Definitions

Daub and Wattle

Daub and wattle was a simple method of building construction. The method was imported from Europe.

A main frame of large timbers was constructed. This frame supported a "wattle", a lattice of twigs woven like a cane basket. The local acacia trees were found to be suitable for this purpose (and where given the name "wattle trees").

The "daub" was mud or clay, smeared over the wattle with a spade to seal the wall to make it weatherproof. The wall was further treated with white-wash.

This method gave an reasonable wall provided the frame, the wattle and the daub were suitable and adequately constructed or applied.

Source: "That's Our House, A History of Housing in Victoria", Nicholas Hudson and Peter McEwan, 1985, 1986, The Ministry of Housing.