Homestead Green Building: Wattle and Daub

Wattle and daub buildings trace all the way back at least 6,000 years.  It is definitely one of the oldest building styles, found the world over.  There are some that say that more common techniques, such as cob and adobe, are developments that came out of wattle and daub building.  So what is wattle and daub?  Within  a timber framework, a network of lattice is made from some form of flexible sticks between the timbers.  This is the wattle.  An earthen mixture similar to cob is then "daubed" into the lattice/wattle.  While the mix is similar to cob, it can easily be adapted to whatever elements you have on hand that can create the same type of effect.  Generally speaking, the mix tends to consist of dirt, clay, plant material, straw, and animal dung.

Now, I've looked at many different sources, and there does seem to be some conflicting information, or at the very least, conflicting opinions, when it comes to wattle and daub.  While most agree on the basics, here is where the conflict arises.  Some say that there are two main downfalls to using wattle and daub as exterior walls.  Those downfalls are 1) that it simply isn't strong enough to be used for load-bearing purposes, and 2) that these walls are so thin that they don't provide any good thermal or insulating properties.  Others disagree with both of those.  I think the main difference between determining which side is more likely to be accurate would depend on what wood you are using for your primary timberwork framing.  If you use thin, flexible wood for the frame, then yes, you are going to have a lot of give if weight is added on top of it.  And being thin, no, it wouldn't provide much insulation or thermal mass.  You can easily make these walls as thick as you would like.  Just remember that part of the beauty of a wattle and daub wall is in it's flexibility.  The wall has to be able to give a little  if it needs to adapt to changing conditions.  And the wattle within the walls can actually help to stabilize the overall structure when other timbers may become impaired.  Also, the thermal mass and insulating properties can be increased based both on what mix you ultimately use as the daub, as well as how thick of a wall you end up with.  But because there are differing opinions from people who most likely know a whole lot more than I do, I will include a list of some of my references at the end of this post for you to read through, and come to your own conclusions.

One thing that is consistent is that you should not ever - NEVER - use anything such as cement or modern paints and sealants that create rigidity and hinder air flow.  Wattle and daub are designed to be flexible.  To include materials that would hinder that flexibility would actually cause the walls to degrade and crack.  It must also be able to breathe.  Any moisture that should get trapped in the wall needs a way to escape.  Otherwise, the wood inside will rot.  Lime plaster and and/or lime washes are what is recommended with this type of building.  Yes, it will mean the upkeep and reapplication may be more often.  But with regular and proper maintenance, these buildings can last several hundred years, at least.

Wattle and daub is not common in the U.S.  It is, however, still commonly used in other parts of the world.  It's easy to identify in most cases.  It has a rustic feel to it.  The walls tend to wave, and even the roofline can be uneven.  This can add to it's charm.  It can also be made smooth (relatively speaking) by plastering the walls with the same mix used as the daub.  This is recommended so as to encase the timber frames, giving them extra protection from the elements.

Another beautiful aspect to this type of building is that it can be used to make an entire wall, or to make individual panels that are then put into place wherever they are wanted/needed.  Again, it is very flexible.

The last thing I want to address is the use of animal dung.  For me, this was a big "HUH?!"  That sounds gross.  I use it in my garden as compost, yeah.  But to have it built into the walls of your home?  Does it smell?  Well, to address that,  I give you this site.  They explain it way better than I ever could.

Wattle and daub is a beautiful and natural building technique that should be considered in your research.  It has a long history.  And so long as you don't mind the upkeep, it can last for a very long time, and be beautiful and charming to boot.  For more information, here is the list of resources I mentioned earlier.  Happy researching!


https://www.britannica.com/technology/wattle-and-daub

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/wattleanddaub/wattleanddaub.htm

https://primitivetechnology.wordpress.com/2015/07/07/building-a-wattle-and-daub-hut/

http://www.earthhomesnow.com/wattle-daub-homes.htm

http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/build-structures-using-ancient-method-zbcz1404

http://www.thatched-group.com/articles/building/UnderstandingOrganicBuildings.htm

http://permaculturenews.org/2013/04/26/bamboo-wattle-and-daub-structures/

http://www.energyauditingblog.com/wattle-and-daub-the-ancient-wall-made-modern/