Faswall Foundation | Framing | Straw-Clay | Earth Plastering | Earth Floors | Natural Construction

 

Natural Building Techniques: Earth Plastering

Plaster for the walls is essentially the same material as the floor -- a mix of clay-rich earth, sand, water, some chopped straw and a bit of oil. The proportions depend on the binding properties of the clay used. Three coats is a typical application, about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick, and is applied directly to the cured (thoroughly dried) straw-clay wall. The chopped straw is omitted from the final coat, which is applied about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Often a potter's clay, and possibly a white sand will be used, for a whiter, more light-reflective surface. Boiled linseed oil, heated, is also added to the final coat to improve spreadability and durability when dry.

Plastering with a trowel and hawk is a learned knack, and physically demanding. However, earth plastering is an ideal material to learn with, as it is forgiving of the novice's slowness because it dries in hours by evaporation, rather than in minutes by chemical reaction, like gypsum plaster. In the hands of an experienced earth plasterer, luscious textures and colors are possible, using potter's glazing oxides, bits of sea shells, mica flakes and various sands.

Left: Marlin on lunch break The Master of Light and Dark juggles the razor-sharp Japanese Handsaws of Death.

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Faswall Foundation | Framing | Straw-Clay | Earth Plastering | Earth Floors | Natural Construction