Unity Lime were delighted to exhibit at Build It Live – South East 2026, continuing our mission to support environmentally conscious self-builders and renovators across the region. On this occasion we were delighted to be offered the opportunity to present at the Workshop Theatre in an educational capacity to discuss “Natural & Sustainable Insulation Options for Your Project” and the key benefits beyond thermal simply thermal performance.

Build It Live events are designed to inspire and empower those embarking on a self-build, renovation or extension project. They provide a valuable opportunity for us to speak directly with homeowners, architects and contractors about the benefits of building with sustainable, natural materials. These materials not only deliver outstanding thermal performance, but also enhance overall comfort through high thermal mass, effective humidity regulation and significantly lower VOC content compared to many conventional construction products.

James and Connor were on hand throughout the event, engaging in a wide range of insightful conversations, including:
•  Retrofitting solid-wall period properties while maintaining breathability
• Designing low-energy timber frame homes without relying on vapour barriers
• Upgrading early 1900s housing stock to improve comfort and reduce energy demand
• Exploring alternatives to insulations such as PIR, mineral wool and glass wool that are not nice to work with
• Barn and heritage conversions requiring sympathetic, moisture-safe solutions
• Understanding how our ventilated pitched roof system is a fantastic option for both historic homes and new additions

One of the most common questions we’re asked at events like this is:
“Which insulation should we use for our build?”
It’s an excellent question, but there is never a one-size-fits-all answer.
The right insulation depends on your construction type, performance targets and personal ethos. As specialists in breathable system integration, we are able to offer a wide range of natural insulation solutions — including Pavatex woodfibre, hemp, sheepwool and more, ensuring we can specify a system tailored precisely to each customer’s needs.

When guiding homeowners through material choices, we often explore the following considerations:

Are carbon-locking materials important to you?
→Wood fibre and Hemp are excellent options.

Are you aiming to eliminate plastics from your build?
→ Wood fibre, Cork and Isolena Sheepwool are ideal choices.

Do you want to support British manufactured materials?
→ Hemp and British Sheepwool insulation are strong contenders.

Is long-term warranty important to you?
→ Certain wood fibre systems by PAVATEX offer insurance backed warranties and BBA accreditation for added peace of mind.

Is decrement delay (thermal phase shift) important in your construction?
→ High-density wood fibre systems or systems that use Hemp Blocks are particularly effective at slowing radiant heat transfer, helping to reduce the risk of summertime overheating.

Events like Build It Live – South East remind us why we do what we do. There is a growing community of homeowners who want more than simply meeting regulations, they want homes that feel better to live in, promote healthier indoor environments and reduce environmental impact for future generations.

If you were unable to attend but would like guidance on which natural insulation or lime-based system is most appropriate for your project, our team is always happy to help.

For tailored advice, contact us at info@unitylime.co.uk  we’re here to support your build every step of the way.