Rajasthani Lime Plasters & Flooring

Lime plasters and flooring are natural, breathable and beautiful to look at and touch. Lime plasters are cooling and permeable in nature and allow buildings to breathe, passively regulating internal air quality, resulting in healthier living spaces. They have withstood the test of time with the oldest examples being traced back to the ancient temple of Gobeklitepe dated to 9000BC. In this extended workshop you will learn the traditional Rajasthani lime plastering techniques of Thappi, Lohi & Araish as well as lime flooring. For those short on time we are offering the workshop in two independent workshops. The first four days will be dedicated to Rajasthani plasters. The final two days will cover lime flooring. Join us for either or both to experience for yourself how these ancient traditions can add a timeless touch to your home or that of your clients.

Workshop Content

Practical Sessions

Thappi Plaster

Made from a combination of slaked lime, surki (fired brick powder), aged gur & metthi seed water, Thappi is an attractive textured plaster that gets its name from the wooden implement that is used to tap the plaster as it cures, firming the plaster & preventing the formation of cracks. The characteristic lines hatched across the plaster are caused during this process giving the plaster its own unique charm. Thappi is also the base upon which the finer Lohi and Araish are applied.

Lohi Plaster

 Lohio plaster is made by combining finely sieved slaked lime with finely sieved surki, which is then ground on a stone to a fine paste. This is then applied as a thin flat finishing layer over Thappi.

Araish Plaster

The most painstaking of all Araish is made by combining finely sieved slaked lime with marble powder then grinding it to a fine paste. It is then applied over either Thappi or Lohi plaster and at a certain stage of curing is burnished by hand with a stone. Araish is a silky smooth waterproof plaster with a finish similar to that of the Moroccon polished plaster  Tadelakt

Lime Flooring

Lime flooring is cool when the weather is warm and warm when the weather is cool. Soft underfoot yet durable and breathable. Made from a unique blend of slaked lime, surki (brick powder), sand, fibre & admixtures, according to the Rajasthani tradition this technique of flooring may be left with a Thappi (hatched) finish, Lohi – a smooth finer finish or with tiles laid in lohi mortar on top.

  Theoretical Sessions

Benefits of Lime

• The Lime Cycle
• Introduction to the various types of lime and their uses
• Durability of lime & comparison with cement
• Thermal properties of lime
• Preparing wall surfaces for application of lime plaster

Taught By Highly Skilled Rajasthani Artisans

Master artisan Dawood Muwal, has over 50 years years experience perfecting his craft. He comes from a long lineage of lime artisans. The knowledge he carries with him has been collected over generations and passed on to him by his forefathers. He is an experienced teacher having taught his craft at CEPT in Ahmedabad as well as hosting a couple of workshops in his home town for Thannal. Theory sessions will be co-taught by Kimberley Moyle, founder of Indi Architecture. The workshop is 90% hands on with Dawood ji sharing his lifetime of experience working with these materials. The theory sessions are designed to explain the science behind his knowledge.  

Meet the Artisan – Dawood Muwal

Dawood ji  comes from a lineage of lime artisans that goes back centuries. With his older brother Abdul Razak ji now retired Dawood is the most senior in his family still proudly practicing this craft. Dawood ji is happy to share his lifetime of experiential knowledge and is keen to keep this tradition alive. Much of his career has been spent in Bombay working on restoration and renovation projects at iconic locations across Mumbai. Among which are the likes of Mumbai University, Taylor Memorial Methodist Church, Chartered Accountant Bank as well as countless private residents and Bungalows. He is also an experienced trainer, having taught workshops at CEPT in Ahmedabad as well as an extended workshop in his hometown.

Inclusions & Cost

Workshop

6 days of hands on teaching & practice in a small group setting

Theoretical classes

All materials

Food & Accommodation 

3 Vegetarian meals a day & morning & afternoon tea.

6 nights dormitory accommodation.

*Arrival on the 28th evening & departure on the evening of the 3rd

Full Workshop 6 days – All Inclusive Cost  18000 Rs per person 

Plasters 4 days – All inclusive Cost 12000 Rs per person 

Lime Flooring 2 Days – All inclusive 6000 Rs

**Hotel accommodation is available 6km from the site at Lepakshi Tourism Guest House  – 1000INR per room, per day **Camping on site is possible. Participants should bring their own tent.