On 21st October 2026, over 120 people braved the stormy weather to join us at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon for the first ASBP Natural Materials Summit.
The Summit brought together leading experts, manufacturers and practitioners to explore the growing role of natural materials in healthy, low carbon, high-performing buildings. The programme combined technical talks, live demonstrations, panel discussions, an exhibition and networking, giving delegates the opportunity to see materials and application techniques in practice.
Technical talks: insulation, lime and healthy paints
Opening the event, ASBP Chief Executive Richard Broad highlighted the growing interest in natural materials and the need to bring evidence and practical experience to new audiences.
The event was jointly hosted by ASBP’s Natural Fibre Insulation, Lime Building Products and Paints & Finishes groups, bringing together three of ASBP’s long-standing communities of practice, who work collaboratively to share expertise and accelerate the adoption of natural materials across new build and retrofit. Members from the groups introduced themselves and their companies.
This was followed by three technical presentations covering natural fibre insulation, lime building products, and paints and finishes.
Neil Turner, UK Technical Manager at Ecological Building Systems, presented the multiple benefits of natural fibre insulation. His talk covered thermal performance in winter and summer, embodied carbon, renewable and recycled fibres, moisture management, indoor air quality, acoustic insulation and reaction to fire.
Peter Rollinson, Technical Manager at Mike Wye, introduced lime building products, covering the lime cycle, binder selection, mortar porosity and the role of sacrificial mortar in protecting surrounding masonry.
Anton Boekhoudt, National Architectural Business Development Manager at KEIM Mineral Paints, explored the benefits of natural paints and finishes, with a focus on breathability and how performance can be measured. The three speakers then took questions from delegates.
Six live demonstrations
The Summit’s practical demonstrations were a central part of the programme, with three sessions running side by side before and after the lunch break.
The first session featured Simon Ayres of Lime Green demonstrating woodfibre internal wall insulation and lime plaster. Ty-Mawr Lime showcased hemp and miscanthus lime-bound blocks, while Mike Shufflebotham and Charlie Smith of PYC Warmcel demonstrated the practical performance of blown cellulose insulation.
In the afternoon, Barbara Jones of the School of Natural Building demonstrated building with straw. Ty-Mawr and Saint Astier showcased lime external thermal insulation render, while Kieran Fellows and Dave Judd of Ecological Building Systems demonstrated membranes and tapes for new-build timber-frame construction using natural fibre insulation.
These sessions gave delegates the chance to see different products and techniques in action, ask questions and handle materials directly.
Alongside the demonstrations, a mini exhibition in the Piazza provided an opportunity to browse literature and samples from ASBP group members and speak with suppliers. Delegates could also visit the NSBRC’s permanent exhibition stands, including stands from ASBP members – Ecological Building Systems, Mike Wye, PYC Warmcel and Steico, as well as the Centre’s Retrofit Zone and Renovation House.
Panel discussions: new build, retrofit and regenerative procurement
The afternoon concluded with two panel discussions exploring the use of natural materials in new build and retrofit.
Gary Newman of Woodknowledge Wales introduced ROOT to Market, a marketplace for regenerative procurement, before chairing the new-build panel. Panellists were Andy Mitchell of PYC Warmcel, Barbara Jones of the School of Natural Building, Roger Maher of Earthborn Paints and Peter Rollinson of Mike Wye.
Emma Taylor of ASBP chaired the retrofit panel, bringing together Neil Turner of Ecological Building Systems, Edward Bulmer of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, John Ferguson of Sisalwool and Simon Ayres of Lime Green.
The discussions brought together perspectives from across the supply chain, including insulation manufacturers, natural paint specialists, lime practitioners and straw-building experts.
Positive feedback and plans for 2027
Delegate feedback was encouraging, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 from attendees, with every respondent saying they would attend another ASBP Natural Materials Summit.
Demonstrations were voted the most useful part of the day, followed by panel discussions and networking. Delegates particularly valued the opportunity to see and handle materials, learn from experienced speakers and connect with potential suppliers and collaborators.
“An excellent event today, packed full with great demos, attendees, talks, panellists and important discussions. Brilliantly organised!”
Ellora Coupe, Founder of Her Retrofit Space
“It was a great event. Well done Debbie and ASBP!”
Tom Graham, Coordinator of ACAN Natural Materials Group
“Yesterday was time well spent at the ASBP Natural Materials Summit held at the fabulous The National Self Build & Renovation Centre. Firstly, well done and thank you to the team at ASBP and their members for putting this very well attended event together.”
Ele George, Partnerships Lead, Ecosystem Technologies Ltd
Feedback also highlighted opportunities to build on the inaugural event, with suggestions including longer demonstration sessions and project case studies from architects and contractors.
Thank you to the NSBRC team for hosting the Summit, and to all the speakers, demonstrators, panellists and members who contributed their time and expertise.
The ASBP Natural Materials Summit will return in 2027. Watch this space!