The Mud Home List of Resources
Over the years, I’ve been asked many times which materials, manufacturers, and professionals I recommend or genuinely trust within the natural building space. In this page I gather those whose work aligns with my principles: Breathability, truly sustainable, and offering long-term ecological responsibility (as opposed to greenwashing). Inclusion here reflects my respect for their overall approach and contribution to the field.
Materials
Natural building begins with the right materials. You want natural, breathable, and responsibly sourced materials.
Lime Suppliers
Anglia Lime (UK)
Based in Suffolk, UK. Small and local quality supplier of lime that I have personally used. They run courses and offer advice if you need it.
Cornish Lime (UK)
Cornish lime is the largest manufacturer and supplier of lime mortars and renders in the United Kingdom. Experts in building conservation with over 30 years experience.
Lancaster Limeworks (US)
It can be hard to find quality lime products in the US. Lancaster Limeworks are a Pennsylvania based company selling a range of lime mortars and lime putty.
Saint Astier (Europe-France)
Well known and trusted French family run manufacturer of quality lime products with their own quarry in the Dordogne. They export throughout Europe and to some locations worldwide.
Tŷ-Mawr Lime Ltd (UK-Wales)
Ethically accredited lime supplier who also run quality hands on training programs in Brecon, Wales. They have an interesting blog for lime lubbers too.
Based in Suffolk, UK. Small and local quality supplier of lime that I have personally used. They run courses and offer advice if you need it.
Cornish Lime (UK)
Cornish lime is the largest manufacturer and supplier of lime mortars and renders in the United Kingdom. Experts in building conservation with over 30 years experience.
Lancaster Limeworks (US)
It can be hard to find quality lime products in the US. Lancaster Limeworks are a Pennsylvania based company selling a range of lime mortars and lime putty.
Saint Astier (Europe-France)
Well known and trusted French family run manufacturer of quality lime products with their own quarry in the Dordogne. They export throughout Europe and to some locations worldwide.
Tŷ-Mawr Lime Ltd (UK-Wales)
Ethically accredited lime supplier who also run quality hands on training programs in Brecon, Wales. They have an interesting blog for lime lubbers too.
Clay Plaster and Paints
American Clay (US)
Popular manufacturers of clay renders and finishes in Albuquerque, New Mexico. American clay provide a variety of different clay plaster finishes and colours.
Claytec (Europe-Germany)
Long-standing and respected German manufacturer of high quality clay plasters and clay building products. They also supply Japanese trowels.
Earthborne Paints (UK)
My personal go-to brand for clay paint and pigments. Earthborne has been around over two decades. They are based in Cheshire and manufacture a wide variety of high quality clay paints and pigments for any substrate.
Mike Wye and Associates (UK)
Mike Wye are a popular and experienced UK natural materials supplier based in Cornwall. They offer a wide range of clay renders and natural finishing products. They also run a variety of training programs for both lime and clay applications.
Popular manufacturers of clay renders and finishes in Albuquerque, New Mexico. American clay provide a variety of different clay plaster finishes and colours.
Claytec (Europe-Germany)
Long-standing and respected German manufacturer of high quality clay plasters and clay building products. They also supply Japanese trowels.
Earthborne Paints (UK)
My personal go-to brand for clay paint and pigments. Earthborne has been around over two decades. They are based in Cheshire and manufacture a wide variety of high quality clay paints and pigments for any substrate.
Mike Wye and Associates (UK)
Mike Wye are a popular and experienced UK natural materials supplier based in Cornwall. They offer a wide range of clay renders and natural finishing products. They also run a variety of training programs for both lime and clay applications.
Rules of Thumb with Materials
If a company doesn't have a data sheet with ingredients clearly showing on the sales page, I'm suspicious. A list of trendy eco labels doesn't cut it for me. Here is the classic list of greenwash terminology which may mean nothing at all.
- Low CO₂ footprint
- Low in VOCs (case in point, many acrylic based paints make this claim. You want VOC free)
- Allergy-free (As an allergic person, I find this always a little perplexing. Which allergies? Straw? Feathers? Nuts?)
- Antibacterial (if it's a lime render fine; If it's a clay render? I'm suspecting an additive)
- Prevents mould growth (same as above)
- Environmentally safe (what exactly does this mean, anyway?)
- Healing properties (I actually saw this on a clay plaster product, believe it or not)
The Mud Home is independently run and editorially driven. All inclusions here are based on personal experience, recommendations from trusted professionals, or respect within the natural building field. This list will be added to as time goes by, so stay tuned!
The Mud Home's Best Resource?
Since 2017 I've been posting how-to articles, PDFs, videos of my own builds, and answering questions for those supporting The Mud Home on Patreon. For a VERY modest contribution you canL
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The Private Mud Home Facebook Group
If you'd like a sympathetic, helpful community without the jostling egos, this is for you. For just $15 a month, I offer advice in my private closed Facebook group. To join that group, just become a Patron at the Mud Friends level.
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