"ornamental fibrous plaster"

Silicone K1 - ArranThis beautiful home in Cheshire has been finished in scraped texture product, Silicone K1, in colour Arran.Location: Cheshire, EnglandApplicator: LDF Plastering

SMARTPLY PATTRESS PLUS, an innovative factory prepared oriented strand board (OSB), has greatly reduced the time spent on the latest big build project for contractor SD Plastering.

The StoSilent Distance system and StoDecosit interior plaster now provide a practical and comfortable acoustic environment for the new 25-metre, 8-lane pool at the University of Portsmouth’s £57M Ravelin Sports Centre.

Silicone K1 - Sterling WhiteThis outstanding property in Surrey has been finished using scraped texture product, Silicone K1, in colour Sterling White..Location: Surrey, EnglandApplicator: Fullers Plastering Ltd

Armourcoat polished plaster adds ‘modern luxury’ to the latest J&M Davidson boutique in London’s fashionable Mayfair. The store, for the British leather goods and ready-to-wear label, was created by Universal Design Studio in association with Nicholas Chandor.Part of a Grade II listed property on Mount Street, known for its deep red terracotta period buildings, colour is brought inside with a blush tonality of soft pastels. These feature across two floors to convey the brand's signature colour palette. The focal point of the store is the impressive, cantilevered staircase made from terrazzo marble with a leather-wrapped handrail, set into a series of vertical panels finished in Armuralia polished plaster.Describing the project, Jason Holley of Universal Design Studio said "we chose polished plaster by Armourcoat for the its tactile qualities and its ability to create an exact colour match to the exterior facade,” explains Holley. “With this match we were able to create the dusty pink tone for the feature wall, which gave a dramatic backdrop to the cantilevered staircase. It was also important for us to use only natural, high-quality materials with a long life span". Currently Japan represents over half of J&M Davidson’s business, with the brand planning further stores in Paris and New York.Armuralia is an exquisite silky smooth plaster finish with subtle tonal variations. It is an entirely natural product made from aged lime putty and crushed Bianco Carrara marble and contains almost no VOCs. As a ready mixed marble stucco paste, the material is trowel applied to create smooth or finely textured finishes which resemble polished stone in their appearance, hardness and touch.  Armuralia is available in a range of 24 colours, shades and special effects can also be developed for custom applications. Photography © Charles Hosea

Grafton Architects made stunning use of BASWA Phon, insetting the acoustic surfaces into the structural concrete. The smooth marble plaster finish complements the interior aesthetic, whilst the high performance acoustic absorption provides calm and comfort.

Armourcoat surface finishes have played a central role in the comprehensive refurbishment of the iconic Minster Building in the heart of London’s business district, applying over 600m2 of it's seamless Acoustic Plaster System to the ceilings.The interior design by architects BuckleyGrayYeoman for Ivanhoé Cambridge and its development/asset manager Greycoat Real Estate LLP, has created a major repositioning of the building built around the central eight storey atrium. The ground floor reception is approached by a 30 metre long boulevard from the new entrance on the corner of Mincing Lane and Great Tower Street. The original entrance has also been retained to Minster Court piazza.Designed to optimize the acoustics of interior spaces, the Armourcoat Acoustic Seamless Plaster system offers a clean and smooth mineral surface that can be applied seamlessly over large expanses to both flat and curved surfaces. Comprising of a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the substrate and finished with a seamless layer, the system offers an elegant marble based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface. The zero VOC system, which consists of over 70% recycled material, achieves class '0' fire rating and a class 'A' Noise Reduction Coefficient rating.Photography: Jonathan Banks

GSS designed this superb lecture theatre incorporating our Topakustik 9/2M for the ceiling and wall. The fantastic finish was installed by Titan (Horbury Group) on behalf of Galliford Try installed the Topakustik product between the plaster board sections.

