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Insulation

For information, advice or a quotation within Scotland and Northern England on any of the listed products contact BUILDGREEN. See the same page for reviews of web sites that are linked to on this page.
Cellulose Fibre Insulation (eg. Isofloc)
Insulation made from recycled newspaper (returns, publishers' waste and waste paper collections) and treated with borax and boric acid to resist fire and insects. There are no known health risks associated with paper fibre and compared to mineral wool, this material is a pleasure to work with. The production process requires very little energy and does not pollute water or soil. It can be used in roof, wall, floor and ceiling cavities. For horizontal cavities it can simply be laid by hand (or 'dry-injected'). Damp spraying Isofloc Insulation For wall cavities it is usually dry injected with an air hose, or damp-sprayed between wall studs before the wall is closed (see picture), these methods of installation should only be carried out by properly trained installers (Us !!!). Cellulose fibre absorbs and diffuses heat and moisture which has benefits for the interior climate and the building's fabric (in a similar way to clay). Entirely recycled and non-toxic, this product is perfectly suited to the contemporary environmentally sensitive construction process and is ideal for use in 'breathing' constructions.
An online factsheet about Isofloc is available from Construction Resources or you could visit the Isofloc website (in German).

Cellulose Board (eg. Homatherm)
An effective thermal and acoustic insulator in board form. Made from recycled paper and recycled jute sacking and treated with borax to make it resistant to decomposition and fire, this insulation also absorbs and diffuses moisture and therefore moderates humidity as well as temperature variation (in a similar way to clay). If installed in the roof this board will absorb heat from the sun during the day and then release it later when the temperature has fallen. Cellulose board is safe and easy to handle and can be cut to size with a jigsaw or a sharp knife.
An online factsheet about Homatherm board is available from Construction Resources.
Wood Fibre Boards (eg. Gutex)
Made from waste material from the Black Forest in Germany this acoustic and thermal insulation is quick and easy to install in floors, walls and roofs. Manufactured using a closed production cycle so that all water and wood fibre is reused without any waste, the fibres are bonded together by the natural resin without the need for chemical adhesives. These products also absorb and diffuse water vapour and so bring the accompanying benefits of a regulated interior humidity (in a similar way to clay). Available in a number of thicknesses including a 6 mm version which can be laid under carpet or other floorcoverings.
An online factsheet about Gutex boards is available from Construction Resources and one on Woodfibre Thermal Boards from Natural Building Technologies (see also Woodfibre Floor Boards).
Coconut Fibre Board
Made from the outer husk of coconuts with minimal processing and no other additives. Coconut fibre is naturally odourless, has good thermal and excellent acoustic insulation properties and is the only natural fibre that is highly resistant to rot. For use in screeded or timber floor and ceiling constructions.
An online factsheet about coconut fibre board is available from Construction Resources.
Flax Slabs
For use as thermal or acoustic insulation in walls, roofs, floors and ceilings. The flax fibres are bound together with potato starch and treated with borax to make them fire and insect resistant. This insulation is 100% natural, safe, non-irritant and easy to install. Flax also has good moisture absorption properties which brings other benefits for the building and its occupants (in a similar way to clay).
An online factsheet about flax insulation is available from Construction Resources.
Wool Insulation and Felt
'An effective insulation - as used by sheep all over the world !' The wool is treated with borax to make it fire and insect resistant and then carded (combed) to produce a fine insulation mat. Wool has excellent moisture absorption properties and therefore its installation also helps to stabilise interior humidity with all the associated benefits that brings (in a similar way to clay). Obviously wool insulation is pleasant to work with, natural and non-toxic. The insulation is available in three thicknesses (25, 50 and 75 mm) and the felt version is 3 mm thick.
An online factsheet about wool insulation is available from Construction Resources.
Wool can also be formed into batts by bonding with an acrylic solution and treated with boron salts to provide pest, fungal and fire resistance.
A factsheet is available from Natural Building Technologies.
Vermiculite
This is an insulation made from a mineral mined from opencast mines which is then heated which causes it to expand to form an inert, safe, light, and effective thermal and acoustic insulator which is pleasant to use.
Hemp
A very fibrous, natural material which can be used as insulation. Comes in 'batt' (solid slab) or 'loose-fill' versions.
More online information about the many uses of hemp can be obtained from the Hemp Union Ltd.

