“One of the quotes we have used a lot as a business is that ‘you must be the change you want to see in the world’. Firstly, one of our core principles, when we started the business in 1993, was to produce building materials with minimal environmental and health impacts….it is still a fundamental principle that runs through the business and our products” – Nigel & Joyce Gervis
In 1993, Joyce Gervis, a computer systems analysis graduate of Bristol University, purchased, with her husband Nigel, a neglected farm, Ty-Mawr, in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. Given Nigel’s experience in the construction industry they intended to use the property as a family home and restore it in line with its architectural heritage. However, they encountered a problem—there was a lack of lime mortars and plasters available for the restoration. This need led to the establishment of Tŷ-Mawr Lime Ltd., a company that has since become a leader in the production of traditional lime-based building materials.
Founded in 1995, Tŷ-Mawr Lime initially focused on producing lime mortars, plasters, and paints for the conservation of historic buildings. The company’s products have been used in numerous prestigious projects, including Aberglasney House, Worcester Cathedral, The National Botanic Garden of Wales, and many others. Tŷ-Mawr Lime is the only manufacturer of lime-based products in Wales and has expanded its offerings to include eco-friendly alternatives such as Glaster®, a lime plaster made with recycled glass, and Limecrete, an environmentally friendly alternative to concrete.
Tŷ-Mawr Lime has also developed a range of insulation products made from sustainable materials like Welsh sheep’s wool, hemp, and cellulose. These materials contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, helping to address climate change. The company’s commitment to sustainable building aligns closely with SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). In addition to manufacturing, Tŷ-Mawr Lime has a strong educational focus. Recognising the decline in skills and knowledge related to traditional building materials, the company established an educational arm in 1996. Since then, they have created their own training centre and offer courses on the use of lime and other eco-friendly materials, attracting participants from across the world.
At Ty-Mawr we work and live by the principles that we believe will create a better future whilst striving to provide advice and products to our clients that will help them to reduce their own environmental impact and that of their buildings – to be part of the change we all wish to see in the world!
They also provide RIBA-accredited CPD seminars to help architects and building professionals incorporate sustainable materials into their projects, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education). Consequently, Tŷ-Mawr Lime not only leads in the revival of traditional materials for modern use, but it also plays a vital role in raising awareness about sustainable building practices. Through educational outreach, including regular talks, workshops, and training events, Nigel and his team provide critical knowledge to builders, homeowners, and professionals on how natural materials contribute to energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. By actively engaging with communities through these events, Tŷ-Mawr empowers individuals to make informed decisions about the materials they use, emphasising the importance of sustainability in both historic restoration and new construction. This outreach ensures that their work goes beyond just product innovation and manufacturing—it fosters a broader movement towards eco-conscious building across Wales and beyond, contributing to a sustainable future for the construction industry.
The Gervises’ commitment to the environment extends to their own operations. Tŷ-Mawr is powered by solar thermal systems, rainwater harvesting, and biomass heating, which together reduce the company’s carbon emissions by 40 tonnes annually. This approach shows how they balance business growth with a deep concern for the environment, setting an example for other companies in the building sector. To date, Tŷ-Mawr Lime has supplied thousands of projects across the UK and internationally, providing sustainable building materials to help architects, builders, and homeowners embrace eco-friendly construction practices. Their influence spans both historic restoration projects and modern sustainable builds, showing the scalability of their traditional yet innovative materials.
Overall, Tŷ-Mawr Lime has demonstrated that balancing profitability with concern for the planet is not only possible but essential in the modern economy and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 4, 9, 12, and 13, while also supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering local employment in sustainable industries.
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