“SAND, LIME, WATER”

Sand, lime, water. Lime mortar has been used throughout the history of humanity since ancient times by many civilizations around the world. Egyptians, Romans, in medieval architecture, going through all periods of history to the present day. The secrets behind the preparation and application of lime mortar have been passed down through generations, perfecting the proper mix of lime, sand and water. Seemingly a simple formula, but one that results in a versatile and durable material. The properties of lime mortar have allowed the development of various architectural and decoration styles throughout history, being an essential tool both in the construction of buildings and in the use of ornamental details. The use of lime mortar continues to this day, having a place especially in the restoration of historic buildings, allowing its authenticity to be preserved and guaranteeing its longevity. Also in interior design, due to its breathability properties, temperature and humidity regulator, favoring comfortable, hygienic and more ecological environments.

SAND, LIME, WATER

Lime oven | UNICMALL | Mallorca

The distinctive element of this formula is lime, obtained from calcining limestone in special kilns, mainly calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Quicklime or air lime, calcium oxide (CaO) is obtained from this process, having multiple applications in industry, wastewater treatment and purification in other uses. In particular, to make lime mortar, slaked lime or hydrated lime, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), which, as its name indicates, is lime with added water, is used. To prepare the lime mortar you need powdered lime (slaked lime), sand and water. Mixing ratios can vary based on specific needs and requirements, but a commonly used ratio is 1 part lime to 3 parts sand. These proportions can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the project and the purpose of the mortar. Due to its unique properties and benefits, lime mortar is a construction material that has become an option of widespread use throughout history. Due to its long-term durability, it is suitable for structures exposed to adverse weather conditions due to its ability to resist the stresses caused by temperature changes. It also has good resistance to fire, which contributes to the safety and protection of structures built with this material. It could be said that the most outstanding feature of lime mortar is its ability to breathe, or what is the same, allow water vapor to pass through it, allowing the building to breathe, thus avoiding the accumulation of humidity and reduces the risk of problems such as condensation and the appearance of mold on its surface. This particular characteristic of lime mortar makes it act as a natural regulator of humidity in interior spaces, creating a more comfortable and healthy environment.

With these versatile features, lime mortar is highly suitable for a wide range of applications both indoors and outdoors. Properties that offer a wide range of aesthetic finishes, from smooth and uniform surfaces for a refined or minimalist design environment, to rougher and more rustic textures for more casual and homely interior designs.

LIME MORTAR AND ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE

Throughout human history, lime mortar has been widely used in ancient architecture due to its well-known advantages as a construction material and versatility of use in decorative applications.

Menna and Family Hunting in the Marshes, Tomb of Menna 14th Century B.C.

The Egyptians used this material in the construction of their pyramids, temples, and tombs. Not only in the construction of these but also for wall covering and ornamentation, using it as a binder for the pigments of the paints that were used to paint murals and architectural elements. For the Romans, the use of lime mortar in construction allowed them to build aqueducts, bridges, amphitheaters and all kinds of buildings thanks to the use of volcanic aggregates in the lime mortar mixture, which gave it special resistance for their large-scale constructions.

Stucco detail. Pilatos house in Seville.

The masters and artisans of Islamic architecture were experts in the use of this material for the creation of rich ornamental details of intricate geometric designs, applied in stucco, plasterwork and tiles to cover walls and ceilings in a profuse and characteristic way thanks to the use of this material that offers such special plastic characteristics. In each civilization, historical and artistic period, unique techniques were developed that took advantage of the properties of this precious material. Its use allowed for the construction of durable, decorative, and functional structures that have stood the test of time and remain impressive examples of human skill in ancient architecture.

NOW ADAYS

Although lime mortar is known for its historical use in the construction of old buildings, it also has various applications in modern architecture and construction. Today the use of lime mortar is a common practice to preserve the authenticity and integrity of historic buildings.

VASARI Lime plaster

The traditional lime mortar offers the benefit of maintaining the original construction characteristics compared to other more modern construction materials.

Currently, lime mortar is used as an exterior and interior coating, providing a natural aesthetic appearance to the walls. It also has applications such as the preparation of lime floors, which offer a sustainable and ecological alternative. Lime floors are durable, breathable and easy to maintain with protective wax.

Lime mortar, combined with other insulating materials such as straw, hemp fiber or cork, is used in the construction of walls and ceilings, providing exceptional thermal insulation and low environmental impact, being an environmentally friendly construction solution. environment helping to reduce energy consumption in buildings. Due to its ecological and natural properties and in combination with other sustainable construction materials, such as wood and adobe, together with its versatility, resistance and characteristics of humidity and temperature regulation, make it an ideal component for bio projects. -contemporary sustainable construction and architecture that seek to combine tradition with innovation and sustainability. Additionally, compared to other construction materials, lime mortar has a low carbon footprint, with its production requiring less energy, emitting less greenhouse gases, which makes it an extraordinary option that is more sustainable and respectful of the environment. environment.

REFLEXIONS

The properties and advantages that it offers are evident in this brief exposition, although the subject would almost be enough for a treatise due to its interest and relevance. The use of lime mortar in contemporary projects allows us to take advantage of its advantages and unique properties. By opting for this material, we are choosing a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. As we move towards a more sustainable approach in architecture and design, lime mortar has an important role to play. Durability, strength, breathability, flexibility, bactericidal properties, a wide range of aesthetic and decorative applications, sustainability, recyclability, and eco-friendliness make this material an extraordinary one to consider, which needs to be encouraged and maintained in its use, especially in the current times and the need to pay attention to how we utilize and make use of the resources at our disposal.

VASARI Lime plaster

Its ecological properties make it an attractive material for professionals in the sector. The revival of interest in traditional techniques and materials in construction and design opens up new opportunities by combining ancient techniques and materials with contemporary approaches allowing for the creation of unique designs. In short, lime mortar is a valuable and versatile material that has stood the test of time. Preserving and promoting the use of this traditional material in architecture and design is the ultimate purpose of this post. Its future in architecture and design looks bright as we move towards an environmentally friendly bio-construction model.