Park Farm Barns are barn conversions set in the Shropshire countryside. The simple, elegant interiors have been curated by Charters Property, with sustainability at the forefront. Beautiful designs and detailing has been evident, from the original roof boards, gravity arches and beams to the soft lime plastered walls. KEIM Mineral Paints were chosen on these barn conversions due to its breathability and sustainability credentials. The mix of lime plastered walls and gypsum walls were decorated using KEIM Optil in a warm neutral palette. It is a modern mineral paint, ideal for application onto historic and contemporary buildings. KEIM Innostar, which is a one coat paint, was applied onto the gypsum ceilings for a clean healthy living environment. It allowed rooms to be occupied the same day.

Armourcoat polished plaster creates a stunning entrance for the refurbishment of Greater London House in Camden’s Mornington Crescent. The building, owned by Lazari Investments, is a striking example of Art Deco Egyptian revival architecture formerly the Carreras Cigarette Factory. The hand-applied Armourcoat wall finish forms part of the interior design by Forme UK, which pays contemporary homage to the style of the façade and befits the scale, importance and heritage of the building. An entrance ‘portico’ creates subtle references to Egyptian style, shapes and motifs, finished in a dark anthracite coloured polished plaster finish. A silhouette outline of the famous bronze cat sculptures which flank the entrance was incorporated into the surface. The image of a black cat was also a branding device for Carreras, used on the packets of their Craven A cigarettes and is a repeating logo across the front of the building.The Smooth polished plaster finish is similar to the marmorino stucco used extensively in northern Italy during the Renaissance period. Armourcoat Smooth finish resembles natural stone and consists of a natural mineral material composed of hydrated lime and crushed marble combined with special additives to control working characteristics. The final appearance of this finish is dependent on the hand of the individual applicator, making it possible to achieve anything from a plain lightly polished surface to a more highly burred marbelised effect. Photography: © David Barbour

Armourcoat’s latest decorative surface finishes have been used to stunning effect in the recently renovated Matilda Bay Restaurant in Perth, WA.Situated right on the banks of the picturesque Swan River, with sweeping views of the city skyline, the Matilda Bay Restaurant offers fresh, local produce and modern Australian and seafood dishes with a creative twist. The restaurant and function centre have also become known as a showcase for local timber, stone and artisan craft.The vibrant new interior, created by Karlee Boucher of KADA interior design, is fresh and contemporary. Welcoming diners into the restaurant, an Armourcoat Sculptural feature wall in a ‘Flow wave’ design creates a dramatic and original design statement. The ‘wave’ design is continued with a longer wall into the dining space. Sculptural seamless contoured wall surfaces offer impactful designs with cast relief. Each signature design is created from cast GRG (Glass-fibre Reinforced Gypsum) panels, CAD generated to enable a continuous pattern or unique decorative effect.Throughout the restaurant, the use of ArmourColor Perlata architectural coatings provides a sophisticated shimmer effect and subtle backdrop to the architectural detailing. Columns within the ground floor Catalina Room have also been decorated with textured plaster in a ‘Travertine’ finish. Hand-applied by artisan craftsmen from The Polished Plaster Company, the finish creates a light open texture and gives the appearance of natural travertine stone. The Polished Plaster Company is the appointed agent and applicator of Armourcoat finishes in Western Australia. Nigel Goldsmith, Managing Director commented, “The specification of these modern decorative finishes; echo the local crafts, with their ancient roots and skilled application. The new Sculptural finish is also right on trend, tapping into current designs using 3D forms”. The Polished Plaster Company is pleased to present their Armourcoat showroom in nearby O’Connor, which can be viewed by appointment. Photogrpahy © Silvertone Photography

 TP Bennett architects chose BASWA Phon to provide high performance sound absorption in the double height lobby space. The smooth marble plaster finish conforms discreetly to the interior architecture, whilst providing a high level of interior comfort and speech intelligibility.

