The Dissemination of the Pisé Technique Along Trade Routes

The pisé technique spread to Central Europe mainly along trade routes. Its arrival in Switzerland is closely connected to linen and cotton production in the eastern part of the country. The rammed earth technique was imported in the 17th century, when it followed the same trade routes as silks from Lyon and Milan. In those days, therefore, building with earthen materials in Switzerland was more an expression of a flourishing craft industry than a low-cost construction method. 

Exhibition Content Navigation

Introduction to the Exhibition

A Short History of Earthen Architecture

Early History Worldwide

The Earthen Monuments of Pre-Columbian America

Brazil: The Merging of Two Building Cultures

The Renaissance of Earthen Building Techniques

The Rammed Earth Pioneer: François Cointeraux

The Dissemination of the Pisé Technique Along Trade Routes

Rapid Robotic Clay Rotunda

Watch the Making of the Rapid Robotic Clay Rotunda

The Kiln Tower

Watch the Making of the Kiln Tower

Clay Properties