TarraWarra Estate and Art Museum
Nestled in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, the TarraWarra Estate and Art Museum stands as a striking example of how contemporary architecture can harmonise with the natural landscape. Designed by architect Alan Powell, the museum was envisioned as a showcase for the Besen family’s art collection and a venue for curated exhibitions. Central to Powell’s vision was the use of rammed earth, a material chosen not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its environmental resonance.
Architectural Vision Meets Material Challenge
Rammed earth construction offers a unique blend of visual warmth, textural depth, and ecological sensitivity. Its ability to blend seamlessly into the surrounding terrain made it an ideal choice for the TarraWarra site. However, one of the issues with rammed earth is the capacity of the wall to absorb water and deteriorate over time. The Tech-Dry admixture Plasticure was chosen to produce a water repellent inside and outside surface and wall with no loss of the charm of natural earth.
Tech-Dry’s Plasticure Admixture
Tech-Dry was engaged to provide a moisture protection strategy tailored to the needs of the project. The solution was Plasticure—a silicone-based admixture designed to be integrally mixed with the earth during construction. Unlike surface coatings that can alter appearance or trap moisture, Plasticure works from within, forming a water-repellent barrier throughout the wall matrix.
Specialist contractor Earth Structures incorporated Plasticure directly into the rammed earth mix, resulting in a breathable wall system that retained its natural charm while significantly reducing water absorption.
Key Benefits of Plasticure
- Environmental Safety: Solvent-free formulation with no harmful fumes
- Energy Efficiency: Reduced moisture retention improves thermal performance
- Material Integrity: Preserves original texture and colour without artificial sheen
Managing Visitor Impact: Earth Binder Application
Since its opening, the TarraWarra Museum has welcomed a high volume of visitors. With increased foot traffic comes the risk of abrasion and dust displacement, particularly in areas where visitors pass close to the walls.
To mitigate this, Tech-Dry applied Earth Binder, a dust-binding treatment designed to stabilise the surface of rammed earth walls. This additional layer of protection helps maintain the appearance of the walls and reduces ongoing maintenance requirements.
The TarraWarra project demonstrates how thoughtful material selection and targeted protective treatments can elevate architectural outcomes. By integrating Tech-Dry’s Plasticure and Earth Binder products, the museum achieved a balance between aesthetic ambition and practical resilience.
Key outcomes include
- Enhanced durability of rammed earth walls
- Preservation of visual and tactile qualities
- Improved energy performance
- Reduced maintenance and long-term sustainability
The success of the TarraWarra Estate and Art Museum underscores the importance of collaboration between architects, builders, and material specialists. It also highlights the role of innovative technologies in supporting environmentally responsible design. Through the integration of Tech-Dry’s moisture control solutions, the museum’s rammed earth walls achieved both aesthetic integrity and long-term durability.
Rammed earth walls can absorb water and deteriorate over time. To address this, the project team chose the Tech‑Dry admixture Plasticure, which creates a water‑repellent surface throughout the wall while preserving the natural character of the earth. Tech-Dry offers a range of solutions that preserve the beauty and integrity of natural materials.
Whether you’re designing a public space, private residence, or cultural venue, contact our team for guidance tailored to your project.