DIGITAL AND PREFABRICATED RAMMED EARTH CONSTRUCTION: TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS AND THE REINTERPRETATION OF A TRADITIONAL MATERIAL

Rammed earth (taipa) stands today as one of the most promising resources for sustainable and resilient architecture. Its contemporary reinterpretation combines the cultural value of traditional knowledge with the opportunities offered by technological innovation. This study draws on an analysis of international case studies and supporting scientific literature selected for their ability to integrate environmental performance with advanced production processes. The focus lies on prefabrication in controlled environments, monitoring compaction and composition parameters, employing digital tools such as BIM and parametric design, and introducing robotics and additive manufacturing to achieve complex geometries and layered chromatic effects. Applications demonstrate that taipa functions as thermal mass and a hygrometric regulator, reducing energy demand and improving indoor comfort without reliance on energy-intensive systems. The integration of natural stabilizers and bio-based materials enhances durability and performance while maintaining low environmental impact and fostering circular, locally rooted supply chains. These outcomes illustrate a shift beyond the purely vernacular dimension towards a replicable construction process adaptable to urban and rural contexts. As such, rammed earth emerges as a strategic material for addressing contemporary climatic and social challenges.