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Hybrid Natural Building Materials

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.  

 

 

 

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Best Use

Use hybrid walls where you need thinner, non-structural walls or to maximize the use of your local materials.​
Glossary-hybrid.jpg

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

IMG_20181018_084227_492.jpg

completed wall with clay plaster finish

Cheat Sheet

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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

​

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.

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