Top: Existing cement render was removed from the sandstone rubble walls


Middle: The Diasen system enabled the cottage to keep its characteristics


Bottom left:


Glen Cottage was bought at Auction in 2017


Bottom right: Diathonie Evolution applied to the external rubble wall


earth formulation, leveraging the high porosity of this naturally occurring mineral – which is capable of absorbing up to 1.5 times its own weight in moisture to provide high levels of capillarity. Diatomaceous earth is combined with cork particles to enhance thermal resistance and sound absorption, naturally porous and lightweight aerated clay and NHL 3.5 lime, which provides a hydraulic binder for the thermal plaster.


Diathonite Evolution was used as the insulation and resurfacing plaster for both the internal and external walls. 50mm of Diathonite was applied internally and 30mm externally, improving the U-value from to 2.5 W/m²K to 0.45 W/m²K.


ELIMINATING DAMP The contractors engaged to carry out the project were experienced in the use of lime renders for heritage properties but had never used the Diasen product range before, so Ecological Building Systems provided training and an induction into installation best practice and product uses and performance.


SYMPATHETIC SOLUTIONS The first step in the refurbishment process was to strip back the internal and external walls to uncover the full extent of the damp and remove the extensive mould that had built up. This uncovered beautifully undulating walls that were extremely solid but far from straight.


The choice of thermal plaster was driven both by the desire to keep this authentic rustic aesthetic and also by the need to control moisture levels to prevent future problems with damp and mould. Use of a conventional impervious insulation material would not only have removed the original contours


and reduced the internal space; it would also have trapped moisture within the fabric of the building.


Conversely, the Diathonite system of thermal plasters from Diasen offers a diffusion open solution that skims the surface of the existing solid walls and combines excellent thermal performance with a hygroscopic capacity that absorbs and dissipates humidity, preventing the potential for condensation and mould. The Diathonite Evolution thermal plaster used as part of a combination of breathable solutions from Ecological Building Systems at Glen Cottage is based on a Diatomaceous


Work then began on refurbishment of the two storey cottage’s interior. After stripping out the existing dry lining, a new damp proof membrane was installed under the slab and cut flush to the top of the slab and Diasen Watstop, an epoxy waterproofing system suitable for internal or external use, was applied by brush above the slab in continuity with the membrane to create a tanking system that will prevent moisture from passing through the walls from the outside since the internal slab is 30cm on average below ground. The Diasen Watstop was allowed to cure until it was semi-dry so that the tacky surface would provide a key for the Diathonite plasters. To provide a salt barrier and enhanced dehumidification at Glen Cottage, Diathonite Deumix+, a cork-based thermal insulation plaster which includes NHL 5 as oppose to NHL 3.5, was applied to the internal walls in more challenging areas from


Continued >> Listed Heritage Magazine September/October 2018 105


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