The completed ramed earth walls. Photo: Oliver James Atwood
Incredible, incredible day at the Women's Savings Cooperative work site today - we have just finished the last blocks for the rammed earth walls! This rammed earth building has been designed specifically for the local women's savings cooperative office and meeting place in the nearby town of Nawalpur.
Our volunteers create a mix of 5 parts earth, 3 parts gravel, 1 part stone, and a little cement.
Volunteers toss CSEBs to each other.
Nitzan and Maya of Back to Earth Community have been here and sharing their immense expertise and knowledge with dozens of Conscious Impact volunteers and our Nepali staff, local masons, and also 3 members from the KTK-BELT studio team in eastern Nepal. KTK-Belt had sent a small team here a few months ago to learn the process of making and curing Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB) with us, and last week they sent another group to learn the art of rammed earth. We are grateful for the massive energy and collaboration the large group is bringing each and everyday!
Maya, Nitzan, and Allen pose next to the completed rammed earth walls.
The local masons will proceed in laying the compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) for the interior wall, and pouring the lintel beam, a structural horizontal block on top of the rammed earth walls. Such a beautiful day out today working together in the February sunshine. Deep thanks to all supporters from near and far, volunteers, and community members who have contributed to this momentous milestone. Onwards!
PS: Much love to everyone (in the name of Valentine's Day), today and more importantly, everyday
CSEBs are passed inside the structure to build the interior wall.
Written/ Photos by: Jonothan H. Lee
Instagram: Subtledream