Wattle and Daub
Wattle and daub is a building method where a framework of woven branches ("wattle") is filled and plastered with an earth mixture ("daub"). It is primarily used for non-load-bearing walls in timber frame structures.
Wattle and daub impresses with its versatility and adaptability. The wall thickness of 50 to 150 mm makes the technique ideal for partition walls, but also for exterior walls. Particularly impressive is the possibility of incorporating additional insulation through double-wall constructions or improving the indoor climate in existing buildings through increased thermal mass.
A Look into History
Wattle and daub is one of humanity's oldest building techniques. Archaeological findings prove its use by the ancient Egyptians and Romans. In England, several thousand-year-old buildings using this technique still stand today. In Japan, too, wattle and daub has a long tradition known as "TsuchiKabe".
The Material
The foundation of wattle and daub is a load-bearing timber frame with woven infill that can be designed in various ways.
Traditionally, split hazel rods or willow branches are used, which are woven between vertical posts. Alternatively, bamboo, woody vines, wooden slats, or horizontal and diagonal trellises can be used. The attachment method depends on the chosen material: while trellises or slats are screwed to vertical posts, bamboo is secured with cords. The earth mixture (daub) itself is made from clay subsoil, sand, and straw, and is carefully applied to the wickerwork.
Building Method and Application
The construction involves several steps:
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Creation of the timber frame
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Attachment of the wickerwork to chosen technique:
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Screwing of trellises or slats
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Weaving of hazel and willow rods
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Securing bamboo with cords
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Application of the earth mixture
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Final earth or lime plaster
The wattle and daub technique offers various construction possibilities. In the classic variant, it serves as non-load-bearing infill in a timber frame, where the wickerwork is inserted into the spaces and filled with the earth mixture.
An innovative development is the double wattle and daub wall, where the resulting cavity is filled with insulation materials such as light straw clay or sheep's wool.
In the field of energy-efficient renovation, another variant has proven effective: An additional wattle and daub construction on existing walls increases thermal mass and thereby optimizes both indoor climate and energy efficiency.