The stunning refurbishment of 10 Bloomsbury Way for London & Regional Properties by architects BuckleyGrayYeoman includes Armourcoat’s KonCrete polished plaster wall finishes.Situated in the heart of central London, the former 1940’s Ministry of Defence wedge-shaped building has been substantially extended creating a modern open workspace. It includes a new double-height reception, with restaurants and retail space on the ground floor. BuckleyGrayYeoman’s new design has transformed 10 Bloomsbury Way into a contemporary and relevant commercial building with a distinctive urban feel. The redevelopment has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ green building rating.Armourcoat KonCrete is an urban range of polished plaster colours and finishes designed for contemporary projects. The range offers a wealth of design options to achieve a distinctive modern look, including distressed effects or recessed ‘shutter’ markings. Photography: ©Hufton & Crow

Holland Park Villas has set a new benchmark for quality in the super-prime central London residential development market. Unparalleled interior finishes combined with exceptional landscapes to show what a truly world-class team can deliver.On arrival, an impressive 30 year old Acer Palmatum tree takes centre stage. Granite paving, hornbeam trees, ornamental planting and a water wall further add to this sense of elegance and quality.This level of quality and attention to detail continues to areas not easily seen by the new tenants. Around 13,200 m2 of Soundis High density dry screed panels able to span between joists were installed by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems as a raised access floor system. Chosen primarily for the ease of maintenance and future extensions of the underfloor network, the system is also an integral part of the underfloor heating system.Not only does this system demonstrate its practical heating properties, but the new apartments will also benefit from the pleasant acoustic characteristics provided from the floor system.

DescriptionLocal Smet Supported Partner, master builders NRS Group Construction, machine-applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render, and as Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render.The internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas, and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The Irish LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory-produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and the Smet Supported Partner’s superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET. SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, who ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.

Silicone K1 - WhiteThis beautiful development in Portstewart, Northern Ireland has been finished using scraped texture product, Silicone K1, in colour White. Project: Cappagh GreenLocation: Portstewart, Northern IrelandProject Type: New BuildApplicator: Northwest PlasteringApplication: Machine Applied(Photo credit: Sx2 Media)

Stargroves, a Grade II listed building, is a manor house and estate in Hampshire. Its best known for being the home of Mick Jagger in the 70s. The on site recording studio has been used by The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, and Bob Marley, adding to the rich history of the site.Other bands who have recorded on the grounds include Bob Marley, Iron Maiden and Status Quo.The project entailed the refurbishment of the internal swimming pool area. Main contractor SizeBreed Construction, gave the project to Soundis, to resolve the persistent reverberation issues within the area. Crucially, however, they didn’t want a solution which took away from the character of the building.This was perfect project for the seamless 25mm Spray Plaster Boards. This system can be applied to virtually any surface, including straight and curved walls, dramatic angles and arching domes. Which was particularly helpful on the outside the pool area. Acoustic spray plaster solutions offer a more flexible, discreet alternative to traditional acoustic solutions, such as suspended ceilings.

Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DDThe iconic Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station is NOW OPEN as London’s most exciting new shopping and leisure destination! This legendary London landmark and surrounding area has been brought back to life as one of the most exciting and innovative mixed use neighbourhoods in the world – a place for locals, tourists and residents to enjoy a unique blend of shops, bars, restaurants, leisure and entertainment venues, parks and historical spaces. A place to shop, eat, drink, live, work and play; here life doesn’t feel ordinary, it feels extraordinary.The Battersea Power Station regeneration project stands as an iconic symbol of urban revitalization in London. Preserving the historic architectural character while modernizing utility access was a formidable challenge. This case study showcases the successful collaboration between the Battersea Power Station regeneration project and Rapid Access Ltd, a leading supplier of Plaster-In Access Panels and Dual Access Panels designed to seamlessly integrate with the development.Challenges:1. Historic Preservation: The project required utility access solutions that respected the historical significance of the Battersea Power Station while modernizing its functionality.2. Architectural Integrity: The development needed to uphold architectural integrity and ensure minimal disruption to the building's aesthetics during the installation of access panels.3. *Functional Versatility: The vast and diverse spaces within the regeneration project demanded access solutions that could cater to different utility access needs.Solution:Rapid Access Ltd, recognized for their expertise in access solutions, was chosen to address the specific needs of the Battersea Power Station regeneration project. The solution included the installation of Plaster-In Access Panels and Dual Access Panels, designed to meet the following key criteria:1. Plaster-In Access Panels: Rapid Access Ltd provided access panels that seamlessly integrated with the historic architecture, preserving the building's aesthetics.2. Dual Access Panels: Dual Access Panels were deployed to provide versatility, ensuring seamless access to utility systems across various spaces within the development.3. Architectural Harmony: The access panels were meticulously customized to blend with the architectural design of the Battersea Power Station, ensuring that they harmoniously integrated with the historic structure.Implementation:The installation of Plaster-In Access Panels and Dual Access Panels by Rapid Access Ltd was executed with precision and expertise. The unique design of the panels allowed for seamless integration, while the dual access panels offered versatile solutions for various utility access points.Conclusion:The collaboration between the Battersea Power Station regeneration project and Rapid Access Ltd exemplified the successful integration of utility access solutions into a historically significant and iconic development. The installation of Plaster-In Access Panels and Dual Access Panels not only met functional needs but also contributed to the overall success of the Battersea Power Station regeneration, ensuring architectural preservation and operational efficiency. This case study underscores the importance of selecting the right access solutions provider for historically significant architectural projects.

Smet Supported Partner, NRS Group machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M - Lightweight Lime Cement Render, and as Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render.The internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.If you'd like to speak to us about your Lidl job - contact SMET on.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.

Yeoman Shield HessianEx wall panels at 1250mm high and 50x50mm Corner Protection Angles in Lilac was fitted on the ground & 1st floor corridors and plaza area. HessianEx panels, cut to 300mm wide was fitted as an attractive protection strip in waiting areas, to protect against chairs being pushed up against walls and causing marks and scuffs.

Whiskey connoisseurs can now enjoy a favourite tipple at the new Ad Gefrin whisky distillery and visitor centre in Wooler, which has been completed externally with a Sto render system. Ad Gefrin opened its doors to visitors in March 2023 to showcase the unique heritage, ancient hospitality, and contemporary crafts, arts and produce of Northumberland and re-awaken the Northumbrian tradition for Whisky distilling that has slept for over 200 years. The StoRend Flex Cote render system was specified for use on the facades of the new buildings by Elphick Associates, to provide maximum crack resistance, weatherproofing and fade resistance. Using the highest quality materials, StoArmat Classic Plus is a cement-free, acrylic resin-based reinforcing coat, and up to 15 times more flexible than traditional cement-based reinforcing coats, providing exceptional levels of crack resistance with the embedded Sto Glass Fibre strengthening mesh. The system, installed by Edendene Construction Services Ltd, was finished with an attractive, low-maintenance, white StoSilco render, which will keep its good looks for years to come.  StoDécor Flex, a mesh-reinforced system comprising of StoDecosit interior plaster onto StoVentec carrier board was also applied to some internal areas of the building to match the smooth, white exterior of the buildings. StoDecosit combines the best properties ofemulsion-based plasters and silicate plasters in a single product and is suitable for decorating walls to protect against mould and mildew, and for walls in heavy-use areas.Ad Gefrin is a family run business and this outstanding visitor experience includes a distillery, museum, bistro, and shop, and is also helping to deliver economic growth to the local and wider communities of Glendale. Client: Ad GefrinDesign: Elphick AssociatesSto Applicator: Edendene Construction Services LtdContractor: Brims Construction Ltd Sto Expertise: StoRend Flex Cote Render system (externally), StoDécor Flex (internally)Photography: Sally Ann Norman Photography

The International Rugby Experience is a new cultural institution and visitor experience to honour the worldwide game of rugby.Niall McLaughlin Architects specified BASWA Phon for its ability to conform to the complex curved design and excellent acoustic performance. The marble plaster acoustic finish was tinted to a bespoke colour and matched to the red bricks used in the project. Over 600 square metres of BASWA Phon was used throughout the project, expertly installed by QT Interiors of Ireland.

The Long Barn in East Sussex looks as if it has nestled in the Wealds for centuries. Owners and developers Max and Judi Erde had a mission to prove the viability of recreating vernacular architecture in a new sustainable modern living environment. With larch cladding (being more sustainable and easier to work than oak), and warmed via an air source heat pump, the home further features sustainable wall finishes, on the basis that those details contribute 7% of a building’s embodied carbon.Thus, Armourcoat’s innovative Clay Lime Plaster, which has low embodied carbon and produces zero emissions, has been applied throughout the two storey Wealdon style barn.The ethos behind The Long Barn was to mirror and replicate the historic aesthetic, but to utilise modern, sustainable solutions as far as possible to minimise its environmental impact. With its combination of natural minerals, longevity, eco- friendliness, ease of application and choice of finishes, I was more than happy to use Armourcoat’s Clay Lime Plaster. "The fact that we could choose different pigments and finishes to give colour and tone to the interior was an added bonus- I don’t need to decorate again!" Max Erde 

The XR Lab in the STEM Hangar at West Suffolk College is the most advanced augmented reality centre in the UK, predicted to lead the future of digital education.Windsor Patania Architects has created within an existing hangar a 700m2 structure that inspires and challenges from the moment students see it. Central to that impact has been the use of Arnourcoat’s SMG high gloss polished plaster on all exterior facades- including a dramatic three-dimensional geometric feature wall.The £2m design & build project, intended to re-shape vocational training in digital sciences as part of the College’s science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) specialist campus, was completed in just seven months. This was despite featuring numerous bespoke elements, and complex components- of which the feature wall was a significant part, with its combination of planes and angles.Architect Giovanni Patania originally intended the wall to be finished with metal- stainless steel, aluminium or zinc but it proved impossible to create to the standard required within the budget. Armourcoat’s superior luxurious SMG polished plaster delivered a practical, viable alternative, that met all Regulatory requirements for indoor air quality, zero VOC, low embodied carbon, fire resistance an thermal movement.SMG, with its rich, high gloss “lacquer” effect, could be accurately applied to create a seamless finish across the diverse facets of the entire XR Lab structure, building up the layers over the timber and plasterboard framework. In Armourcoat’s own dark grey colour palette, it reflects light to create a dark, reflective finish reminiscent of 2011: A Space Odyssey’s Monolith.The brief was to achieve something that was unprecedented and unique, that inspired future generations but made students feel it was a piece of alien architecture. I don’t think anyone expected the end result to be so impressive.“Armourcoat was superb in its level of support, from samples to being on site to give technical guidance on the plaster’s application. SMG is instrumental in achieving an opulent, reflective, futuristic exterior that inspires students to interact with and participate in the XR Lab experience."Giovanni Patania, Windsor Patania Architects

The outer walls were constructed using blockwork and then rendered using KEIM Universal Render, which is an extremely flexible render system, negating the needs for expansion joints which would look unsightly on the impressive building. The render was then painted using KEIM Soldalit which combines durability with breathability, ensuring the system will last for many years. The swimming pools ceilings were also plastered using KEIM Universal Render but the fine version for a smooth finish, and decorated with KEIM Soldalit to give a high performance finish in such a humid environment.

Smet Supported Partners, Plastering Contractors (Stanmore) Limited, completed the floor screed application of 14,000 m2 of innovative SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed in the iconic final phase of the acclaimed Great West Quarter, in Brentford, West London. SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed is a high quality pumpable, factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate. German-made SMET LiteFlo® is unique because it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed available.

Park Regis Birmingham, part of the Stay Well hospitality Group, is a brand new upscale four-star luxury hotel with 253 well-appointed guest rooms in the heart of Birmingham's city centre on Broad Street. The hotel offers a modern and contemporary ambience with a boutique feel. Tibbatts Abel Interior Design specified Armourcoat polished plaster finishes for the front desk recessed logo wall and throughout the lobby and public areas of the hotel.Armourcoat finishes also feature within the Rofuto restaurant and bar located on the 16th floor of the hotel tower. This modern Japanese Izakaya-style concept features an incredible 200m2 Armourcoat polished plaster ceiling and finished columns throughout the venue. Rofuto is divided into two main areas; the dining lounge with a 360⁰ panoramic view of Birmingham, and the seven-metre long central dining bar featuring open kitchens and theatre Yakitori grill counter. An array of global projects for an impressive list of international blue chip clients in the residential, hospitality and boutique retail sectors have established Armourcoat as a leading supplier of high quality surface finishes. Armourcoat products are made from natural minerals including recycled Italian marble, contain low or zero VOCs, and have the added confidence of a full 10 year guarantee. Photography: ©Richard Kiely and Rofuto restaurant and bar

