Clunch
|
| The Orwell Clunch Pit, near Cambridge, is a medieval quarry that was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1985. |
[edit] Introduction
Clunch is a form of soft, chalky limestone rock that closely resembles chalk and shares many of its characteristics, but with lower density. It is used mainly in eastern England and Normandy.
The term is also generically applied to soft, inferior building stone that is used in place of stronger, more desirable material.
[edit] Characteristics
In its freshly quarried state, clunch is soft and holds water, which makes it easier to cut. Once dry, it hardens and becomes more difficult to cut.
Clunch was used extensively in medieval times as a building material. It was often used for chimneys, property boundary walls and small agricultural buildings.
It was not suitable for large scale use, since it would easily erode when exposed to chemicals or severe weather. Structures made from clunch had to be protected with paint, cement or stucco and could then be finished with a lime wash.
However, even when the surfaces were covered, clunch was not especially durable and could even be damaged by frost. Despite this, it was often used in certain parts of the country, since it was inexpensive and widely available.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.