Building Sustainability Podcast Growing the perfect insulation - Judith Thornton - BS005
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Jun 13, 2019 
Judith Thornton, a researcher at Aberystwyth University focused on plant-based insulation and miscanthus breeding. She discusses breeding perennials for durable stems, preventing biodegradation in natural insulators, the world’s first miscanthus-baled house, and matching plant traits to building needs. Short, science-led takes on materials, moisture risks, and designing crops for construction.
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Variety Changes How Straw Decays
- Different plant species and even varieties have materially different resistance to biodegradation in straw applications.
- Choosing the right plant can reduce rot risk after accidental moisture ingress in buildings.
Treat Materials To Prevent Early Rot
- Do consider sterilising or treating plant insulation to remove fungal activity at installation if rot-resistance is critical.
- Use proven treatments (e.g., borate for cellulose) or lime matrices like hemp-lime to suppress microbial growth.
Design Details Stop Moisture Problems
- Avoid moisture ingress as the primary strategy to prevent straw rot by detailing junctions and drainage carefully.
- Plan and draw construction details before site work to minimise improvisation that leads to leaks.