Earthen Plaster

Earthen plasters add a beautiful warm feel to any space. Fox natural builders are experienced craftsmen in this this artform. It can be made from local materials - clay and sand can sometimes be havested on site, and straw is a byproduct from local farmers. The components are prepared on site, and be finished onto nearly any surface. Green renovations may involve a single room, or an entire house finished with a variety of plastered fine finishes. They are very durable, and low in embodied energy (the energy required to produce the product itself). They can be finished and refinished throughout the years with natural breathable paints or color washes.

In projects involving strawbale wall systems, earthen plaster is used to seal the surface. Clay, sand, and straw are combined with any additional colored pigments and minerals, lime, or other product which may affect the product's finish, luster, or texture. The plaster completes the strawbale system, providing a protective shell which still breathes, allowing for vapor transmission. With an inherant moisture content lower than that of the strawbale itself, it acts as a constant desicant, removing any moisture that could get trapped in a wall. This discourages the growth of molds and fungi that may thrive in hidden pockets of a conventional wall sealed with a vapor barrier. It also helps to regulate the humidity and temperature of the room, acting as a buffer for the two. It adds thermal mass, for use in passive and active solar heating applications. The benefits for the homeowner, the local community, and the sustainability of our society are both obvious and numerous.

There are many great books, websites, and articles on the versatility and practicality of earthen plasters. Visit our information section, go to your local library or green builing foundation, or just pull up google and start searching away to find out more about how this product may serve your needs. We offer consultation as well as providing material and installation of the product for our clients.

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