Retrofitting Buildings with Sustainable Materials

Paint is often seen as the finishing touch. But in retrofit projects, particularly those involving solid-wall buildings, it plays a structural role. Conventional coatings can trap moisture, accelerating deterioration behind the scenes. Lime and mineral-based paints offer a breathable alternative. They allow moisture to pass through without compromising durability, making them especially well suited to older homes with traditional plasterwork.

Did you know? Limewash isn’t new,  it’s ancient. Lime-based paints have been used for over 8,000 years. The Ancient Egyptians used limewash to reflect sunlight and disinfect walls  – a natural, breathable system still relevant today.

Breathable paint allows water vapour to pass through the surface rather than becoming trapped behind it. This is essential in heritage buildings, where walls are expected to regulate moisture naturally.

Graphenstone’s paints are made using lime, silicates and natural minerals, which are vapour-open by nature.  Once dry, the paints are not only fully breathable – with Class 1 Sd values – but are also washable and durable.

At Grosvenor Estate, Castellum required a paint system that supported breathable construction methods, complied with environmental standards, and was practical for decorators to apply. Graphenstone’s mineral-based paints, certified to standards including BREEAM, WELL and LEED, provided a solution that performed at every level — from fabric care to indoor wellness.

• Graphenstone paints contain trace VOCs – less than 0.1% – for healthier indoor environments
• Our paints are fully breathable, so they support moisture transfer in solid wall construction
• Our lime paints absorb CO₂* during curing
• Paints comply with Cradle to Cradle and Indoor Air Comfort Gold certifications

*the majority in the first 30 days

At Grosvenor Estate, the palette was chosen to work with the building — guided by light, scale, and period detail. Castellum combined shades from The Colour Collection, our house range of 120 shades,  alongside the 980-strong NCS system, to create a finish that feels calm, coherent, and entirely in keeping with the architecture.

Read the Colour Wise journal →

Choosing paints for heritage retrofits can be challenging, and that’s why we always recommend:

Specifier tip: GCS is suitable for application on lime and other mineral-based plasters, lime and cement renders, brick, stone, and masonry substrates.

We were proud to support Castellum in delivering a retrofit that honours heritage construction while meeting modern environmental expectations. As Dorcas George-Jones reflects in her article, today’s paints can, and should do more: “We now have the opportunity to make good decisions with absolutely no compromise on colour choice or performance.”

To explore our breathable paint systems in more detail, visit our Heritage Paints range. For guidance on colour specification, our Colour Card and new Colour Consultancy Service provide a good starting point.

Q: Why is breathable paint important in retrofit projects?

A: In older buildings with solid walls and lime plaster, breathability allows moisture to pass through without becoming trapped. This helps prevent long-term damage and supports the building’s natural performance.

Q: Can mineral paints meet modern environmental standards?

A: Yes. Graphenstone’s paints are relevant to BREEAM, WELL and LEED, and also carry Cradle to Cradle and Indoor Air Comfort Gold certifications — making them suitable for both heritage and contemporary projects.

Q: Are these paints easy to apply on older substrates?

A: They are. Our mineral and lime-based paints are designed for standard application methods (roller, brush or spray) and are compatible with our breathable primers for plaster, stone and lime render.

Q: How do I choose the right colour for a heritage setting?

A: Start with the architecture — consider the natural light, ceiling height and original materials. Our House range and NCS collection offer flexible, period-appropriate options. You can also order Peel & Stick samples to test combinations on site.