Armourcoat polished plaster provided the finishing touch as part of the renovation of Washington D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, designed by cox graae + spack architects and Lance Bailey & Associates. The interior environment centres on a giant oval-shaped structure within the four story atrium – the Duke Ellington Theatre ‘egg’. The outer shell of this 'egg' was expertly hand finished in Armourcoat polished plaster by local installers Senza Fine Inc. In total over 25,000ft2 of finishes were applied to the theatre, cafeteria walls and columns over three levels. The design team took inspiration from piano keys for the interior, featuring crisp white wall finishes with black accents, paying homage to the iconic musician, composer and D.C. native Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ Ellington.Chris Ambridge, Associate Principal at cg+s architects, commented “The choice to use Armourcoat came at the end of an extended process of exploring many options. The decision was important since the theatre is the centre piece at the heart of the school.We found a precedent in London of a similarly complex application and quickly became comfortable that Armourcoat was the right product for our project in terms of cost, schedule and aesthetics. The project team and client have been delighted with the end result. The finish is sophisticated and durable. We hope to have opportunities to use Armourcoat again in the future.” Photography: © Chris Ambridge

Smet Supported Partner, Hargreaves Group contracted to M2 Plastering, machine applied the LIDL External Render System in Waterlooville onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render and as Finish Coat; Mineral Finish Coat K.  As Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render with the addition of Bauprotec SLP for plinths.The Internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.Mineral Finish Coat – K is a CE marked, factory-produced mineral-based, high-quality finish-coat render, specially designed for hand and machine application to EN 998-1, 2010.Bauprotec SLP is a CE Marked, factory-produced Lightweight Sand & Cement Render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and Smet Supported Partner superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, who ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical back up in the machine application of the LIDL specification.

The Darwin Centre cocoon creates a new architectural icon for the capital, ground-breaking in scale and breath-taking in its originality and creative brilliance.The design features a vast free-standing structure taking the form of an enormous cocoon within a glass atrium. The eight storey high cocoon houses a unique collection of 17 million insects and 3 million plants collected over the last 300 years by scientists including Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Sir Hans Sloane. The building completes the Museum’s life science complex, the Darwin Centre, following the first phase opened in 2002.Design TeamThe response of the architectural design team at C.F. Møller, lead by partner Anna Maria Indrio, was to create an engaging image reminiscent of an essentially organic form. The surface and texture also needed to reflect this, so the subtle sheen of the ivory coloured Armourcoat plaster was chosen. With an intersecting network of ‘silk threads’ that criss-cross the cocoon, the surface allows for movement and provides a visual framework for openings and niches. Armourcoat was specified to devise a unique creative solution combining both the insulation and the final decorative layers. The cocoon performs a genuinely protective job providing thermal mass to inhibit any fluctuations to the internal temperature – essential for the museum’s treasured specimens. The structure also houses state-of-the-art laboratories for 250 international scientists and an interactive visitor exhibition.ConstructionA sixty-five metre long skeletal structure was built by sprayed concrete specialist Shotcrete – the first above ground sprayed concrete structural element in the world. Expanded metal mesh was fitted to the steel re-bar framework and a 250mm thick layer of concrete was spray applied to create a 3,500 m2 raw concrete surface. Armourcoat then applied a resin modified render to the structure to minimize localized variations to the surface, before the polystyrene insulation layer was fixed. Using Dryvit Genesis adhesive and over 16,000 Hilti insulation fasteners, a 50mm polystyrene layer was fitted to the entire surface of the cocoon then covered with a layer of reinforcing mesh bedded into Dryvit Genesis basecoat. To create the silk threads wrapping the structure, a special cutting machine was devised which could cut an accurate slot and create the individual 340 panels which make up the cocoon surface. A total of 5.6km of edge bead was then fitted before Armourcoat’s unique AntiCrack substrate preparation system was applied. AntiCrack is a polymer and fibre modified gypsum skim-coat plaster which creates a first class substrate, keeping the Armourcoat plaster layer in peak condition. Two layers of Armourcoat keycoat were applied prior to the application of the final finish. The finished effect of a giant silk cocoon was achieved using ivory coloured Armourcoat Armuralia polished plaster - an exquisite, smooth finish with subtle tonal variations.The cocoon is a milestone achievement, a unique design and technical solution befitting the historic and social reference of the Natural History Museum. This also is a stunning example of the type of commercial projects now undertaken by Armourcoat, celebrating twenty-five years of creative excellence in 2009.Client: Natural History MuseumArchitect: C. F. MøllerMain Contractor: HBG Construction

