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“Mud and Stud is a technique
of timber-framed construction that is almost exclusively
found in Lincolnshire.”
- Rodney Cousins. (2000)
"Mud and Stud (or M & S as
it will henceforth be termed), like wattle and daub, uses a
timber framework. Although it is sometimes confused with
wattle and daub, M & S differs in that the timber frame
is reinforced by nailed, vertical, riven laths
which in turn
support the mud mix.
M & S is more economical with
materials than most other traditions - using an inner frame
allows walls only
about 25cm thick, as against walls
about 60cm
thick, and more, for cob construction methods.
The M & S framework,
including the roof timbers, is usually of oak in earlier (
pre - 18th century) examples. Later, with higher
costs and growing scarcity, oak was gradually replaced by
more economical pine, imported from the Baltic. Port records
for Boston and Kings Lynn confirm regular shipments and
building accounts sometimes refer to ‘Baltic’ pine.
 The timber frame consists of a
series of wall posts, called studs, placed at approximately
2m
intervals, although this varies according to the
requirements of window and door openings. There are usually
a couple of horizontal rails to stabilise the wall posts and
a fairly substantial wall plate over the top. The
arrangement of braces varies, but they are usually found on
both faces of each corner wall post and sometimes mid-way
along the façade.
The laths are mostly of ash,
but other timbers were used. It usually needs two laths (one
above the other) to span the full height of the wall and
the laths can be up to four high at the gable ends. Overlapping
laths often share the same nail for fastening to the frame.
A low plinth of stone or brick, about 50cm high, reinforces
the wall posts and provides protection from splash erosion
at the base of the wall.
The wall of mud is basically a
daub, consisting of earth mixed with chopped straw and
water, applied in a stiff consistency in gradual stages
(lifts). The mud covers all the framework on the outside and
usually all but the wall posts and an occasional brace on
the inside face. A lime wash, devoid of
colouring,
but
with an animal fat or linseed oil additive
to provide a waterproof coating,
was given to the exterior. This was
a process repeated at least
bi-annually, depending on wear and location.
 Most M & S buildings are
cottages with simple plans: a lobby entry faces a central
chimney stack with a main room either side (perhaps giving
the true meaning of central heating). Access to the upper
rooms was usually via a ladder, a number of which still
survive. The upper rooms are often entirely within the roof
space except for perhaps
an
approximate height of 50cm of wall
scrounged from the ground floor. Roof covering was
traditionally thatch, either in straw or reed depending on
availability. Windows were of the Yorkshire (horizontal
sliding sash)
type and doors simply planked.
It is likely that over a
thousand M & S structures survived into the 20th
century (to date I have listed over 800) but persecution by
over-zealous landowners, neglect and the stigma that ’Mud
is primitive’ has led to the demolition of many of them.
However, a significant proportion survive, and all but a
handful of owners are well aware that the qualities of
mud
and stud far outweigh the outdated view that earth is a
building material of the past. Indeed, with its high
insulation qualities, low cost, low transportation needs and
its individuality, many countries now regard it as a
building material for the future. It is a highly sustainable
and truly ‘green’ resource.”
-
Rodney Cousins (Quoted from ’Lincolnshire Buildings in the
Mud and Stud Tradition’ 2000 Published by Heritage
Lincolnshire.)
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