Specialising in Lime Plastering, Cob renovation and stonework, but with extensive knowledge in the other related fields of carpentry and glazing these traditional crafts are the Building Craft side of my practice. With an aesthetic training in how to make simple but elegant solutions to building and renovation problems I often work for the client both in advising as well as in the practical application. I have a particular skill in identifying sources of damp and I also champion eco based solutions and technological innovations which combine both the best from traditional approaches and the cutting edge of Green products. Lime "plaster" or render has been used since before Roman Times and has decided advantages over modern cement. It is breathable, allowing water vapour to pass through which reduces issues of damp and water damage. It is also more flexible, able to move with the building's expansions and contraction. It is also more eco friendly. Lime materials are easily reused, produce significantly less waste in use and also trap CO2 in setting, rather than releasing it like cement does.

Two questions that are often asked are "Does it cost more to use Lime than cement" and "Will it take longer". The answer to both these questions is yes, however it may not be much in cost and the reason that it takes longer is that it is a more careful method. Rather than rushing through the work as with cement the intention with lime is to ensure it is good for the long-term not just a quick profit. This I have found to be true for nearly all professional lime workers, the material encourages more care. The left time between coats is longer due to the slow setting of lime which ensures that the material is set thoroughly and that tensions (which generally cause subsequent cracking in cement) are eased out in the process.

For a PDF guide to the use of lime click here