The Bhrigu Samhita, a time-honoured treatise believed to have been penned by the revered Sage Bhrigu during the Vedic era, explores the art of preparing lime mortar with meticulous detail. This ancient text sheds light on the timeless value of using sustainable and eco-friendly materials in construction.

While concrete and cement roofs are widely adopted in modern construction, the use of "limecrete" roofs, which are primarily composed of lime and aggregates, should not be overlooked. These roofs offer excellent water resistance and durability, making them ideal for exposed conditions and intermediate roofs in multi-story buildings.

With its sustainable and water-resistant characteristics, Lime is a material of great potential in roofing applications. The results are truly remarkable when combined with pozzolanic materials such as surkhi. This technique of using lime and pozzolanic materials to create water-resistant surfaces on walls is a common practice in vernacular architecture, demonstrating the timeless value of sustainable building methods. Using this method in roof construction allows for creating flat roofs that provide additional accessible space while also serving as a beautiful and eco-friendly solution. Limecrete can also be utilised as flooring, further emphasising its versatility and sustainability.

What you'll learn

Section 1: Introduction, History and Prerequisites

• Limecrete roof as an exposed roof and an intermediate roof
• Traditional practices
• Context of Limecrete at Thannal
• Materials in use
• Terminologies
• Preparatory Works

Section 2: Structure and Roof opening

• Types of structures which can support Limecrete roof
• Making the beams and laying them
• Rafters placement and joineries
• Holding membrane-material options
• How to make an opening in the roof
• Shuttering with Wood

Section 3: Limecrete preparation & laying

• Ingredients for preparing the mix
• Preparation of special admixtures 
• Preparation of limecrete Mix
• Laying the limecrete roof
• Fixing glass in the opening
• Beating of lime

Section 4: Finishes & Conclusion

• Lime plaster
• Surkhi lime finish
• Cowdung finish
• Terracotta tile
• Conclusion

Section 5: References and What’s next?

Section 6: Bonus Content (30 minutes)
Learn about different roofing techniques, and choose one that fits your natural building.