIREWALL, and stays away.
Images that come to mind when thinking of 'traditional rammed earth' certainly have historically been associated with hot, arid climates. The evolution of the SIREWALL system away from those roots, however, make it viable for any climate. In fact, the harsher the climate, the more attractive SIREWALL becomes.
Can you use the soil where I am building?We believe so. We have never been unable to develop a well performing soil mix, even in areas where others have tried and failed. The Production section of this site provides an overview of our approach.
What is the relationship between Earthwall and SIREWALL?
Sam Rodell, the president of Earthwall, is a SIREWALL Licensee as well as a principal at Kirkwood Rodell Architects.
Kirkwood Rodell Architects designs rammed earth projects and consults to other architects about SIREWALL. Sam is an experienced general contractor with a long and successful history of design-build construction. With Earthwall, he is available as a specialty sub-contractor to general contractors who wish to build with SIREWALL.
The ability to move flexibly between these roles means that whatever your particular interest in SIREWALL, Sam is probably well positioned to be of valuable assistance.
Would Kirkwood Rodell Architects design my SIREWALL project even though they are far removed from my location?
We are available to either assist your architect or work directly for you. We have a long history of successfully working far from home.
I have a good working relationship with an architect who has never worked with rammed earth. Is this an issue?
It shouldn't be. The best approach is to get communication between us going early. There is a lot to know about how to design with SIREWALL, and how to do it cost effectively, and we are here to help. Much of what your architect might be reading about rammed earth is likely not to be applicable to SIREWALL.
What happens if you want to make some changes later?
The best scenario is to have had expansion plans built into your design work to begin with. If that did not happen, it is still possible to remodel a SIREWALL building. It is not that different from the scenario you would face working with any heavy building envelope, such as masonry or concrete. If you want to do something relatively simple, like add an outlet, it would be relatively easy to do if you have access to the top of the wall.
How do you hang pictures?
The traditional picture rail method works nicely, hanging frames from cables.
These little three-pronged hangers tap into rammed earth walls. They can be popped out later, and the slightly granular texture of rammed earth makes the little pinholes virtually undetectable.
What about building inspectors and permit approvals?
Building inspectors have generally been using the equivalency provision in the International Building Code, backed up by independent engineering done by licensed professionals.
What about seismic issues?
Engineers usually treat SIREWALL like lower-strength concrete for their calculations. The embedded curtains of steel, combined with the higher ductility of rammed earth, makes for very conservative engineering solutions.
What is the insulation value of SIREWALL?
SIREWALL has a conductive insulation value of R33, in addition to a built-in vapor barrier and tons of thermal mass on the warm side of the insulation. The benefit of the abundant thermal mass has been been documented to perform better than three times the conductive performance of a wood framed insulated wall (Oak Ridge Labs).
Can SIREWALL walls be built without insulation?
Yes, and as a rule of thumb this will reduce the cost by around fifteen percent. We do this whenever we are building walls that are not part of a building envelope, such as interior or landscape walls.
How thick are SIREWALL walls?
The typical exterior insulated wall is eighteen inches thick. Interior walls can be as narrow as ten to twelve inches (depending the rating of your seismic zone). You can increase the thickness of SIREWALL walls for architectural reasons, usually with minimal cost implications.
How about indoor air quality?
Many people choose SIREWALL specifically for the superior indoor air quality.
Is mold an issue in SIREWALL?
No. Mold requires organic material.
How about insects and rodents?
They cannot get into SIREWALL.
Is there design flexibility with SIREWALL?
SIREWALL is an infinitely variable material that offers an unlimited array of possibilities for architectural design and expression, but your designer should have a strong practical working knowledge of it to maximize its potential.
How can I get SIREWALL?
Only through a certified SIREWALL Licensee.
Can any building be SIREWALL? Is there a height limit?
No building material or technology is appropriate for all situations, but the unique properties of SIREWALL make it a potentially ideal choice for a variety of building types, including single and multi-family residential, low rise commercial projects such as galleries, cultural centers, medical buildings, spas, restaurants, etc., public and civic buildings and institutions, and temperature or humidity sensitive uses such as libraries, archives, or wineries.
Technically there is not a height limit building with SIREWALL, but for both practical and expressive reasons it is important to acknowledge that it is a very heavy material. For smaller projects, those portions of wall heights that exceed ten feet in height are, while not uncommon, more costly due to a variety of construction logistics. For larger projects, multi-story walls are in many cases very viable.
Is SIREWALL environmentally sound?
SIREWALL uses predominantly local, inorganic materials and local labor to build a highly insulated, passive solar compatible, healthy wall that will stand for generations. SIREWALL has been approved by the International Living Building Institute as 'Red List Ready', meaning it meets or exceeds the most rigorous standard in existence for sustainable or restorative architecture.
