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.​
wattle & daub wall: woven bamboo lattice with clay/straw mixture
completed wall with clay plaster finish
Cheat Sheet
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HYBRID MATERIALS COMBINE TWO OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
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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
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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.
Recommended Reads
Here are my favorite books about hybrid construction techniques (click the text link below each book)