Plasters, Boards, Blocks and Bricks

For information, advice or a quotation within Scotland and Northern England on any of the listed products contact BUILDGREEN. See the same page for reviews of web sites that are linked to on this page.
Tierrafino
'Plaster and coloured finish in one'. 100% natural and made from a mix of clays and coloured sands with no added pigment. It can often be applied straight onto an untreated wall, but plasterboard, shiny surfaces, flaking plaster and paint should first be coated with primer. Tierrafino should be applied 2 to 3 mm thick (there is a risk of cracking with layers thicker than 3 mm). The finished surface can be made perfectly smooth or textured as desired and is available in five basic colours (White, Ochre, Red, Green and Grey) which can also be mixed to create a much greater range of colours. Special colour mixes are also available on request. Designed for interior use only it can be treated with a clear finish if desired or painted at a later date if a change of colour is required. To benefit from its breathing and odour absorption qualities any coatings should be microporous (eg. a natural formulation paint). Tierrafino is also tough and non flammable and can be used safely over in-wall heating systems.
An online factsheet about Tierrafino is available from Construction Resources. CR are the main UK supplier of Tierrafino and will supply samples on request (see the BUILDGREEN Links and Other Info page for contact information). Information also available from the Tierrafino website (partially in english).
Clay Plaster
A 100% natural alternative to gypsum plaster with a beautiful texture and colour. Even long after drying it can be re-worked at any time. It is three or four times faster to apply than conventional plaster (or even faster if applied with a mechanical sprayer) on the down side it typically takes a week to dry. Once dry it can be left unfinished, painted or wallpapered and used with picture hooks etc. Ideal for use on historically accurate or listed building projects. Comes as Finish, Undercoat (coarse texture which contains straw fibres) or Onecoat (made from clay, sand and straw).
Clay Board
A thicker and heavier alternative to gypsum plasterboard, made from clay, reed and hessian. Can be finished with clay plaster and then painted or wallpapered if desired.
An online factsheet about clay board is available from Construction Resources or from Natural Building Technologies.
Reed Mat and Board
An alternative to lath, this is simply reeds fastened together with galvanised wire. This 'low-tech' product is quick to use and is a very good alternative to traditional lath backgrounds. Once secured it can be plastered with (ideally) clay or conventional plaster.
An online factsheet about reed mat is available from Construction Resources or from Natural Building Technologies. A factsheet about reed board, a more rigid version is also available from Natural Building Technologies.
Interlocking Clay Blocks (eg. Karphosit Blocks)
Made from clay and straw and ideally suited to building internal partition or other non-load bearing walls. They are bonded together with pre-cut tongue and groove joints and clay mortar. Fast and easy to use, the blocks can be cut with standard carpentry tools. Shelves and other heavy objects can be attached to the resulting wall with nails or screws without the need of 'rawlplugs'. The wall can be finished with paint or clay plaster eg. Tierrafino. The blocks can also be recycled.
An online factsheet about Karphosit clay blocks is available from Construction Resources.
Clay bricks
Unfired, made from compressed clay, sand and straw. For the construction of non-load bearing walls. Can also be used for load bearing walls if the load is carried by a timber or steel frame. Used in conjunction with clay mortar and finished with clay or lime plaster. Can be recycled and cut with an ordinary wood saw.
Online factsheets about Claytec Light Clay Bricks and Compressed Unfired Clay Bricks are available from Construction Resources.
Clay Mortar
Simply a mixture of clay and sand for bonding clay constructions.

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		Insulation For information, advice or a quotation within Scotland and Northern England on any of the listed products contact BUILDGREEN. See the same page for reviews of web sites that are linked to on this page. Cellulose Fibre Insulation (eg. Isofloc) Insulation made from recycled newspaper (returns, publishers' waste and waste paper collections) and treated with borax and boric acid to resist fire and insects. There are no known health risks associated with paper fibre and compared to mineral wool, this material is a pleasure to work with. The production process requires very little energy and does not pollute water or soil. It can be used in roof, wall, floor and ceiling cavities. For horizontal cavities it can simply be laid by hand (or 'dry-injected'). For wall cavities it is usually dry injected with an air hose, or damp-sprayed between wall studs before the wall is closed (see picture), these methods of installation should only be carried out by properly trained installers (Us !!!). Cellulose fibre absorbs and diffuses heat and moisture which has benefits for the interior climate and the building's fabric (in a similar way to clay). Entirely recycled and non-toxic, this product is perfectly suited to the contemporary environmentally sensitive construction process and is ideal for use in 'breathing' constructions. An online factsheet about Isofloc is available from Construction Resources or you could visit the Isofloc website (in German).

