Natural Plaster

Natural Plaster: Pros & Cons

Natural plaster is a beautiful vernacular material to be used wisely.

The use of natural plaster has been used for centuries. It is a proven technique to provide a tactile surface that exudes beauty. At a basic level it is a mixture of clay, sand, straw, lime and water. Pigments and other admixtures can be used to achieve specific colors and chemical qualities. Plaster performs well indoors and can provide a nice texture for wall applications. Though it has been used outdoors for walls in Japan and in adobe architecture, it has to be taken care of regularly and does not hold up well in wet climates without extra care.

The great thing about plaster is that it forms a bond between the site, the structure, and the inhabitant. The color created when using native soils, clays and sand create a harmonious color palette with the surrounding landscape. The owner also has a symbiotic relationship with the material. The owner keeps up on the maintenance of the application and the plaster protects the inhabitant. This creates a deeper connection to “place” and enhanced well-being.


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