The Radiant One: Wattle and Daub Wall in St. Thomas, Jamaica (In Progress)

St. Thomas, Jamaica

The Project

February - Aprul 2026

Wattle and Daub, Cob, Lime Plaster

This wall is created from a structure of wood and bamboo (the wattle) that was infilled with an earthen mix of soil, sand, coconut coir and lemongrass then finished in natural plasters suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. The exterior, polished lime-sand plaster is water-resistant while the interior plaster is mostly clay-based and textured. Simple relief sculpting techniques were used to depict a central core from which patterns radiate differently on either side - representative of the union between that which both unifies The core) us and makes us unique (the periphery)

Project Details

The Wattle and Daub Wall at Source Farm is an active natural building project now approaching completion, with a return visit scheduled to carry the work into its final phase.

The project began during the Permaculture Design Course (PDC) and Natural Building Short Course in February 2026, where participants engaged in hands-on construction using traditional building methods. A woven wattle framework of wooden laths and bamboo was installed to form the structural base, creating a lattice for the earthen infill.

The walls were then built up with cob (daub), using a range of experimental mixes of clay, sand, and natural fibers such as coconut coir and lemongrass. These materials were selected to improve strength, reduce cracking, and explore the use of locally available resources.

Once shaped, a base plaster of lime, sand, and coconut coir was applied to prepare the surface for final finishes.

Two distinct wall elements were developed:

- The front-facing wall, located near the kitchen and dining area, features an etched design that sets the foundation for further sculptural detailing.
- The rear-facing wall showcases a sculpted sun-star relief, adding a symbolic and artistic presence to the structure.

The walls are currently curing naturally, allowing the materials to settle and strengthen before the final phase of plastering and finishing begins.

This stage includes the addition of any remaining sculptural and relief elements, enhancing both the aesthetic and expressive qualities of the wall. A final lime and sand finishing plaster will then be applied, creating a smooth, durable, and breathable surface suited to the environment.

Various plaster mixes, with and without natural pigments, will be prepared and tested to achieve the desired tones and finishes. The process will conclude with the application of linseed oil and starch-based washes, providing protection while enriching the surface with depth and character.

This final phase brings together craftsmanship and material understanding, completing the wall as both a functional structure and a piece of living earth-based art. It will simultaneously function as a catalog for recipes that can be replicated for larger scale projects highlighting the integration of traditional techniques and local materials demonstrating the beauty and functionality of natural building systems.