Pre-made blocks ready for dispatch


Clay plaster ready for application


Block wall showing clay base coat and finish


the disadvantages in terms of sustainability and zero toxicity to building inhabitants and the environment. In addition, when pre-made blocks are used, not only is time on-site reduced, but the finished block wall is more consistent in shape and appearance.


There are a number of natural cob block products available from specialist producers that are suitable for the repair of cob houses, as well as providing other uses such as the construction of earth floors, insulation, construction of internal and external load bearing walls and finishing.


STRUCTURAL EARTH BLOCKS Structural earth blocks: create a natural and low embodied energy walling system.


Strocks: made from clay rich earth and straw and can be used for both internal and external load bearing walls on buildings up to 3 storeys.


Strockettes: a smaller version of the strock and particularly convenient for the repair of earthen buildings.


Compressed earth blocks: easy and quick to lay structural blocks of compressed clay rich earth are used for low cost, high mass internal walls.


Lime stabilised compressed earth blocks: structural blocks of compressed clay rich earth stabilised with lime. The lime stabilisation makes them stronger and far more resistant to water than standard compressed earth blocks so they can be used for external walling and can be directly rendered onto.


INSULATING BLOCKS Hemp/lime blocks: non-structural, insulating blocks made from hemp shiv and lime. Used in conjunction with strocks, they form an extremely simple building system using all natural materials which can then be rendered in lime.


Terratherm blocks: extremely low density insulating blocks or slabs of straw and clay with similar insulating properties to sheep’s wool.


Light earth blocks: lightweight, medium density thermal and acoustic insulating blocks of clay and straw which can be used to construct internal walls where they can be directly plastered onto with clay or lime plasters.


NATURAL PLASTERS, MORTARS AND EARTH FLOORS By blending naturally occurring clays with local sands and chopped straw, it is possible to produce a range of earth plasters, mortars and floor mixes, from a basic mortar to a decorative through colour plaster.


DOWN TO EARTH Due to the requirements for better performing, more energy efficient homes, building methods and materials are becoming more and more complicated, often necessitating the need for more mechanical intervention, which can be costly. Proto-type


builds using these simple, natural materials have shown that it is possible to reach Passivhaus standards of airtightness without the need for membranes, tapes or sealants. Natural building materials take it right back to basics and successfully utilise one of the oldest, most abundant and effective building resources known to man - earth.


For further information, please contact HG Matthews Ltd 01494 758212 or visit www.hgmatthews.com


Listed Heritage Magazine September/October 2018 67


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