We recently visited Orchard Barn Environmental Education Centre in Ringshall, Suffolk, a stunning hub for natural construction. In a CPD lead by Jeffrey Hart, we had the opportunity to see first-hand and explore the potential of earthen floors.
This natural flooring solution offers a sustainable and practical alternative to traditional options.
The construction process at Orchard Barn was particularly noteworthy. Although earthen floors will usually incorporate Glapour recycled glass as an insulation layer, at Orchard Barn the existing concrete floor has been dug up and repurposed as aggregate, onto which the earthen floor was cast directly, demonstrating the potential of circularity in construction.
The earthen floor itself is a mixture of local clay, which varies for every project, wood fibre, sand and finally cured with linseed oil for a durable finish. A top coat of natural wax, such as beeswax, is applied for enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear. (See below for more photos)
Given their natural materials, earthen floors are naturally breathable, helping to regulate indoor temperature and humidity. Their low embodied carbon footprint makes them an environmentally responsible choice.
We were particularly impressed by the softness and comfort of the earthen floors at Orchard Barn. The earthy texture underfoot enhances its the finished floor’s sensory qualities.
Earthen floors resonate with our architectural philosophy, as we prioritise the use of natural and renewable materials like hemp and sheep's wool in our projects, achieving fully breathable and healthy buildings. We're keen to explore the potential of earthen floors in upcoming designs, strengthening our commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious construction.
We would like to thank Jeffrey Hart for his valuable insights and for hosting this though-provoking visit.
If you’d like to read more about earthen floors:
For our sustainable construction projects:
For our ongoing research on sustainable construction:
