This experimental research explored the variety and weathering of traditional Scottish earth construction in a programme designed to fill the knowledge and skills gap in the conservation of vernacular earth structures. Arc were principal authors of the final report, which will soon be published by Historic Scotland TCRE.
A wide-ranging programme of more than 230 tests was carried out on sample walls at 3 external sites representing different climatic conditions. The tests assessed a diverse range of forms of construction, material mixtures, additives, fibres, coatings and finishes.
Monitored for 7 years, the results highlighted the importance of good
grading for long-term durability of earth materials and documented
an incompatibility of lime coatings to earth substrates due to differential
thermal expansion