Lime plastering

Understanding water is key, how it is attracted or repelled and which materials breath and which do not. I've come to the conclusion that using some cement in the inner layers is ok, similar to a stone house. The important part then becomes the outer layers.

So here is my work flow in our high desert location where fire is our number one danger while refurbishing an old existing wood framed cabin. (I can't wait to build with straw, it's going to be so easy compared to this Frankenstein)

We use the earth from our land. Pay attention  to each corner of your land it is likely there are differences so use that to your advantage. With oll the existing  old wood I built from work that will stay in place and filled horizontally with a 4 to 1 portland cement "concrete".

Actually more like "plastic" rammed earth. Mix one bag of Portland into three wheelbarrows sand/ clay. We use a rototiller to incorporate  the mix, then add water and either finish it by hand or run the tiller over it. All this is done on an old concrete pad and it's dead easy.

This stiffens the whole structure, adds thermal mass and displaces all critters from even considering building in the cracks of  the walls.

Above 6-7 feet we are using a light cobb between the framing. Over this goes chicken wire and while it is still wet we lay the first scratch coat of lime plaster with a small amount of plastic cement (high lime content) the wet Cobb allows for a long slow damp cure.

Still experimenting at this stage with the wooden frame work mentioned above but I think depending on most of the surfaces chicken wire will work but I am thinking to invest in some metal lathe to plaster some OSB walls.

Forgot to mention we are completely off grid.

The important thing is to not forget what breaths and which doesn't. Keep your final layer breathable. Frescos are perfect, beautiful and breathable.

Have you tried to use a mixture which has less cement, it may go further if its ok with your soil.
Lime can often be used at 1/2 the rate you use cement.
But experiment first with your soul.

John C Daley wrote:Have you tried to use a mixture which has less cement, it may go further if its ok with your soil.
Lime can often be used at 1/2 the rate you use cement.
But experiment first with your soul.

Yes we tried plastering with only lime. Only later did I realize my mix wasn't great so the surface spalled. Inside the shower the line plaster worked beautifully. Not quite tadelak but close. I will use only lime on the final exterior plaster with our local sand and clay but will make it richer as needed. For the large infills I find some Portland useful.