Changes in traditional building materials: the case of gypsum in Northern Spain

Traditional gypsum, once widely used for both exterior and structural applications in Northern Spain's Mudejar architecture, has seen a significant decline due to changes in construction practices. This study identifies key factors contributing to its reduced use, while also documenting traditional processing methods through bibliographic reviews, local visits, interviews, and experimental calcinations. The findings highlight the technical peculiarities of traditional gypsum, offering insights that could support sustainable conservation efforts and potentially revive traditional techniques. These results are relevant not only for Northern Spain but also for other European regions with similar architectural heritage.

Bel-Anzué, P., & Elert, K. (2021). Changes in traditional building materials: the case of gypsum in Northern Spain. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 13(10). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-021-01438-6