The ASBP Natural Materials Summit is supported by members of the ASBP Natural Fibre Insulation, Lime Building Products and Paints & Finishes groups.
ASBP Natural Materials Summit
Wednesday 21st October 2026 | 10:30-16:30 | NSBRC, Swindon | FREE to attend
Join the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) for a new in-person event, the ASBP Natural Materials Summit, bringing together leading experts, manufacturers and practitioners to explore the growing role of natural materials in healthy, low carbon, high performing buildings.
Jointly hosted by ASBP’s Natural Fibre Insulation Group, Lime Building Products and Paints & Finishes groups, the day brings together three of ASBP’s leading communities of practice, representing many of the UK’s foremost manufacturers and suppliers of natural fibre insulation, lime based plasters, renders and mortars, and natural paints and finishes. All three groups work collaboratively to share best practice and accelerate the adoption of natural building materials across new build and retrofit.
The day is designed to be genuinely interactive: technical presentations, panel discussions and audience Q&As are combined with live practical demonstrations, including wet trades. Delegates will see materials and application techniques in action, not just hear about them.
Whether you specify, design, build with or supply natural materials, the summit will offer practical, evidence based insight into insulation, lime and paint products side by side, along with the chance to build relationships with the manufacturers and practitioners shaping the sector.
Please see the programme below and register for your FREE ticket today!
Outline programme
10:30 Welcome to the Summit – Richard Broad, Chief Executive, ASBP
10:35 Meet the Experts – Quickfire introductions from the ASBP groups behind the day: Natural Fibre Insulation, Lime Building Products, and Paints & Finishes.
10:55 Technical Talks – Three back-to-back sessions on natural insulation, lime building products and healthy paints. Real expertise, no sales pitch.
11:55 Refreshment Break & Mini Exhibition
Coffee, conversation, and a chance to browse literature and products samples from our group members.
12:35 Demonstration Session 1 – Three live demonstrations running side by side. Get hands-on and see natural materials at work up close.
- Natural insulation
- Lime building products
- Plastic-free paint – mixing and application
13:05 Complimentary Lunch and Stand Tour
Relax over lunch, then explore the permanent stands from Ecological Building Systems, Mike Wye, PYC Warmcel and Steico.
14:10 Panel Discussions – Two expert panels, new build and retrofit, tackling the questions that matter most to designers, specifiers, contractors, and self-builders alike.
15:10 Break & Mini Exhibition – A last chance to browse the mini exhibition stands before the final round of demos.
15:30 Demonstration Session 2 – Three more live demos:
- Hemp and miscanthus lime-bound blocks – with Ty-Mawr
- Woodfibre internal wall insulation and lime plaster – with Lime Green
- Membranes and tapes in new build timber frame with natural fibre insulation – with Ecological Building Systems
16:00 Free Time – Revisit the stands, grab a final drink from the café, and keep the conversations going.
16:30 Close
What is 'natural fibre insulation?'
Natural fibre insulation (NFI) products and systems are derived from natural materials such as wood fibre, hemp, straw, cellulose, wool, cotton and flax. The fibres are mechanically processed rather than chemically altered, keeping them as close to their natural state as possible, and are often sourced from by-products of other agricultural or forestry processes.
Natural fibre insulation has been used in construction for many decades, but interest has grown significantly in recent years as the industry moves toward lower carbon, healthier and more resilient buildings. It’s now increasingly specified as a high performance alternative to conventional insulation in both new build and retrofit.
Available as flexible batts and rolls, rigid boards, loose fill and other formats such as straw bales, natural fibre insulation is used in much the same way as conventional insulation types, offering strong thermal and acoustic performance while supporting healthy moisture movement through the building fabric.
Key Details
Date: Wednesday 21st October 2026
Time: 10:30-16:30
Venue: National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon, SN5 8UB
How to book: Free to attend, registration essential
See below for:
Map
What is 'lime'?
In essence, ‘lime’ refers to quicklime and is made by heating limestone at high temperatures in a kiln. Lime has been used in construction as a binder in mortars and plasters for thousands of years, dating back to the days of the Roman Empire and beyond.
The introduction of cement in the 19th century led to a steep decline in their use but lime products have since had a renaissance. Evidence has shown that the use of impervious cement mortars and modern plasters on traditional buildings can cause significant damage. As such, lime products are seen as the ideal solution for conservation and restoration projects.
However, they are equally suited to modern new build development and there are a range of readily available product solutions available to support the development of healthy, low carbon homes and buildings.
Directions & Transport Links
By Road
From the East and West
– Leave the M4 at junction 16, signposted Swindon West, Wootton Bassett
– Take the exit marked A3102, Great Western Way, signposted Swindon
– Bear left just into the filter lane, before the traffic lights – you will see the Hilton Hotel on your left.
– Pass the Hilton Hotel on the left and the Premier Inn on the right and bear right at the second mini-roundabout
– The National Self Build & Renovation Centre car park is at the back of the Centre.
From the North East (Oxford)
From the A420, follow signs to join the A419 Southbound and join the M4 Westbound at Junction 15. Leave the M4 at Junction 16, then follow the directions as above.
From the North West (Cheltenham/Gloucester)
Follow the A419 Southbound and join the M4 Westbound at Junction 15. Leave the M4 at Junction 16, then follow the directions as above.
For Sat Nav use please enter: SN5 8UB
By Rail
The nearest train station is Swindon which is a short taxi ride to the Centre. Trains travel from the South Coast, Wales and Paddington Station in London.
By Bus
Bus no. 55/99 runs regularly from the bus station (a 2 minute walk from the train station) to Blagrove Roundabout which is a 10 minute walk to The National Self Build and Renovation Centre.
Taxis
Veezu – 01793 701 701
SWOOP – 0800 090 3322
What are 'natural paints'?
Natural paints and finishes are typically made from mineral, plant and earth based ingredients such as clay, lime, chalk and natural oils, rather than the petrochemical solvents and plasticisers found in many conventional paints. This keeps them virtually free from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas long after application, affecting indoor air quality and occupant health.
Interest in natural paints has grown as awareness of indoor air quality has increased, with conventional paint production also carrying a heavier reliance on non-renewable resources and a greater risk of contaminating ecosystems. Natural paints offer a safer, more sustainable alternative, and are increasingly specified alongside natural fibre insulation and lime systems to create healthier, lower impact buildings.
Venue FAQs
Is there parking on site?
Yes, free parking is available at both the front and rear of the Centre.
Do you have Electric Vehicle Charging?
There are eight 22kW, smart points, with load-balancing technology – meaning they will be reliable and controllable via an App.
The charge for all users is a competitive 50p per kWh. NSBRC recommend EV users download the Roam App (previously EVC) before arriving at the NSBRC, simply to speed up the process. You can find the App on the App Store under Roam.
Is there disabled parking?
Yes, disabled parking is available at the front of the Centre (on the right as you drive into the carpark).
Are wheelchairs available in the Centre?
There is a wheelchair on site which is free to use.
Does the Centre have WiFi?
Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the Centre.
Are dogs allowed into the Centre?
Only guide / sensory dogs are allowed into the Centre.