Vosjes Architecture Celebrates Prince Edward County Limestone in a Rammed-Earth Home
When natural materials go maximal in rural Ontario.
Can a house transcend its surroundings? The answer is a resounding yes, especially when it’s not only on the land but made from it. Such is the case with Babylon—a rammed-earth residence inspired by the plentiful limestone ledges of Ontario’s rural and trendy Prince Edward County and constructed by compacting layers of limestone subsoil sourced from a quarry just 15 minutes from the site.
The 1,750-square-foot dwelling was designed by Stacie Vos, founder of architecture and interiors firm Vosjes Architecture. From the linear, low-slung exterior, the home resembles one of many contemporary new builds sprouting up in the area locals call “The County.” But a closer look beyond the sleek carport, ash pergola, and fully glazed south façade reveal subtly layered and striated walls in every soft shade of grey imaginable.
The process of rammed-earth construction is an ancient one. To ensure the conditions are fit for modern living, contractors now incorporate polyiso insulation, which lowers heating and cooling costs. And though the compacted walls can be tinted for visual effect, Vos and local rammed-earth contractor Aerecura Sustainable Builders settled on the natural tone as an homage to the local landscape.
To further celebrate raw materials and complement the rammed-earth walls, Vos opted for poured concrete cement floors with underfloor heating throughout and micro cement wall finishes in the bathroom. To introduce an element of warmth to the interiors, Vos designed bookmatched floating cabinetry in the kitchen, a 14-foot sliding door, and a wall of panelling that conceals storage—all fabricated from local felled ash trees.
The layout was cleverly conceived for both communal and private experiences: the open living space is flanked by the primary bedroom and ensuite to the west, with a guest bath and additional bedrooms to the east, near the home’s entry.
Outside, the landscaping by Kate Crothers Design enhances the home’s simple lines and south-facing exposure. Stately Japanese maple trees encircle the house, while gardens of seasonal grasses provide colour and texture on a lower plane.
Both indoors and out, minimal decoration or adornment is needed: the undulating rammed-earth walls act as the ultimate back-to-nature works of art.
Photographs by Brooke Stephenson.
