The main objectives of the PLASTER⁺ project are the application of innovative natural fibres for a high quality, healthy and competitive earth plaster product, and the development of an optimised simple and cost-effective pilot production plants for it.
In order to achieve the mentioned objectives, the work has been organised in five work packages:

In WP1 the technical requirements of the prototypes and the market requirements for earth plaster products in the European market will be studied. The market requirements include the requirements of end users and legal requirements, standards and quality criteria for clay-plaster products. In addition, the potential production of cattail in Europe will be determined.

In WP2, the prototypes will be designed and constructed according to the technical specification developed in WP1. The components constructed will be transported and installed in the testing sites: the fibre preparation in Tartu, Estonia, and the earth plaster production at Winzing, Austria.

WP3 will be devoted to test and optimise both prototypes. In parallel, all raw materials (harvested fibres, clay and sand) and the ready plaster product quality will be assessed. Tests to evaluate the effects of the fibre on health will be performed as well as the ecological benefits of its use.

An additional work package (WP4) has been foreseen for developing exploitation and dissemination plans and activities, and a further one for project management (WP5).
Examples for dissemination activities:

• Publications in relevant magazines related to natural building materials and healthy live and habitation of different countries
• Presentations at relevant trade fairs, such as DENKMAL 2006 (Leipzig, Germany), October 2006; SWISSBAU (Switzerland) 23.-27.1.2007; Deutsche Ausbaumesse 2008 (Essen, Germany); BAUMESSE 2007 (München, Germany); Bauen und Wohnen 2007+08 (Vienna, Austria); Building Fair (Tallinn, Estonia);  For Arch 2007 (Prague, Czech Republic)
• Direct contacts to relevant associations, consultants, manufacturers and distributors in the sectors natural building material, natural wastewater treatment with cattail, architecture, etc.
• Demonstration of the PLASTER⁺ product to 20-30 European chosen building companies, already being trained for using clay products, and the most important European consulting centers for natural building materials
• Preparation and distribution of project brochures

 

Main deliverables of the PLASTER⁺ project:

• the optimized fibre preparation prototype plant and the prepared fibre additive, ready to be integrated in the plaster production process,
• the optimised and  PLASTER⁺ prototype plant, which is the key for the production of competitive high quality earth plaster and
• the high quality PLASTER⁺ product, reaching all the defined quality and market requirements.