Hybrid Natural Building Materials

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Hybrids

The thing is...most natural building methods are actually a combination

of materials. Like a stew. Each chosen from what is available locally and used for

its particular characteristics.

Materials that trap air pockets where insulation is required.

Sticky materials where a binding glue is needed.

Sand to control shrinking or increase compressive strength.

Fibrous ingredients when you need to knit materials together.

Most hybrid natural materials are made up one of two or more of the

following (hence the term "hybrid"):

Clay - super sticky binder used in a variety of natural materials

Sand - aggregate added to increase strength and reduce shrinkage & cracking

Fiber - such as straw or hemp, provides insulation & knits materials together

Wood/Bamboo - ideal for structural supports, woven elements, or cordwood

Lime - binder used for wear-resistant plasters & paints

The idea is to look at what is available locally in nature in abundance. Then

understand the performance qualities you need. Do you need insulation to stay

warm in winter? Do you need mass to absorb heat? Do you just need a partition to

separate spaces? Then select those local materials that will best accomplish those

needs. Scroll below to see a breakdown of some of the most common hybrid natural

materials and where to use them.

Best Use

Use hybrid walls where you need thinner, non-structural

walls or to maximize the use of your local materials.

wattle & daub wall: woven bamboo lattice with clay/straw mixture

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completed wall with clay plaster finish

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Want to learn more? Here are some articles to get you started.

AT A GLANCE
most hybrid materials combine fibrous ingredients (such as straw or hemp) with a natural binder (such as clay or lime)
most hybrids are non-structural (except cordwood)

BEST USE
when you need to maximize the performance of various local materials

LINK TO GLOSSARY
Read the glossary description here.

HYBRID MATERIALS COMBINE TWO OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Clay - super sticky binder that creates internal structure for a variety of applications
Sand - aggregate added to increase strength and reduce shrinkage & cracking
Fiber - such as straw or hemp, provides insulation & knits clay materials together
Wood/Bamboo - ideal for structural supports
Lime - binder used for wear-resistant plasters & paints

Recommended Reads

Here are my favorite books that cover hybrid construction techniques (click the cover to purchase)

This is my number one book on hempcrete construction, because it explains the science, the process, and the performance

Buy this book

Practical guide to cordwood construction, including process & permitting

Buy this book

Another good resource on cordwood construction, including critical details such as siting, types of wood and how to prepare it, etc.

Buy this book

This is my number one book on hempcrete construction, because it explains the science, the process, and the performance.

This book covers light clay straw construction, and includes inspirational photos, step-by-step photos, plus lots of construction details.

Practical guide to cordwood construction, including process & permitting.

Another good resource on cordwood construction, including critical details such as siting, types of wood and how to prepare it, etc.u need to know.

This book offers a trip around the world, highlighting a wide variety of indigenous buildings from every conceivable climate

Buy this book

This book offers a trip around the world, highlighting a wide variety of indigenous buildings from every conceivable climate.

This book covers light clay straw construction, and includes inspirational photos, step-by-step photos, plus lots of construction details

Buy this book

Comparison of Hybrid Natural Wall Materials

quick look at various methods that use a hybrid of materials from nature

MATERIAL	DESCRIPTION	BEST USE	BENEFITS	CHALLENGES
	Light clay straw is made by coating straw fibers with liquid clay and tamping the mixture into a wall cavity. The clay glues the straw fibers together to create a solid infill material.	Use where modest insulation or good sound absorption is a benefit
	Hempcrete is a combination of hemp hurds (from woody hemp stalks) glued together with sticky lime. The mixture is tamped into a wall cavity and then plastered on both sides.	Use as insulation to save energy for heating or cooling, especially where walls need resilience from occasional wetting
	Cordwood features logs, round or split, all cut to the same length. The logs are mortared together, with their length creating the wall-width.	Use if you have wood in abundance and benefit from modest insulation
	Wattle is woven material, shap. Daub is a wet mixture of clay soil and plant fibers (such as straw).	Use as non-structural partitions where insulation is not required

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excellent acoustic performance

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simple installation

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very inexpensive

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prevents air leakage

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requires ample airflow during drying

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requires cavity wall system (such as stud framing)

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labor intensive

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limited testing data

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high insulation

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can handle some dampness

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sequesters CO2

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regulates humidity

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prevents air leakage

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lime binder is caustic during installation

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requires cavity wall system (such as stud framing)

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labor intensive

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currently costly in USA

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modest insulation

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no finish plastering required

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uses short pieces of wood

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logs create the wall surface aesthetic

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slow construction

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logs must be cured (dried) to prevent shrinking in place

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wood-intensive

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pointing between logs can be tricky

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nearly free interior wall system

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thin walls

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simple, low-tech

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intuitive

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non-structural

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usually requires finish plaster

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low thermal mass

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non-insulating