diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 3e0cedc..6585f75 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -190,3 +190,12 @@ Remote repositories are provided for the Sonatype Nexus Snapshots and Nexus Rele
 Repositories. See the [OSSRH Guide](http://central.sonatype.org/pages/ossrh-guide.html)
 for information on how to deploy your artifact the Maven Central through
 Sonatype.
+
+### Changing the Build Directory
+
+If you want to change the build directory, e.g. from your settings.xml to an SSD
+or ram drive, then set the value of the `kemitix.build.directory` to your required
+locations. e.g.
+`<properties>
+<kemitix.build.directory>/mnt/ramdrive/${project.groupId}/${project.artifactId}</kemitix.build.directory>
+</properties>`
diff --git a/pom.xml b/pom.xml
index fe4bb27..707d504 100644
--- a/pom.xml
+++ b/pom.xml
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@
     <properties>
         <project.build.sourceEncoding>UTF-8</project.build.sourceEncoding>
         <project.reporting.outputEncoding>UTF-8</project.reporting.outputEncoding>
+        <kemitix.build.directory>target</kemitix.build.directory>
     </properties>
 
     <developers>
@@ -123,6 +124,7 @@
     </pluginRepositories>
 
     <build>
+        <directory>${kemitix.build.directory}</directory>
         <pluginManagement>
             <plugins>
                 <plugin>