Unique Finishes

Pneumatically Impacted Stabilized Earth

Pneumatically Impacted Stabilized Earth or PISE utilizes one sided formwork & a high pressure gunite spraying method. Trained crews can complete up to 1,200 sq. ft. of 18" thick walls in one day. Concrete is mixed with earth (preferably from the site) and shot against a flat form, troweled on one side and left to set up. When the flat plywood form is removed, and saved for re-use, the result is a beautiful, finished, natural earth wall the color and feel of the native soil.

The rebound that is collected from the off spray is compacted like rammed earth into large blocks that are later used for landscaping. There is hardly any waste with this building method. Whatever waste there is returns to the earth

“There is a certain magic to living in buildings with thick earth walls…. It’s quiet, feels somehow incredibly solid and sturdy…timeless even. ”

—The Rammed Earth House by David Easto

Patina Stained Concrete Floors

We finish our concrete floors with an acid washed patina stain that gives it basically any finish color that the company offers. Mixing colors can make your floor a true art form. We offer concrete counter tops in patina stains as well.

Specialty Finishes

We hire trades people skilled in applying old world plaster finishes giving your home a rich texture. Your walls can become a work of art such as the mural seen here.

Reuse and Recreate

We are adept at utilizing recycled and salvaged building materials where appropriate. Beams, wood ceilings, mill work, hardware, stained glass…. Do you have something special in mind?

Thick Wall and Old World Finishes

The use of one of our thick wall systems provides the opportunity to create a special old world look for your home. Our thick walled homes provide beautiful, deep window and door openings. Every window is a window seat.

Trees to Art

Semmes & Company can provide you with custom made cabinets and doors from a variety of woods. By utilizing local woods, many times whole trees, we can create special applications you will not find elsewhere. Occasionally, the trees salvaged from your own property can be utilized as beams, ceilings, finish work or even furniture.

Wood Milling

We own a portable, horizontal band-saw wood mill that can turn fallen trees on your property into structural lumber or beautiful wood for finished woodworking projects. Our native oak, sycamore, walnut, madrone and local exotics all make gorgeous finished product that you can use as a sustainable building material in your new home.