THANNAL | COMMUNITY SEED BANK
Volunteering Oct - Dec2019
Community seed bank was a project undertaken by Thannal, hand sculpted homes.The project situated in Vellaiampatti,dindigul was built entirely of sustainable building materials with zero usage of cement. The structure comprises of rubble foundation, cob walls,reclaimed wooden beams and natural lime plaster finishes.All of which were an excellent learning experience in firsthand. I was volunterring during the final stages of finishes and also undertook the constructure of Kuthir (traditional granary),a wattle daub structure along with fellow volunteers.
kuthir | Traditional granary
Kuthir is a traditional granary used to store paddy and rice.A wattle and daub structure with exterior relief art and rubble foundation.The rubble foundation is laid atop the bamboo poles for support and watershed during rainy season and to prevent the structure from damage and moisture.The bamboo post and wattle are treated with cashew oil before the application of daub onto the surface.The daub mix contains cowdung and locally availabe native plant resins for which acts as natural pesiticide.
Plaster Sample and mixes
Natural lime plasters are devoid of oxides and other chemical coloring agents. These samples are made from combining various natural ingredients such as turmeric,cowdung,locally available plant, naturally occurring stone pigments. The proportions of these materials are varied and tested to obtain different hues to be used for the surface finishes. After several samples testing the durability, fineness ,hue and resistance to cracking, the desired lime plaster mix is made in large batches for interior surface finish application. Once dried linseed oil is applied on top of the surface for waterproofing and aesthetic finish. The above lime plaster finish consists of turmeric powder and cowdung as additives contributing to the color and also acts as pesticides.
