Sustainable Building Methods
The Cardboard-Confined Rammed Earth System is a Concrete Alternative
Amy Duong — October 18, 2025
The researchers at RMIT University have introduced Cardboard-Confined Rammed Earth, a construction method that replaces traditional concrete formwork with cardboard tubes. These tubes serve as both mold and reinforcement, filled with compacted earth that hardens into durable structural columns. Once in place, the cardboard casing remains part of the design, eliminating waste and reducing reliance on high-emission materials. The result is a building system that prioritizes efficiency, accessibility, and environmental responsibility.
Testing shows the technique cuts carbon emissions to a fraction of that produced by concrete while maintaining comparable strength. The materials can be sourced locally, making it especially practical for low-rise housing and rural construction. By combining simplicity with innovation, Cardboard-Confined Rammed Earth demonstrates how sustainable design can emerge from ordinary materials, reshaping the future of affordable and eco-conscious architecture.
