Rammed earth and caliche block construction are not well known by most builders and architects today, although there are some architects and builders who are experienced with these materials. Compressed soil block technology is available in Austin. There are numerous suppliers of indigenous stone and local brick in the central Texas region. Caliche block and rammed earth are not available commercially, but can be created on site. There are contractors who can provide machinery for manufacturing compressed soil block, although it is not commercially available.
Earth block made from labor intensive methods cost significantly less.
Rammed earth, compressed soil block, and caliche block may pose problems for traditional financing. Proper testing and building code compliance will assist lenders in accepting their products. Stone and brick construction are considered desirable, although their use for interior thermal mass is not common in our area. Rammed earth and caliche block are little known, and may not currently receive wide public acceptance. In structural applications, materials must be rated for appropriate load requirements.