Field Notes from Aerecura
Every project begins with a question.
That spirit of curiosity has been part of Aerecura since founder Sylvia Cook first asked, "Can we build better?" Field Notes is an extension of that question— and Sylvia’s enduring and inspiring curiosity. A place to share conversations, project stories, lessons from the field, and the ideas that continue to shape the way our team think about homes, materials, and thoughtful construction.
Whether we're exploring rammed earth, following a renovation, or sitting down with homeowners and collaborators, we hope these stories encourage curiosity, spark conversation, and inspire others to build well.
What Does It Really Feel Like to Live in a Rammed Earth Home?
People often ask what us what it’s actually like to live in a rammed earth home. They understand the environmental benefits, the durability, and the impressive energy performance—but what they're really asking is something much harder to measure.
What's it actually like to come home to one every day?
To try and answer that question, I thought it might be a good idea visit Pam in the kitchen of her rammed earth home, accompanied by her incredibly handsome and good pup Gus. Pam moved into her home last fall - one we built nearly ten years ago! We were so happy when she reached out with some house questions after her purchase. and, of course, excited to meet the new homeowner.
Ontario Winters + Rammed Earth Performance
I still remember my first winter visit to Castleton.
I'd packed for survival. Wool sweaters. Thick socks. Extra layers. The whole works.
After all, I was heading to a rammed earth home in rural Ontario over Christmas, with temperatures hovering around -20°C. I wasn't entirely convinced I'd be comfortable.
I was wrong. In fact, I was overpacked. …