In this IG Live, I speak to Malvika Mehta, Founder of MLIME. Malvika's team in Rajasthan has done some lovely work with lime plasters bringing the use of lime to modern buildings while also using it to conserve historic structures. Over our conversation we discuss the romance and practicalities of lime. We compare the use of IPS with lime and oxide, often found in old houses in Goa. We discuss the heritage of lime as well the potential it has to become a contemporary natural material. We get into details about lime's breathability, moisture management, and its effectiveness in indoor-outdoor spaces that are exposed to harsh heat and rain. We also speak about the process of making lime, its maintenance and cost efficiencies. Finally, we discuss the various finishes, colours and textures that a lime plaster comes in.

In this Q&A session, I take up a material that we frequently use in our houses in Goa - Indian Patent Stone or IPS. The material is incredibly versatile as it comes in a wide range of colours and is suitable for a number of surfaces right from floors to walls to counters to inbuilt furniture such as the balcao. Over the session I also answer questions about how the material ages with cracks and address the important precautions that need to be taken while using the seamless material. We discuss the similarities between IPS and oxide floors and how the material application technique has involved. We also speak about the curing and workmanship that is required to achieve the best finish.

Tune in to watch the entire session.

---