Rammed earth livingware
Antwerp
2021
A vessel to grow food
Made out of rammed earth, a pot is not only a recipient that holds the seed, it is made out of the compound that provides the necessary elements for the seed to grow. On the outside, the earth is tightly packed to maintain its shape and volume. On the inside, the earth is left loose for the seed to grow freely. Once used, the pot can be broken into its original crushed form and returned to the garden.
A container to ferment food
Food fermentation enriches the diet through development of a diversity of flavors and textures, preserves substantial amounts of food over time, enriches food substrates with protein, amino acids, and vitamins, eliminates antinutrients, and reduces cooking time and the associated use of fuel. This sealed rammed earth pot creates a suitable environment for the fermentation process of plants, vegetables and fruits, preserving them and enhancing your meal with sweet, sour and vinegary tastes.
A place to cook food
Preparing food with heat or fire is an activity unique to humans. Cooking prevents many foodborne illnesses by killing or inactivating harmful organisms. It also increases the digestibility of many foods. The rammed earth oven allows you to make bread as well as slow cook any meal in a simple iron pot. The form work used to mould the chamber is simply burnt in place, generating the first fire that will take place within.
A surface to serve food
Eating food is a necessary act for simple survival. As social animals, a meal is often an occasion for social interactions. These large serving plates made of rammed earth and sealed with lime allow you to share food with your family and friends.