St Winefride’s Catholic Church in Holywell is a Grade II listed building and was the first church in the UK to be administered by the Vocationist Fathers. The smooth internal plastered surfaces were originally painted with KEIM Mineral Paints, which had performed very well however there were a few issues that required attention prior to redecoration. There was a water ingress issue in the naive, which was repaired, and small areas of mould growth were visible that were treated using KEIM Algicid. KEIM Optil was applied over the prepared surfaces to provide a long-life, durable finish.

The school opened in September 2016. As part of the build, Julian James, Managing Director at Julian James Cladding Ltd., recommended the Altro Fortis wall protection system. Doors and plaster board walls can easily be damaged, be it scrapes and knocks as people pass, or more serious dents and holes caused by wheeled traffic. Altro Fortis Titanium has been specifically designed to protect these surfaces. Altro Fortis Titanium is dense, impervious and resistant to bumps. It features a lightly textured surface, which camouflages scuffs, keeping the wall area looking better for longer.

P C Henderson's Rustic 80 sliding barn door hardware has recently been specified for a home renovation of a period property in Kent. The 11 month renovation included a complete rewire, full house re-plaster, a full damp-proof course, new heating and plumbing system and a new kitchen and bathroom. The couple also required some sliding door hardware for the properties bedroom and bathroom doors. Our Rustic sliding barn door hardware was identified as the best solution for the project due to its beautifully crafted barn style hangers and rustic effect.

Renderplas PVC beads for rendering, plastering and dry lining are exhibiting their benefits at London's Victoria and Albert Museum and a number of other prestigious London projects by David Andrews Construction, a leading specialist in high quality trade finishes. The award-winning contractor has used over 3,000 metres of Renderplas beading for various new build and refurbishment contracts, from hotels, luxury homes and leisure centres to one of the capital's most popular museums. As a high volume customer, Renderplas is able to offer David Andrews direct-to-site deliveries, saving the contractor valuable time and resources.

DescriptionSmet Supported Partner, B Team Shopfitters machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render and as Finish Coat; Mineral Finish Coat K.  As Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render with the addition of Bauprotec SLP for plinths.The Internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas, and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory-produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.Mineral Finish Coat – K is a CE marked, factory-produced mineral-based, high-quality finish-coat render, specially designed for hand and machine application to EN 998-1, 2010.Bauprotec SLP is a CE Marked, factory-produced Lightweight Sand & Cement Render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and Smet Supported Partner superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET. SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.Related DownloadsTDS CASEA Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement RenderTDS CASEA Bauprotec RHS – Multi-Purpose RenderTDS CASEA Bauprotec SLP Tanking and Plinth RenderTDS CASEA Mineral Finish Coat – KSMET Render and Plaster Product Selector

This fire-rated and acoustic-rated Invisible Loft Hatch was installed to replace an unsightly loft hatch in a living room. This discreet and stylish solution seamlessly integrates with the ceiling, as the beaded frame of the product allows the plaster of the ceiling to cover it. This means the loft hatch offers easy attic access while enhancing the room's aesthetics. The Loft Hatch features The Access Panel Company's unique SLIK keyhole treatment, which is pushed out of the way when the key is entered and springs back into place when the key is removed. This means the keyhole is hidden from view when not in use. This innovative solution demonstrates how practicality and elegance can coexist in home design.