Clay plasters have been used extensively in buildings around the world for thousands of years. If sourced correctly, they are sustainable, low carbon and amongst the healthiest wall finishes available.

Clayworks are a British brand who offer a range of natural clay plasters to achieve a smooth, tonal or rustic appearance across a mix of interior applications.

Simultaneously a creative practice, a research laboratory and a manufacturing facility, we were thrilled to recently be invited to their Cornwall showroom, on the rugged and beautiful southwest coast of England. Here, they mix their plasters from blends of unfired clays with minerals and pigments, resulting in a variety of breathable finishes for interior walls and ceilings.

Founded by Iowan-native Adam Weismann and Katy Bryce, the company was born from a passion for natural building practices and a love of nature. The couple travelled the world to learn about the traditions of clay as a building material, while running a small company which specialised in cob, wood, stone, clay and lime.

“Our vision was to explore the use of natural materials in architecture, as mediums to foster a balance that is healthy for the environment and the user, while beautiful in design,” explains Weismann. “This led us to develop a particular fascination with clay and its aesthetic and performance qualities.”

Weismann and Bryce spent years studying and learning from master plasterers around the world, and today their company produce an extensive range of finishes in over 80 colours from local and plentiful raw materials. These are all recyclable, compostable, reusable, and contain no toxic ingredients, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or synthetics.

Using the right tools, the plaster can be applied to mimic different types of stone or concrete, and the natural products are intended to offer an alternative to gypsum plasters or paints, while helping to regulate humidity, and absorb toxins and odours.

“It’s stark how the environments we inhabit affect our overall health and wellbeing”, says Bryce. “In line with the principles of the WELL Building standard, certain natural materials present the opportunity to directly improve our physiology, health and comfort.”

The sample shop at Clayworks is a celebration of everything that is aesthetically unique (and possible) with clay plasters, where their team experiment and mix new and custom finishes for clients internationally. “We can play with depth, colour, texture and pattern – the possibilities are endless”, says Weismann.

Classic options range from Smooth, which has a fine finish, cloudy tone and produces beautifully textured walls, to Rustic, which is rich in character and tonal variation, with varying degrees of coarseness.

Their rammed earth finish, recently used at home goods store, Fellow on Abbott Kinney in Los Angeles, recreates an ancient building technique. This surface material feels raw and monolithic, with textured layers stacked to form bands of different hues. Applied at a depth of around 3/8”, it also contributes to the performance of the building fabric – softening acoustics and thermal variations, moisture control and breathability.

Thank you to Clayworks for the inspiring visit. We’ve included a few homes, stores and wellness spas that showcase their products here.

Photography: Taran Wilkhu, Jasper Carlberg, Edvinas Bruzas. Toby Mitchell, Aesop Skincare, Edward Sumner, Petr Krejci, Clayworks