This briefing paper from the ASBP Lime Building Products Group provides a short introduction to building limes: what they are, how they work, and why they are being widely adopted in both conservation and modern low‑carbon construction.
Summary
Building with Lime is a practical introduction to building lime, explaining what it is, how it works, the different types available, and why it is increasingly being used in both the conservation of traditional buildings and modern low-carbon construction. Produced by the ASBP Lime Building Products Group, the paper also explores lime’s role in creating breathable, moisture-safe building envelopes and its compatibility with natural fibre insulation.
What you’ll learn
- What building lime is and how it is made.
- The differences between lime putty and Natural Hydraulic Limes (NHLs).
- How the lime cycle works.
- Why lime performs differently from cement.
- The benefits of lime in heritage and conservation projects.
- How lime supports modern, breathable, low-carbon construction.
- Why lime works particularly well with natural fibre insulation.
- Practical guidance on specification, curing and good detailing.
Who is this paper for?
This briefing is aimed at:
- Architects and designers.
- Builders and contractors.
- Retrofit professionals.
- Conservation specialists.
- Self-builders and homeowners.
- Anyone interested in healthy, low-carbon construction using traditional and natural materials.
Key takeaways
Readers will gain an understanding of why lime is seeing renewed interest across the construction sector, particularly for retrofit, conservation and healthy, low-carbon buildings. The paper explains how lime helps buildings manage moisture safely, supports repairable construction, and complements bio-based materials when used with appropriate design and detailing.
Downloads
With thanks to the members of the ASBP Lime Building Products Group for authoring this paper
