(Editor's note: Clay naturally produces negative ions, which repel the dirt and grime that normally build up on walls.) It also feels amazing to touch-the end result is very alive and natural. Some of the benefits of clay plaster are that It makes your walls nontoxic and 100 percent natural, lowers the exposure of electromagnetic radiation, and creates an incredible indoor environment by balancing humidity and clearing indoor airborne toxins.

We have been lucky to work with one of Sweden's greatest clay experts, Hanna Nilsson, and sourced local clay for plastering the walls.

You can see the wet application in the shower. Another example of an all-over tadelakt plaster finish in a residential bathroom in New Orleans. It is water repellant, mold and mildew resistant, and breathable. Originally used for things such as baths and sinks. Here are some of the more earth-kind choices we ended up being able to use in the building process. It is a millennium-old traditional Moroccan plaster. The idea was: Build a foundation, four walls, and a roof, and incorporate all the eco-friendly ideas, materials, and systems we had the time and budget to handle. But when we found the land three years ago-a little over 12 acres, located in the very southern part of Sweden, close to stunning coastlines, epic beech tree forests, and nature reserves, as well as bigger cities like Copenhagen and Malmö-we knew we'd hit the jackpot. Especially with two little kids along for the ride. Our greenish standards (some musts, some dreams) would require extra work. When my husband and I decided to build a house in Sweden, we were under no impression that it'd be smooth sailing.

Tadelakt plaster