FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Tools & Materials

Tailgate: Interview with Andrew Legge

This founder at Havelock Wool uses wool from New Zealand to create natural, alternative insulation.

By Aaron Fagan Issue 264 – Dec 2016/Jan 2017
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

What inspired Havelock Wool?

I started Havelock Wool with another American who has a similar love for all things New Zealand. The farmers there were looking for new markets and uses for their wool, and the American market— which generates only 1% of the global annual yield of wool—is a great place to introduce this time-tested, high-quality natural product.

Is the insulation clothing-grade wool?

Our friends in New Zealand think we’re using better wool than necessary to effectively insulate homes, but it carries a significantly higher fiber diameter than Merino wool and is more coarse. This means that it’s comfortable to the touch but not as soft as Merino wool, which is prized for its comfort.

Is the R-value comparable to other fibrous insulations?

Our batts perform the same as other batts — R-13 and R-19 in 2×4 and 2×6 walls, respectively. Our loose-fill product is made of little balls of wool that can be blown in, and it performs at R-15 and R-24 in cavities of the same depth.

How can a product distributed halfway around the world be described as sustainable?

Our logistics costs are some of the cheapest in the world. Using a 200-ton press, we’re able to put 45,000 lb. of wool in a 20-ft. shipping container. By the time we prepare and ship our wool from New Zealand, we’re able to deliver a clean, consistent, reliable wool that costs less than what we could source from other parts of the world, including the United States. More to the point, our extremely low net embodied energy is derived from the simplicity of our manufacturing process. Wool requires none of the heat or energy required to make rock wool, fiberglass, or cellulose. We are using 60-year-old repurposed carding machines with electric motors that were collecting dust in South Carolina after so many textile jobs moved offshore.

Is there a long history of wool being used as insulation?

There is. We know that using wool for insulating homes dates back hundreds of years in the United Kingdom and has been common in Australia and New Zealand over the last 40 to 50 years. Wool has evolved over time to protect sheep from the elements, and it has been used for the same purpose by humans around the world for thousands of years.

What makes wool a so-called high-integrity fiber?

Wool inherently regulates temperature and moisture. Moisture works against most  other types of insulation; thus, wool’s ability to absorb and desorb moisture relative to the ambient air is a major advantage to our product’s longevity. Moreover, wool contains keratin, which means it will not support the growth of mold.

Is wool insulation expensive?

Prices vary by region and by buyer, but as you might expect, large installers buy at wholesale prices and smaller installers at retail prices. Speaking in averages, there is a general spectrum of insulation costs. Fiberglass and cellulose are the least expensive, while closed-cell foam is the most expensive. We aim to be a bit less expensive than closed-cell foam, whose cost is anywhere from two to three times that of fiberglass.

Does the insulation contain any additives or binders?

We have no synthetic additives, glues, or binders. For an insect repellent and flame retardant, we use a very small amount of boric acid. We have not had any issues with moths or vermin, nor have our friends in New Zealand who have been using the product for decades. Also, the amino acids in wool bond with formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide, naturally abating these contaminants.

Is there a low demand for wool?

The global demand for wool has declined over the last half century, due largely to the proliferation of synthetic fibers. Our point of view can be summarized by a favorite hashtag: #naturedoesitbetter. We will never replace mainstream insulation products, but we will continue to address an increasing part of the market that chooses to make smarter, healthier decisions. And there is plenty of wool to keep those folks happy.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Foam Gun

We like using a professional foam-dispensing gun as opposed to straw cans because it allows you to easily control bead size and reuse the can.
Buy at Amazon

Disposable Suit

This suit provides full body protection to help you stay clean from head to toe when installing insulation. We recommend wearing sweats underneath for additional coverage.
Buy at Amazon

Caulking Gun

It's important for any insulator to have a good caulking gun for air sealing or adhesives, and this one features a revolving frame that makes orienting the tip a breeze.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro
  • How Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” Will Affect the Inflation Reduction Act
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump
  • Old House Air-Sealing Basics

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump
  • An Impressive Air-to-Water Heat Pump
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
View All

Insulation

View All Insulation Articles
  • A Practical Approach to Exterior Insulation
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home
  • Makeshift Foam Tip for Tight Spots
View All Insulation Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data