Construction - Earth Pyramid

The CONSTRUCTION

How the pyramid will be built

Building a pyramid

The aim of the Earth Pyramid is to create a platform for peace and environmental education that will be both exciting and thought provoking. The eye-catching structure will be built in an environmentally aware manner that is in keeping with the aims of the project.

The construction process is expected to take between 4 and 5 years. When construction is complete, the time capsules will be stored in the chambers and the pyramidion will be placed on top, sealing the pyramid.

The materials used for construction and the digital storage of records are selected to ensure that they will last for at least 1,000 years. The internal environment in the non-digital chambers will be created to preserve written records and artefacts for the same time period.

The Earth Pyramid will provide an opportunity to mix ancient construction techniques with modern materials in a process that will capture the world’s imagination. It will provide the opportunity to solve the mystery of how ancient pyramids were constructed and showcase emerging low-carbon construction products and techniques.

Arup

The construction engineering company Arup has been involved with the Earth Pyramid team since 2010 and has helped to develop the project over that time.

Arup is perhaps best known for the structural design of the Sydney Opera House, its work on the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Beijing Birds Nest Stadium.

As the project progresses, Arup will be responsible for managing all aspects of the design process and assisting in the selection of the Main Contractor who will ensure delivery of the structure safely and on time.

Arup

The construction engineering company Arup has been involved with the Earth Pyramid team since 2010 and has helped to develop the project over that time.

Arup is perhaps best known for the structural design of the Sydney Opera House, its work on the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Beijing Birds Nest Stadium.

As the project progresses, Arup will be responsible for managing all aspects of the design process and assisting in the selection of the Main Contractor who will ensure delivery of the structure safely and on time.

Jean-Pierre Houdin

Jean-Pierre Houdin is a French architect who, after being inspired by his late father, developed a theory of how the Great Pyramid at Giza was constructed. In association with Dassault Systèmes, the internal spiral ramp theory has been tested in a virtual environment and validated in principle.

Jean-Pierre has been supporting the Earth Pyramid since its inception and his theory will form the basis of the construction process.

Image credit: Jean-Pierre Houdin / Dassault Systèmes

It would be a great honour for me to see my construction theory validated in real life thanks to this project.

– Jean-Pierre Houdin

Testing Theories

The construction process will provide an opportunity to test traditional as well as more modern theories on pyramid construction techniques. Ideas of how the huge stone blocks were carved, transported and moved into position will be explored.

The construction process itself will be partly carried out by trained volunteers moving blocks into position under the control and strict supervision of the Contractor.

Green Materials

We aim to make the carbon footprint of the Earth Pyramid as small as possible and use the construction process to showcase low-carbon materials and construction techniques.

We have been working with experts in the field of geopolymer concretes that are made from industrial by-products. and intend to use these for the bulk of the structure.

Construction Site

The Earth Pyramid will be the most exciting building project in modern history, and the construction site itself will become a mecca for tourists wishing to see the creation of this modern wonder.

Contrary to popular belief, the ancient Egyptian pyramids were not built by slaves. Egyptologists have found large bakeries and other evidence indicating that the pyramid’s construction was undertaken by a respected workforce of skilled artisans who were fed prime beef and treated very well.

The Earth pyramid’s workforce, made up of teams of Pyramid Builders, will also enjoy similar privileges. Our on-site workers camp will house the Pyramid Builders. Made from people of different races and cultures, these teams will generate an air of friendly rivalry and competitive spirit.

The Earth Pyramid’s construction will be exciting, educational, and a celebration of our planet and its many different cultures.

Get Involved

Volunteer to be a Pyramid Builder

Are you interested in becoming a member of the on-site team that will build the pyramid?

A large part of the Earth Pyramid's construction will be done using a volunteer workforce. As a member of this team, you'll be part of a global attempt to solve one of the world's greatest mysteries.

We intend to create a diverse, multicultural team to work on the structure so wherever you are from we encourage you to sign up for this once in a lifetime opportunity.