This is a chronicle of my getting-to-know-lime journey. Anyone can reply to this thread with links to helpful content. i made it a wiki so any pollinator can add those links to the resource list near the end of this first post. Videos on the list will be embedded in future posts so we can watch them right here, and discuss what we're learning or questioning.
The “Too long; I am not reading that wall of words” version
background of a permaculture "Aha!" moment; enduring comfort in a home; a rabbit-trail of learning; hopes for this wiki; first video for introduction; editable resource list; more questions
Background
Thanks to thought-experiments (imagining houses in my mind) and
John C Daley's share I'm enjoying a mini-obsession over historic construction practices lately.
In other words, I'm smack in the middle of a dawning
permaculture "Aha!" moment. As usual, I’m along for the ride, waiting to see where it takes me.
Until recently my stance was closer to the "damp is the enemy, never-a-drop, seal it up tight" end of the construction spectrum. And then I’m reminded "buildings can breathe and somewhat take care of themselves if you build them to". Ohhhkay –
what??
Now the cat's out of the bag, I can't unlearn this, and my spectrum of "ways to attain enduring comfort" expanded from point A right in front of me to point
z = a + ib waaaaaay over
there.
Therefore, I'm fascinated by centuries-old structures still functioning as residences. I focus on British Isles examples (
Escape to the Country, anyone?), and read about Roman construction techniques.
And so, lime.
I'm familiar with its potential usefulness around the homestead -
exterior wood finish
interior wall finish
egg preservation
soil amendment
and more.
But
why is it so useful in construction?
Listening to an audiobook recently, I stumbled on a reference to a lime kiln demonstration filmed for
BBC’s “Edwardian Farms”. Tracking that down started me on a rabbit-trail of YouTube videos full of answers. The info ranges from pop-culture consumable to more in-depth technical instructions.
Intro to lime
The video that got me started. It’s perhaps lighter on specifics, designed to keep you interested. Hey - it worked on me!
Resource List
Videos (embedded in later thread posts)
Lime Kiln 3/3
An Old Lime Kiln Roars Back to Life After Decades Idle
This 2,200degF Ancient Lime Kiln Runs for 60 Hours Straight
Lime Mortar for Old Home - Chemistry, Conservation, and Why It Still Works
Lime Mortar Types Explained: Essential knowledge for older UK buildings
Full Playlist: Which lime to use? Talking Conservation Lime Series
Part 1: Building & Pointing Old Brick and StonePart 2: Plasters & Renders for Traditional HomesPart 3: Floors, Chimneys, & Exposure Areas
Non-video Resources
A Short History of the Use of Lime as a Building Material - Beyond Europe and North America (pdf)
Mortars, Renders, & Plasters (English Heritage Practical Building Conservation marketing spread
Helpful post from "Lime Terms ... oh so many names.. Trying to keep it straight." (permies thread)
Questions remain!
Some of my questions I think are better posed in the cider press. Essentially, I wonder:
Is lime inevitable in my climate-context?Are there less-processed alternatives - either substances or methods - that achieve what lime does? 
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