About us


Ciudad Insecto Estudio is a rammed earth design-build firm founded in 2005 by architect Daniel Parra in Barichara, Colombia.

Our design and construction processes are based on vernacular architecture, departing from a material understanding and a recognition of the wisdom that lies in tapia pisada traditions and mastery of this technique. 

At CIE we apply this knowledge and bioclimatic strategies to create healthy spaces that enhance the human experience and improve the energy efficiency of buildings. 

Twenty years of experience in the field in conjunction with research and investigation in rammed earth construction techniques have allowed us to develop higher-efficiency techniques that improve processes and develop a finished product which achieves levels of durability and precision that are unmatched. 

Rammed Earth Co by CIE employs unique soil identification and granulometry methods, which in unison with our refined formwork systems and compaction techniques result in the most lasting, precise and engaging structures available worldwide. 

These innovations allow our built work to enhance the expressive quality of earth, highlighting its raw texture and authenticity.  Our work embraces the tactile allure of rammed earth to transform soil into timeless, refined and authentic refuge. 

We strive to create an architecture that celebrates material and craft, while aligning with the demands of this generation and those to come.



Services


Design 


We provide comprehensive architectural design services, from initial project development through to the seamless execution of your vision. Our team guides you through every phase, from conceptualization and design to construction management, ensuring a creative and efficient process. What sets us apart is our commitment to integrated building solutions that embrace both advanced technologies and time-tested, low-tech ancestral knowledge. By merging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation, we honor the wisdom of past construction methods while projecting these principles into the future of sustainable design.



Construction


In addition to our full architectural design services, we collaborate with designers interested in incorporating rammed earth construction into their projects. Our team ensures that the beauty, sustainability, and structural integrity of rammed earth are seamlessly integrated, delivering a unique and enduring result. We believe that the future of architecture lies in this harmonious balance between modern efficiency and the timeless principles of building with nature. Our team ensures that each project is functionally sound, environmentally responsible, and finely attuned to its cultural and historical context, making every design a living bridge between tradition and innovation.

Consultancy


With over twenty years of hands-on experience and a commitment to continuous research and innovation, we have honed advanced rammed earth construction techniques that significantly enhance both efficiency and quality. By combining traditional methods with modern advancements, we have refined processes that not only streamline construction but also elevate the performance and durability of our builds. The results produced by our construction team stand unmatched, offering a unique blend of aesthetic beauty, sustainability, and structural integrity that is rooted in decades of expertise and technical mastery.

News

We are building on the beach! 
Site visit with engineering students from the Universidad Industrial de Santander.
Milana Barichara officially opened. Designed and built by Ciudad Insecto Estudio. 
Tapial Block workshop with Fetdeterra. @SEED in Mexico City Sept 28-29, 2024.

Construction progress in Casa Franco, Medellin. Designed by Cinco Solidos.
R&D for a custom request... 
Finishing touches on Cantamonos in Medellin. Designed by D’Koller Arquitectura. 
Un Estudio nearing completion. Designed and built by Ciudad Insecto Estudio.
Custom earth-based wall finishes for Colorado Café in Bogotá. 
Advanced Rammed Earth workshop. Mexico City June 8-9, 2024.

Rammed Earth Co


 
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