Knowledge exchange for innovation in the vernacular rammed earth technique, Peru

Vernacular earthen construction in seismic areas of the Andes, the vulnerability of which is compounded by the effects of climate changes, requires the intervention of Academia to develop and transmit innovative technologies that ensure its sustainability. The Centro Tierra research group at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, has developed a project for improvement of the infrastructure of a Colonial hacienda manor currently used as a hotel, of adobe and rammed earth in Tarma and the training of local personnel for strengthening existing buildings and new construction works in rammed earth. Mitigating actions to prevent risks by adapting vernacular rammed earth techniques to innovative antiseismic and rain-proof aspects are proposed. Findings of the project are reached on the following areas: vernacular and academic knowledge exchange for present-day rammed-earth building, understanding the difficulties in the transmission of new technologies, application of techniques validated in the economic and practical aspects. © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group.