A Journey from Music to Earth: Embracing Rammed Earth in Parras, Mexico
For the past six years, my day job revolved around producing Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain Music Festival, in the scenic Ozark Mountains of Arkansas (learn more). However, 2020 turned out to be a year etched in our memories as the live music industry, and nearly everything, just stopped. Like many others, we had no choice but to cancel the festival. In the wake of this realization, I found myself facing an existential question: "What now?"
After a mini mid-life crisis, I decided to pursue a long-held aspiration—to build and construct something. At the time, I was living in the picturesque town of Parras, Mexico, I had grown accustomed to the sight of adobe structures that blended with the local environment. This ignited a passion within me to construct using locally sourced materials, particularly if I could find a way to build with soil. After getting a hold of The Rammed Earth House, by David Easton, and a few YouTube videos I was led to the ancient technique of rammed earth construction, and I knew this was it — to explore the wonders of rammed earth and see where it would lead me.
Not knowing nearly anything, I embarked on a journey of experimentation and creation. I delved into the art of rammed-earth construction, harnessing the raw potential of the earth beneath my feet. As my project took shape, I discovered the profound beauty and sustainability of this ancient practice.
The Book
Within the pages of a remarkable book, I discovered the catalyst that propelled me to embark on this transformative project. Its words resonated deep within me, stirring a newfound determination to bring my vision to life.
Embracing Imperfections: The Essence of Rammed Earth Brutalism
There is a certain allure in imperfections, an inexplicable charm that arises when things unfold naturally, unplanned and unforced. It is in these imperfections that we find the true essence of ancient art, cherished for generations. Such is the beauty that resonates within the realm of rammed earth construction—a testament to the power of embracing the process.
In the 1950s, the term "brutalism" emerged as an anti-architecture movement, challenging traditional norms. However, in truth, brutalism is the original way of building structures. It embodies a raw, unapologetic approach that connects with the very core of human creativity. And within the realm of brutalism, rammed earth stands as a shining example of its finest form.
The imperfections found in rammed earth structures are not flaws to be hidden or corrected but rather stories etched into the very fabric of the building. Each uneven line, every variation in color, and every rough edge tells a tale of the earth's power and our profound connection to it.
Rammed earth brutalism invites us to appreciate the imperfect beauty that emerges from embracing the journey. It speaks to the inherent human desire to create something lasting, while simultaneously celebrating the fleeting nature of time. In this captivating dance between permanence and transience.
Day by day
A subtle gradient of hues reveals the timeline of each wall. The lighter walls, taking in the sun's warmth, stand as a testament to days gone by.
In contrast, the darker walls are the newest additions. Freshly built, they will being to lighten as the sun beings to harden them.
Unveiling the True Essence of Design: Creativity Transcends Monetary Value
We challenged the notion that spending more guarantees superior design.My wife, an industrial designer, vision celebrates efficiency, artistry, and the harmonious integration of spaces within their natural surroundings.
Drawing inspiration from the abundance of native resources, she embarked on a journey to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically captivating. By utilizing materials indigenous to the area, she ensured a seamless blending of architecture and environment.
The true essence of design lies not in lavish expenditures, but in the ability to envision innovative solutions that optimize resources at hand.
Celebrating the the Land: Native Imagery in Our Design
In our endeavor to honor the spirit of the land, we sought to infuse every corner of our suite with imagery that reflects the rich tapestry of the surrounding area. This photograph capturing the native peyote plant, taken a mere 20 miles from our suite's location.
By incorporating this native imagery, we wanted our guests to have an appreciation for the land's heritage and the symbiotic relationship between the suite and its surroundings.
