Highly specialised expertise
Our combined expertise in earth construction, timber construction and engineering allows us to identify and implement the optimal solutions between technology and craftsmanship.
Light and yet massive
Light timber structures are quick to build but struggle with temperature changes. Conversely, earthen structures take longer to construct but offer superior thermal properties. Combining these materials intelligently offers the benefits of both.
Regenerative and carbon cutting
Wood is nature’s carbon sequestering technology, regenerating itself naturally. However, mismanagement can pose challenges. We locally source logs from sustainable foresters and design waste-conscious timber elements to minimise our timber usage.
Passive climate control
Earth complements timber by providing the thermal mass needed for temperature regulation. Rammed earth, with its high thermal mass, stores energy, offering cooler summers and warmer winters. Clay’s moisture absorption maintains a comfortable indoor humidity of 55%.
Fire safety first
We protect wood with earth, which doesn’t burn. Rammed earth has proven fire-resistant in tests. Filling the spaces between timber with earth reduces combustion risk, enhancing fire resistance. During Hortus ceiling system prototyping, our fire testing achieved an REI90 fire class.
Less noise, more peace
Our earthen elements offer excellent acoustic insulation due to their weight, mass, and textured surface. The material mix, with varying particle sizes and hardness, absorbs airborne sound waves, reverberation, and echoes in indoor spaces.
Prefabrication means precision
Our prefabrication processes overcome past challenges with natural materials in modern construction. Elements are produced under controlled conditions, ensuring higher quality and timely on-site assembly to suit project requirements.
Stronger standards
Natural building materials, especially earth, have long suffered from a lack of trust and codified standards. Now, with the engineering experience of gbd, Lehmit can calculate earth and timber structures that were never before realised.