swish

African architecture

Also known as: pisé de terre

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July 14, 2026

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"Swish," also known as pisé de terre, is a traditional African architectural technique using rammed earth. This method involves compacting earth into wooden formwork to create sturdy walls. This technique is particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where it's used for constructing houses and compounds, often featuring rectangular plans and courtyards. While historically mud and grass were common, swish has become a more frequent material in early 21st-century rural construction, often topped with thatch or corrugated iron roofs. This method reflects the adaptation of building practices to local environmental conditions and available resources.12

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African architecture
Forest dwellings
…often constructed of “swish,” or pisé de terre (earth rammed into a wooden formwork), raised in lifts. The pitched or hipped roof is covered in thatch or, more frequently, with corrugated iron. Though the materials have changed, the basic form remains in the village compounds: four independently constructed rectangular-plan structures…
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…often constructed of “swish,” or pisé de terre (earth rammed into a wooden formwork), raised in lifts. The pitched or hipped roof is covered in thatch or, more frequently, with corrugated iron. Though the materials have changed, the basic form remains in the village compounds: four independently constructed rectangular-plan structures…
Read More