This looks awesome! One of those "why didn't I think of that" moments. I'll call Brian, VP of R&D at LimeStrong today to ask him about creating a similar product here.
I think that will be as easy as falling of a wet log...
What do you think is the purpose of the DE? I'm guessing that it is a pozzolanic aggregate; we could probably skip this since we are already using pumice.
I am not sure why they chose DE myself. I thought perhaps some form of "pest control" barrier concept, but that doesn't make since as it is in a solidified matrix. So I am thinking it has something to do with a micro form of insulation, since the DE does have a "structure" to create microscopic interstitial zones of dead air space. If I was to help blend a formula similar to this for our market and intent of natural building, I too would replace this with pumice and small grain perlite which Hiss has complete quality control over.
Stan and I are going to plaster a CEB nature preserve center next month in Wyoming, it's too bad we don't already have this mixed as it would be perfect for the uninsulated building.
Bill, with Hess's facilities so close and the team they have working with them, I don't believe it is out of the question to have something ready by then. This really isn't something new in the world of traditional plasters, as I have grown up around various matrix types similar to this from other cultures. Mixing lime, fiber, clay, and other materials is very achievable, and a "Nature Preserve" structure would be perfect for a "first run" application. With the backing of the Hess and Limestrong team, your plastering knowledge, and feedback from other parties (me included...
) I think you could have a "working plaster mix" in no time following this format. Hess even has the clout and backing to approach Diasen, about either importing their products as an exclusive North America distributor, to even "manufacture rights" to this market for the product. Perhaps for this first run, importing a pallet of the material might even be a plausible approach.
Whatever the outcome, I am glad this sounds interesting to you as well...
Note: the projected R value of this material is 3.205/inch. If this is the case, then we have a product, depending on a board foot cost conversion that is yielding some pretty revolutionary results. Combine this with some other wall matrix systems and we have a really winner for high end and net zero natural build projects. Address the "gray color" with either mineral paints or mineral pigmented lime washes and this is a very impressive product.
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