Clay and Lime being our primary binders, we have been collecting samples and studying their characteristics for more than a decade. We offer consulting on the appropriateness of soils/limes for construction.
Vanamu houses a research lab for the preparation and testing of samples. Workshops have been a great way of collecting samples and expanding our geographies of knowledge.
Written below are the loosely bound affordances we closely study.
History of Earth Construction around the world | Settlements: Values, Symbols, Meanings | Observing patterns: Living Space to the City | Soil and its characteristics | Soil Formation | Classification of soils | Fundamental properties of soil | Soil identification on-site | Soil Stabilization | Principles | Soil Stabilization Mechanisms and processes | Soil Suitability for Methods | Basics of structural principles | Mechanical, Static and Physical Characteristics | Thermophysical and Hydrous properties of Earth
Practical Soil identification | Soil testing methods | Mixing of Earth, Earth & fibers | Preparation of soil for Adobe and Cob | Making of Adobes
History of Lime in construction, around the world | Applications of lime in construction | Extraction and Characteristics | Sources of lime; types of lime | Production methods | Chemistry and cycle of lime | Methods of Constructruction | Granulometry and Types of Aggregates | Mortars and Concretes | Lime Mixes and suitability | Mechanical, Static and Physical Characteristics | Thermophysical and Hydrous properties of Lime based methods
Slaking of Lime
How to sign up for a workshop?
See images of previous workshops here
If interested in organizing one, please contact Varun Thautam