StoneHemp Mix1 has been used in many ways to make this EarthShip. e-ship2002-91: As a finishing plaster, its one-coat application and slow setting time allows the creation of free-form shapes in both walls and other structures. This plaster is an artisan product and has to be properly cured in a warm, moist environment, but the results can be carved and polished for up to a week after initial setup, and our compression testing still gives 1,200 psi+ for long-term durability. 
StoneHemp plaster on cobbed tires: The plaster flows easily around the curved surfaces and reduces the amount of cob needed to prepare the tire walls. (Cob is made from clay slurry, earth, sand and chopped straw - it’s a major effort to mix and apply, so the less one has to use, the better). StoneHemp plaster on OSB: This is a first! The StoneHemp plaster is applied directly to a standard 2x6 stud wall covered with oriented Strand Board sheeting. No wire, no tar paper, only some 9/16" staples shot into the boards to act as ‘keys’, and the usual metal stucco separators and starter strips.
A one-coat finish with major reductions in labour and material costs.  

Finished with a mineral oxide coloured quicklime wash, and sealed with ‘HydroStop’ from the Kryton Group.
cistern 2: A 2,000 gallon water container made from cobbed tires, finished with 3/4 “ of StoneHemp Mix1 plaster and waterproofed with applications of Krystal T1 & T2 from the Kryton Group.
Now operating as part of the ‘tailrace’ for the e-ship’s micro-hydro system.
flashing details: StoneHemp plaster has the flexibility and strength to handle complicated structural details, such as roof flashing.
tile setting: StoneHemp Mix1 is non-hygroscopic (unlike Portland Cement-based materials); it does not attract and retain moisture. This means, it is an ideal material for ceramic tile setting and grouting.
canwall2: The e-ship’s greywater recycle growing area under construction. The canwall on the left is held together with StoneHemp plaster. The tirewall (on the right) and the floor structure are cobbed, and the whole inner surface plastered. Krystal T1 &T2 for waterproofing.
stonehemp floor2: StoneHemp flooring, sanded flat five days after application to make the hemp hurds more visible. Finished with 3 coats of oil-based polyurethane. StoneHemp™ has been developed through an exhaustive testing program.

 The results so far have well exceeded our expectations and the EarthShip allows us to field test both materials and application procedures. If you are interested in finding out more about any aspect of this project, e-mail "Dave Cull" at: nozone@uniserve.com.

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