Natural building materials improve thermal performance of Ullswater farmhouse

A traditional stone-built farmhouse on an exposed Cumbrian hillside has been transformed into a well-insulated and energy efficient home thanks to natural building materials from Ecological Building Systems. 

Building contractor IJ Curry & Son selected Diasen Diathonite Evolution natural plaster to both insulate and plaster the farmhouse, achieving a very low U-value, with under 80mm depth of material. 

Diathonite Evolution is an insulating plaster produced from hydrated lime, natural hydraulic lime (NHL-3.5), clay, cork and diatomaceous earth. As a natural material, it allows moisture to pass through and helps walls in older buildings dry out thanks to its capillary active, hygroscopic and moisture vapour diffusion open nature.  

It can be applied internally or externally on solid stone or masonry walls and ceilings, providing both insulation and moisture management. Diathonite Evolution is suitable for use on stone or brick surfaces, once any gypsum plaster has been removed, as well as on wood-based panels, lath and plasterboard that have been primed with Diasen Aquabond.    

It can also help regulate moisture to manage dampness and humidity in solid walls of the type often found within older buildings. 

After applying Diathonite Evolution to the internal walls, Diasen Argatherm was applied on top. It is a smoothing plaster used to achieve an authentic finish while maintaining vapour control. Diasen Polites 80 mesh was used around the curved windows to create a more authentic look. The existing building’s uninsulated U-value was 2.38W/m²k but, after insulation, the U-value was 0.41W/m²k – a 5.8 times improvement.   

www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com