Wattle (construction)

History:
– Evidence of wattle construction found at Woodcutts Settlement from British Iron Age
– Roman Vitruvius wrote about wattles in De architectura
– Technique dates back to Neolithic times

Technique:
– Construction starts with uprights
– Willow shoots called withies woven in and out of uprights
– Romans used wattlework for various purposes
– Wattle stakes driven into ground without frames
– Hurdle maker weaves wattles with round rods

Wattle and Daub:
– Basis of wattle and daub construction material
– Composite material for making walls
– Sticky material made of wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung, and straw
– Used for at least 6,000 years
– Similar to modern lath and plaster technique

Significance:
– Wattle and daub still important in many parts of the world
– Technique used in historic buildings as infill panels in timber frame construction
– Similar to modern lath and plaster
– Wattle and daub construction material for walls
– Wattle and daub used for at least 6,000 years

Modern Usage:
– Wattle and daub technique still relevant
– Common building material for wall and ceiling surfaces
– Many historic buildings include wattle and daub construction
– Used as infill panels in timber frame construction
– Wattle and daub similar to modern lath and plaster