Nowadays, when choosing a new home, we want more than just four walls and a roof. We strive for energy efficiency, speed and modern architecture, which modular homes provide. But have you thought about what you breathe in your new home? MJ CONSTRUCTION offers an innovative solution that combines centuries-old traditions with the latest construction technologies – natural lime plaster. It is a step towards not only a beautiful, but also a truly healthy home.
Lime plaster is one of the oldest and most tested building materials in human history. It was used as far back as ancient Rome, and many buildings have survived to this day, proving its incredible durability. Unlike the more common plaster or cement plasters of today, lime plaster is based on natural lime obtained by firing limestone.
This process is part of a natural cycle. When limestone is burned, carbon dioxide (CO2) is released. When lime plaster is applied to a wall, it slowly reacts with the CO2 and moisture in the air, fossilising and returning to its original, solid form over time. This process, called carbonisation, makes the render stronger and stronger over the years.
MJ CONSTRUCTION's decision to integrate this ancestral material into modern modular homes in Latvia is no accident. It is a deliberate step to offer customers a premium living space that combines sustainability, health and aesthetics.
Main advantages
Lime plaster is not just a surface finish. It is an active element that improves your home's indoor environment and affects your well-being. Let's take a closer look at its key benefits.
One of the most unique properties of lime plaster is its high vapour permeability, or "breathability". This means that the material is able to absorb excess moisture from the air and return it when the air becomes drier.
Imagine your walls as the lungs of your home. They naturally regulate indoor humidity levels, keeping them within an optimal range of 40-60%. This prevents both the discomfort caused by too dry air (dry skin, irritated respiratory mucous membranes) and the problems caused by excessive humidity, such as sweating windows and condensation on cold surfaces. This natural humidity regulation creates a pleasant and comfortable microclimate throughout the year.
Air quality has become a critical issue in today's airtight and insulated homes. Many standard building materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have negative health effects. Lime render is a completely natural material with no synthetic additives or VOCs.
Lime also has a naturally high pH level of around 12, which creates a strongly alkaline environment. This property makes it a natural biocide that effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria and mould spores. It is very difficult for mould to grow on the surface of lime plasters. This is particularly important for people with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, as well as for families with young children.
In addition, lime plasters are anti-static. This means that it does not attract dust and other airborne allergens, making house cleaning easier and the air cleaner.
Lime plaster offers an aesthetic that is difficult to imitate with other materials. Its surface has a natural, slightly uneven tone and a soft, matt texture that refracts and diffuses light beautifully. It adds depth, warmth and sophisticated elegance to a room.
Unlike perfectly smooth and "flat" plasterboard walls, lime plaster is alive. Its subtle texture and play of tones create a visually richer and more interesting interior. It fits perfectly with both minimalist design and more classic or rustic interior styles, becoming the central design element of a room.
As already mentioned, lime plaster only becomes stronger over time. The carbonization process ensures that the wall continues to harden long after it has been applied. This material also has a slight elasticity, which allows it to absorb micro-movements in the building, reducing the risk of cracks forming.
Another surprising feature is its ability to “heal itself.” If a microcrack appears, moisture in the air can dissolve a small amount of free lime and deposit it in the crack, effectively filling it. This means that properly applied lime plaster will last for decades without requiring complex repairs or restoration.
The issue of compatibility with energy-efficient construction is very important. It is important to understand that lime plaster itself is not a thermal insulation material in the classic sense. Its main role is to regulate the indoor climate, not to prevent heat loss.
However, it is precisely this climate control capability that makes it an ideal partner for an energy-efficient home. Here's why:
Although the initial modular house prices Although the cost of lime plaster finishes may be higher than standard solutions, it is important to view this not as an additional expense, but as a smart long-term investment. This investment pays off on several levels.
One of the myths about lime plaster is that it is difficult to apply. Although it requires specific knowledge and skill, MJ CONSTRUCTION has fully integrated this process into its production cycle. This takes place under controlled conditions in the factory, ensuring impeccable quality and proper hardening of the material. You receive a ready-made house module with professionally finished walls.
We offer lime plasters with different quartz sand grain sizes (fractions), usually from 0.5 mm to 4 mm. This allows you to create a variety of surface textures – from very fine and smooth to more expressive and coarse, fully adapting to your interior vision.
In terms of maintenance, lime plaster is a very rewarding material. Due to its antistatic surface, daily maintenance consists of simply wiping away dust. Small stains can be carefully removed with a slightly damp sponge, while mechanical damage is relatively easy to repair by blending the repair area with the rest of the wall.
To better understand the value of lime plaster, let's compare it with the two most commonly used alternative materials.
| Property | Lime plaster | Gypsum plaster | Cement-lime plaster |
| Breathability (vapor permeability) | Very high. Naturally regulates humidity. | Low. Forms a dense, almost impermeable layer. May promote condensation formation in the structure. | Medium. Better than gypsum, but significantly inferior to pure lime. |
| Health effects | Very positive. Naturally antibacterial (high pH), antifungal, antistatic, VOC-free. | Neutral to negative. May contain synthetic additives. Does not protect against mould. | Neutral. More alkaline than gypsum, but cement components are not as “breathable”. |
| Durability and longevity | Very high. Over time it becomes stronger, more flexible, self-healing.s | Medium. Relatively fragile, easily damaged mechanically, cracks. | High mechanical strength. However, it is stiff and inflexible, with a greater risk of cracking. |
| Aesthetics | Natural, lively texture. Soft, matt shine, a feeling of depth. | Smooth, flat surface. May appear lifeless and “plastic”. | Coarser texture. Usually used as a base coat. |
| Compatibility with damp rooms | Ideal. Perfect for regulating humidity in bathrooms and kitchens, preventing mould. | Not recommended. Absorbs moisture but is slow to release it, risking damage and mould. | Suitable. Resistant to moisture, but does not regulate it as effectively as lime. |
We at MJ CONSTRUCTION believe that building a house is more than just putting up a structure. It is creating an environment where our clients will live, breathe, and raise their children. That is why we are constantly searching for the best materials and technologies that meet our high quality standards.
The introduction of lime plaster in our modular homes is part of this philosophy. We combine the precision and speed of industrial production with traditional craftsmanship and the advantages of natural materials. Every wall treated with lime plaster is a testament to our commitment to creating homes that are not only beautiful and functional, but also healthy and sustainable. We work with the best lime mortar manufacturers in Latvia to ensure perfect results in every project. Check out our completed projectsfor inspiration, and learn more about our values.
The initial costs are higher than for standard plaster finishing. However, as already mentioned, this is a long-term investment that pays off through savings on repairs, a better quality of life, and higher property value.
Yes. Lime plaster can be tinted with natural pigments to achieve a wide range of pastel shades. Similarly, by using different sizes of sand grains, we can create a variety of surface textures to suit your interior design vision.
It is not only suitable, but even ideal! Its ability to absorb and release moisture will help prevent fogging of mirrors and maintain a pleasant climate. Its natural anti-mold properties are especially valuable in rooms with high humidity.
Choosing a modular home is already a smart decision that combines speed, quality control, and predictable costs. Add to that the advantages of lime plaster, and you take your future home to a whole new level. It is no longer just a building – it becomes a healthy, breathable and harmonious environment for you and your family.
It is an investment not only in real estate, but also in your well-being and quality of life. By combining modern technologies with time-tested values, MJ CONSTRUCTION creates homes that are truly a joy to live in.
Would you like to learn more about the possibilities of lime plaster in your new modular home? Contact our expertsfor a personalised consultation and quote!
