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Methods such as straw bale, straw clay or hempcrete provide an ideal substrate for plaster applications.
Controlled humidity - One of the reasons we have to heat and cool our houses so much is that the humidity (moisture) holds temperature, so its taking the temperature with it, creating an unstable interior air situation
- Lime & Clay plasters are hygroscopic which help to regulate internal humidy by absorbing high concentrations of moisture in the air in to the cell spaces & then relinquishing that when the humidity diminishes, creating equilibrium, for a more constant stable interior temperature
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Air is filled with either negative or positive charges called ions. It's the negative charges that benefit us humans, while positive ions also known as “free radicals” are comprised of toxins, impurities, viruses and pollutants. Fresh air in places like the ocean, the mountains, forests, cob homes and clay plastered rooms contain beneficial negative ions that promote a universal feeling of well being that enhances our immune defenses and reduces our susceptibility to disease. Why is this so? “Negative ions are oxygen atoms charged with an extra electron which allows them to attract and attach to positive ions in our living space, clearing the air of dust, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, odors, cigarette smoke, bacteria and viruses. They do this by attaching to these positively charged particles in large numbers. This causes the pollen, mold, bacteria, etc to become too heavy to stay airborne, thus removing it from the air you breathe and preventing it from causing respiratory problems and other health issues" (www.earthslivingclay.com).
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In today's environment there are more positive ions than ever, including things like positive ion-producing air conditioning, electrical equipment like televisions and clothes dryers, and even carpet and upholstery, “our homes have become what has been described as ‘positive ion prisons’ which “create an electrical imbalance in the atmosphere and in our bodies.” If you live in a busy town or city (which most of us humans do) the concentration of negative ions in the air may only be a tenth of that found in country environments.
Clay Plaster
Clay is considered to be material smaller than 0.002mm (Minke 2000). These very small particles are typically disc or hexagonal in shape, like little dinner plates. The disks have an electric charge that make them function like magnets. When dry, all the negatively charged sides of the disks cling to positively charged sides of another clay disk next to them. This function gives the clay a binding force. The addition of water separates the disks far enough apart to weaken the electric charge. When the water dries, the charge is re-activated, binding the clay back together. Thus clay is in a constant state of flux and never sets. The miracle is that when sand and straw are added to clay it maintains a solid state that can function as a high performance building material for centuries.
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Clay plasters are softer than conventional plasters, leading to better indoor acoustics, and are infinitely re-workable. Clay plaster is easy to repair if damaged can easily be re-worked. Clay plaster out-performs conventional wall coverings by regulating humidity to promote better indoor air quality as well as having a negative ionic charge.
Clay plasters are usually applied in at least two coats. The base coat clay plaster we make consists of soaked clay mixed with lots of chopped straw and no sand. This material adheres strongly to straw bales, earthen walls, even stone, brick, and wood. It can be applied as thick as you want to reshape the wall, to add sculptural elements, or to increase thermal mass and fire resistance.
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The finish coat is usually a mixture of finely screened clay slip (or powdered clay from a bag), fine sand, and fine fiber such as sifted chopped straw. We generally add flour paste to improve hardness and water-resistance. Clay finishes can be many different colors and textures. They are durable except in wet conditions, where a more water-resistant finish such as lime plaster may be indicated. Clay is a valuable material with numerous physical and healing properties.
Tadelakt
​Tadelakt is an age-old Moroccan technique that requires unique knowledge and skill. This process of soaping and polishing natural lime plaster creates a seamless, water-resistant surface. The finish is very smooth, with no raised texture and no grout lines. It’s a sensuous alternative to tiled shower walls and backsplashes.
Wood Paneling
