Colin is a chartered building engineer, chartered surveyor and accredited energy assessor.

His Services include: 

Architectural design specialising in low-energy buildings,

Sructural design particularly using natural materials

Energy assessment and advice.

Colin researched contemporary earth construction at the University of Plymouth. He can offer contemporary earth designs to the highest environmental standards and can advise on upgrading existing earth buildings to meet modern living conditions

We specialise in teaching anyone, from architects, to housewives to build new houses made from cob and straw bale. We advocate utilizing passive solar design principles, to make the most of the thermal mass of cob and the excellent insulation values of straw bales.  We use our cob- bale hybrid home as a teaching tool.

Manufacture and supply daubs, earth blocks, Bettablok. Slaked lime putty,natural hydraulic limes.  Members of Confor,ASBP. Oak timber,laths and linseed oil paints. Many other natural building products. Contractors for the build and repair of earth buildings.

Father and Son, Bruce and Luke Maltby specialise in the care and repair of Traditional buildings.

We have been working on period property for a number of years, we are accredited by the Norfolk County Council , and Bruce holds a professional Development certificate from the Institute of Heritage Building Conservation. We are also fully insured

From cottages to churches, our sympathetic approach will re-discover and enhance the historic beauty and character of your property.Every property and client is unique, and we are always happy to discuss your particular needs with you. Bruce and Luke are well trained in the care and repair of Clay Lump, Cob, and Wattle and Daub properties.

Our Services Traditional Lime Plastering | Haired Lime/Chalk plastering | Lime Rendering | Lathe and Plaster work | Renewal of wooden Lathes | Re pointing of brick and flint walls Material matching | Clay Lump repair | Wattle and Daub application and repair | Clay Plastering.

Located in Hingham, we cover the Norfolk and Suffolk area. To discuss your individual requirements and obtain a no obligation quote please contact

Stephen Letch- Master Thatcher from Laurel Farm, Starston, Norfolk is initially providing/hosting short taster training courses in 2014, with the view of providing more advanced courses once the thatched earth block roundhouse is completed for student accommodation and conferencing in 2015.

Courses will include earth construction, different forms of thatching, flint knapping, growing thatching straw and a whole load more!

We seek to simplify the use of earth-based construction through the Planning, Building Regulations and Warranty systems. Initial telephone advice is offered on historic earth buildings, particularly ‘clay lump’ in East Anglia.

Lead consultant and contact: Sarah Roberts MA, RIBA, RIBA Conservation Register, EBUKI (Earth Buildings UK and Ireland) Committee member.

The Vernacular Architecture Group was formed in 1952 to further the study of traditional buildings, originally those of the British Isles. In recent years, its membership and publications have also reflected a growing interest in buildings from other parts of the world. Members are involved in all aspects of the recording and study of vernacular buildings including:

• Detailed local or regional surveys 
• Studies of particular types of buildings including houses, farms, industrial and urban buildings
• Building materials
• Techniques of building, including carpentry and masonry 
• Documentary evidence

For More Information about Vernacular Architecture Group visit http://www.vag.org.uk