	Cellulose Board (eg. Homatherm) An effective thermal and acoustic insulator in board form. Made from recycled paper and recycled jute sacking and treated with borax to make it resistant to decomposition and fire, this insulation also absorbs and diffuses moisture and therefore moderates humidity as well as temperature variation (in a similar way to clay). If installed in the roof this board will absorb heat from the sun during the day and then release it later when the temperature has fallen. Cellulose board is safe and easy to handle and can be cut to size with a jigsaw or a sharp knife. An online factsheet about Homatherm board is available from Construction Resources. Wood Fibre Boards (eg. Gutex) Made from waste material from the Black Forest in Germany this acoustic and thermal insulation is quick and easy to install in floors, walls and roofs. Manufactured using a closed production cycle so that all water and wood fibre is reused without any waste, the fibres are bonded together by the natural resin without the need for chemical adhesives. These products also absorb and diffuse water vapour and so bring the accompanying benefits of a regulated interior humidity (in a similar way to clay). Available in a number of thicknesses including a 6 mm version which can be laid under carpet or other floorcoverings. An online factsheet about Gutex boards is available from Construction Resources and one on Woodfibre Thermal Boards from Natural Building Technologies (see also Woodfibre Floor Boards). Coconut Fibre Board Made from the outer husk of coconuts with minimal processing and no other additives. Coconut fibre is naturally odourless, has good thermal and excellent acoustic insulation properties and is the only natural fibre that is highly resistant to rot. For use in screeded or timber floor and ceiling constructions. An online factsheet about coconut fibre board is available from Construction Resources. Flax Slabs For use as thermal or acoustic insulation in walls, roofs, floors and ceilings. The flax fibres are bound together with potato starch and treated with borax to make them fire and insect resistant. This insulation is 100% natural, safe, non-irritant and easy to install. Flax also has good moisture absorption properties which brings other benefits for the building and its occupants (in a similar way to clay). An online factsheet about flax insulation is available from Construction Resources. Wool Insulation and Felt 'An effective insulation - as used by sheep all over the world !' The wool is treated with borax to make it fire and insect resistant and then carded (combed) to produce a fine insulation mat. Wool has excellent moisture absorption properties and therefore its installation also helps to stabilise interior humidity with all the associated benefits that brings (in a similar way to clay). Obviously wool insulation is pleasant to work with, natural and non-toxic. The insulation is available in three thicknesses (25, 50 and 75 mm) and the felt version is 3 mm thick. An online factsheet about wool insulation is available from Construction Resources. Wool can also be formed into batts by bonding with an acrylic solution and treated with boron salts to provide pest, fungal and fire resistance. A factsheet is available from Natural Building Technologies. Vermiculite This is an insulation made from a mineral mined from opencast mines which is then heated which causes it to expand to form an inert, safe, light, and effective thermal and acoustic insulator which is pleasant to use. Hemp A very fibrous, natural material which can be used as insulation. Comes in 'batt' (solid slab) or 'loose-fill' versions. More online information about the many uses of hemp can be obtained from the Hemp Union Ltd. Plasters, Boards, Blocks and Bricks For information, advice or a quotation within Scotland and Northern England on any of the listed products contact BUILDGREEN. See the same page for reviews of web sites that are linked to on this page. Tierrafino 'Plaster and coloured finish in one'. 100% natural and made from a mix of clays and coloured sands with no added pigment. It can often be applied straight onto an untreated wall, but plasterboard, shiny surfaces, flaking plaster and paint should first be coated with primer. Tierrafino should be applied 2 to 3 mm thick (there is a risk of cracking with layers thicker than 3 mm). The finished surface can be made perfectly smooth or textured as desired and is available in five basic colours (White, Ochre, Red, Green and Grey) which can also be mixed to create a much greater range of colours. Special colour mixes are also available on request. Designed for interior use only it can be treated with a clear finish if desired or painted at a later date if a change of colour is required. To benefit from its breathing and odour absorption qualities any coatings should be microporous (eg. a natural formulation paint). Tierrafino is also tough and non flammable and can be used safely over in-wall heating systems. An online factsheet about Tierrafino is available from Construction Resources. CR are the main UK supplier of Tierrafino and will supply samples on request (see the BUILDGREEN Links and Other Info page for contact information). Information also available from the Tierrafino website (partially in english). Clay Plaster A 100% natural alternative to gypsum plaster with a beautiful texture and colour. Even long after drying it can be re-worked at any time. It is three or four times faster to apply than conventional plaster (or even faster if applied with a mechanical sprayer) on the down side it typically takes a week to dry. Once dry it can be left unfinished, painted or wallpapered and used with picture hooks etc. Ideal for use on historically accurate or listed building projects. Comes as Finish, Undercoat (coarse texture which contains straw fibres) or Onecoat (made from clay, sand and straw). Clay Board A thicker and heavier alternative to gypsum plasterboard, made from clay, reed and hessian. Can be finished with clay plaster and then painted or wallpapered if desired. An online factsheet about clay board is available from Construction Resources or from Natural Building Technologies. Reed Mat and Board An alternative to lath, this is simply reeds fastened together with galvanised wire. This 'low-tech' product is quick to use and is a very good alternative to traditional lath backgrounds. Once secured it can be plastered with (ideally) clay or conventional plaster. An online factsheet about reed mat is available from Construction Resources or from Natural Building Technologies. A factsheet about reed board, a more rigid version is also available from Natural Building Technologies. Interlocking Clay Blocks (eg. Karphosit Blocks) Made from clay and straw and ideally suited to building internal partition or other non-load bearing walls. They are bonded together with pre-cut tongue and groove joints and clay mortar. Fast and easy to use, the blocks can be cut with standard carpentry tools. Shelves and other heavy objects can be attached to the resulting wall with nails or screws without the need of 'rawlplugs'. The wall can be finished with paint or clay plaster eg. Tierrafino. The blocks can also be recycled. An online factsheet about Karphosit clay blocks is available from Construction Resources. Clay bricks Unfired, made from compressed clay, sand and straw. For the construction of non-load bearing walls. Can also be used for load bearing walls if the load is carried by a timber or steel frame. Used in conjunction with clay mortar and finished with clay or lime plaster. Can be recycled and cut with an ordinary wood saw. Online factsheets about Claytec Light Clay Bricks and Compressed Unfired Clay Bricks are available from Construction Resources. Clay Mortar Simply a mixture of clay and sand for bonding clay constructions. Jump back to the top.