The Eden Project, Cornwall
IN-SITU PRESS RELEASE / JANUARY 2001
Use of sustainable construction materials underlines the core mission of The Eden Project.
In Situ Rammed Earth Co. Ltd. built the earth wall which the Visitor Centre at The Eden Project in Cornwall, which officially opens forms one side of to the public on 17 March 2001.
Using earth found on the site In Situ built the impressive, no cement structure at lower than conventional cost. The wall is 90m long with average height of 3m and runs the full length of the visitor centre. There is 150m2 of sub soil in the wall and each 2.5m panel weighs approx 10 tonnes. The walls were strong enough to support themselves without reinforcement on the day they were built and support the roof load. Accessibility of material and quick construction methods ensured that the budget and schedule were easily met.
One third of the world’s population: 2 billion people live in earth housing, many of which are located in Europe. In the U.K. today there are an estimated 1m people living in earth housing, once a common form of construction it fell out of use in the rush to adopt new technologies. Cement produces 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions, which makes it one of the fastest growing polluters in the world. Earth building provides an essential environmentally friendly solution. Its low cost and ease of construction meant that earth architecture long ago set the standard for comfort and efficiency and its unique qualities of economy and beauty are now being rediscovered.
NOTES TO EDITORS
ABOUT EDEN
The 123 acre site that makes up the Eden Project is more than just home to the world’s largest greenhouse; it will also act at a centre of and research, promoting awareness of sustainability. The scheme designed by UK architects, Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners, consists of two biomes set in a landscaped former china clay quarry in Cornwall. A Visitors’ Centre constructed using rammed earth is set on the contours above the biomes, will introduce the Project and explain its intentions. The Eden mission is to: “promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources, leading towards a sustainable future for all”.
ABOUT IN SITU
In Situ was established in 1998 by leading expert in rammed earth construction, Rowland Keable.
With extensive experience of building in both Africa and Australia In Situ is now developing new collaborations and projects with UK based architects. After publishing a Rammed Earth Structures:
A Code of Practice Rowland Keable has worked towards its adoption as a standard in Zimbabwe. Recent projects in this country include the visitor centre at The Eden Project and a school building in Lancashire. In Situ is currently acting as the consultant for social housing projects both in London and Nigeria and a number of private schemes.
In you require any further information please contact:
Rowland Keable
In Situ Rammed Earth Co. Ltd