While plaster accessories may not seem exciting to discuss in a natural building assembly, these details provide a robust foundation for long-term durability, air tightness details, and a clean drip edge for water to safely shed off the building. Good design here translates to a building that will survive whatever weather comes their way.

Embodied carbon is all the rage at the moment among leading edge designers and builders. Yet the stumbling block tends to be foundations. Carbon-beneficial buildings must include carbon-conscious foundations. In this article, we offer a typical assembly and material sourcing and supply options to develop carbon-conscious foundation solutions.

Materials, and how they combine to create assemblies, are a fundamental aspect of holistic design and robust construction. We advocate for sustainably sourced, local and regional materials that are appropriate for your building site and climate. Our Natural Materials Sourcing and Supply Resource Guide illustrates a comprehensive palette of natural materials for use throughout a building assembly.

Known for its acoustic value, this natural building material has a bonus ability to readily accept lime and clay plasters as part of a complete vapor active assembly. Combined with hempcrete and plaster, this offers a seamlessly consistent interior finish. What’s not to love?