| Lime Render Training Day |  |
| Saturday 29th April 2006 | |
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Above are the two completed straw bale walls of the 'Moot Hall', an outdoor activity shelter at Rippledown.
We originally planned to lime render the walls in Autumn 2005 but the imminent arrival of frost meant that our 'clamp' of lime had to be packed with straw bales and covered with sheeting to protect it for the winter.
The lime rendering eventually took place at the end of April 2006 as part of an open training course.
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Traditional lime-based plasters make ideal finishes for straw bale walls. Straw needs good ventilation - if it is sealed the straw will eventually start to rot. Before applying the lime render, the straw bales had to be given a 'haircut' to even out the surface. |
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The lime mortar is first beaten to a stiff consistency and the first course is then best applied by hand. It needs to be well rubbed in to get a good 'key' with the straw. Wooden battens have been fixed to the walls here but the lime sticks to the straw in any case when well pressed in. |
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After completion, the wall should be protected from direct sun or rain. The render cracks as it dries and shrinks. Spray the wall with a mist a water to make sure it does'nt dry too quickly. It will be ready for a second coat about a week later. |
- If you are interested in future courses in sustainable building or rural skills check our training page or send an e-mail to Andrew Denyer to be informed of the latest information as soon as it is available.