timberandplaster

Timber and plaster is a traditional wall construction technique in which a timber frame provides the structural skeleton and the spaces between timbers are filled with plaster. The system is widely known as half-timbering when the timber frame is exposed on the exterior or interior.

Construction involves a framework of vertical and horizontal timbers joined at corners by joinery such as mortise and tenon. The spaces between are infilled with materials such as wattle and daub (a mixture of woven branches, clay, and straw) or with lime plaster on a masonry or wooden lath. Exterior surfaces are often finished with lime render to protect the timber and infill, while interior walls are typically plastered with lime or gypsum plasters.

Originating in medieval Europe, timber and plaster is best known from English Tudor and German Fachwerk houses. Variants include English wattle-and-daub with inscribed decorative patterns, French Alsatian half-timbering, and Scandinavian timber-framed houses. The method reflects regional building traditions, available materials, and climate considerations.

Preservation focuses on preventing moisture ingress, replacing decayed timbers, and ensuring the lime-based system remains breathable. Repairs prefer compatible materials, such as lime putty and lime plaster, to maintain the wall’s moisture-handling properties. In some cases, structural reinforcements or modern damp-proofing measures are added while attempting to preserve the historic appearance.

In contemporary contexts, timber and plaster is appreciated for its historical significance and aesthetic value, and it continues to influence restoration projects as well as new constructions seeking vernacular character.