Category: blog

Photography by Ema Peters

https://www.dwell.com/article/halfmoon-bay-cabin-frits-de-vries-architect-e9a74c69 

We had the opportunity to work with Frits-de-vries-architects on a private cabin, nestled away on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. When they asked if we were up for the challenge of a black and white plaster with a geographic pattern we said “YES” and it was in all caps. We love a challenge and what’s better then applying an Italian lime plaster in 2 opposite spectrums of the colour wheel. We choose 2 different Cadoro Plaster materials for this project and a Natural Bees wax

Follow along with some of the photos from the construction on the lime plaster cabinets as we worked on them.

 

 

When I was contacted about The Exchange in 2013, I was immediately drawn to the difficulty of installing a polished plaster finish to such a vast area.

The finish I created was installed in a 3 layer system of Italian lime plaster, the final layer had mother of pearl added to enhance the look and stone like characteristics of the surface, emulating the look of stone with a semigloss shine and dullish areas.

-Scroll to the bottom to watch the video of the Exchange-

With walls sprawling 5 story’s in the air, complete with 1/4″ FryReglet reveals, detailed vertical battens and a concrete pillar to match. A project of this stature could surely make or break a career. In my life of creating finishes for projects like the Exchange doing the normal is not enough for me, I live for a challenge and the ability to learn and grow in my plastering skills.

 

In the beginning of the specification for the plaster system I gave my experience with long term durability of plaster in commercial spaces, making it a point that the base board and external corners be treated with a stone cap for added protection. We also discussed a design concept for the wall system including a high abuse coating below my plaster on the lower portions of the most hi traffic areas.

Getting to be part of the team involved in creating and building The Exchange was an amazing experience and I thank all those involved. I worked closely with Iredale group, PCL construction & B&O drywall on this project.

The Exchange Office Tower Interior Lobby Arial Drone Footage from Darrell Morrison on Vimeo.

Over the summer we had the opportunity to work in the Kitsilano Aēsop cosmetic store on West 4th Ave. The design for the store was designed split in half with a mono tone Italian lime plaster in a grey concrete colour. One side highly polished and the other matte. The two sides split with a brass strip down the centre.

Challenges in Venetian plaster applications is really what we thrive in, when asked if we could plaster the cabinets for the store we excepted the opportunity. One of the largest issues that arise on commercial construction projects is time and having enough of it to complete the project in its proposed deadline. Over the years we have developed systems to help aid these situations for our clients.

 

Aēsop from Darrell Morrison on Vimeo.

 

In just over a few weeks we will be starting a legacy project in Vancouver, British Columbia. A 10,000 square foot, 5 story commercial lobby Located at  475 Howe street. The Exchange project is a LEED Platinum  heritage restoration building designed buy Harry Gugger Studio with Iredale Group Architecture.

Our Italian Lime based plaster finish will be installed in panels with 1/4″ reveals. The end result will be a high polished, monolithic lime plaster in an off white colour. The idea is a solid, seamless stone surface resembling quarts or cesar stone broken up into massive panels. We worked with the architects and design team on a drywall system to meet the durability and installation properties capable of polished lime plaster. Part of the work will involve a unique substrate preparation system, in order to provide a high abuse resident surface below the Italian lime plaster in high traffic areas. This will involve installing an anti-fracture membrane with a 1/8″ build over DensArmor Plus . The reveals will be made using a Fry Reglet which will be installed by the drywall contractors. The vertical batons will also be a polished venetian lime plaster seamless from top to bottom.

When a client wants to make a fireplace disappear from the field of view, we can think of no better finish than our monolithic high polished Italian lime plaster. We have created this proprietary custom finish to fit into a more modern style of home. With its mirror polished finish without any tool marks makes for a beautiful conversation piece while also creating a timeless feature with durability and uniqueness. The end result is a solid, seamless stone surface that appears to be carved in place. Contact the studio for information our Venetian and Italian lime based plasters applications for fireplaces, seamless showers and anything in between in Vancouver, Canada.

Enjoy this short video showing the level of quality we deliver.

High polished Italian lime plaster fireplace

Polished Venetian Plaster Fireplace Canada from Darrell Morrison on Vimeo.

or you can view it on on youtube

We recently had the opportunity to collaborated with the Architecture firm Frits de Vries working together with the build team MP Construction Having the opportunity to work on this ultra-modern home with exposed steel beams, 1/2 inch reveals at every door, moulding and ceiling. including an ocean view and a small foot print with a glass elevator.

We were brought onto the project to replicate a silex element cast stone tile. By using our skills of colour matching and working closely with the design team. We created a unique Italian Lime plaster finish that emulates a linear movement. We made sure to book match the colours around every corner. This gives the effect of a solid stone slab. When you touch the surface of a polished lime plaster the feeling is soft and smooth, invoking the caress on ones touch.

We created this finish using Carrara Marmorino We tinted 3 varying colours and used them in a layered effect like an artist would a paint medium. By blending the colours together it has created an effect of clouds on the horizon.

We love the opportunity to collaborate on projects, if you have a design idea that you would like to see come to life contact the studio.

Venetian Plaster Elevator Wall from Darrell Morrison on Vimeo.

A beautiful barrel ceiling in Classic Venetian Plaster .This project required us to level the substrate before we could proceed with the installation. We use old school plastering techniques and anti-fracture membranes to create a solid substrate . We plastered the sconces with the venetian plaster as well. The end result is a seamless finish from edge to edge meeting the moulding on a perfect corner.

Here you can see some the elements we removed in order to streamline the design for the architects. We removed the rounded corners and pop outs above the doors.

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In May we had the opportunity to work on a very large entrance way ceiling in Shagnessy near 38th and  Granville Street. We applied a bespoke silver leaf ceiling with an antique glaze and satin finish. The end result is a pewter steel look with hints of black peeking through in the distress areas of the leaf. Each piece of leaf is installed 1 at a time over a jet black base. This is an eye-catching ceiling that brings the white wall paneling to life while adding character to the grand entrance.

Grand Entrance shaughnessy vancouver

Grand Entrance shaughnessy vancouver

 

We also installed a Damask stencil in a satin finish with hints of pearl over a cloud white base. It can only been seen in the shimmer of the light. With this application we made it possible to create a wallpaper effect with out seems, while also giving us the ability to fine-tune the final finish with the Architect, builder and owner.

Damask Stencil hand applied section by section

Damask Stencil hand applied section by section

Silver Leaf Vancouver

I had the opportunity to travel across Italy for the month of March in 2016, I was inspired by all the amazing buildings and there history. Architectural master pieces that have lasted 100’s of years and bullet marks from wars of a not to distant past.

Part of my Journey was to educate my self further in Italian lime plaster. I wanted to meet the manufactures, understand the process of installation in the italian way and also meet with other artisans to exchange thoughts.

I was in awe when I landed at Marco Polo Airport as we came through the clouds,

photo by Darrell Morrison

photo by Darrell Morrison

I could see our 1st destination Venice, Italy the floating city…

Here are some of my favourite pictures from Venice Italy

photo by Darrell Morrison in San Marco Square

photo by Darrell Morrison in San Marco Square

Photo By Darrell Morrison

Photo By Darrell Morrison

I was mesmerized by the beauty of arches, with the bold colours and murals that sprawled down countless hallways throughout the city of venice

photo by Darrell Morrison in Venice Italy

photo by Darrell Morrison in Venice Italy

photo by Darrell Morrison in Venice, Italy

photo by Darrell Morrison in Venice, Italy

Venice Italy, photo by Darrell Morrison

Venice Italy,
photo by Darrell Morrison

Santa Maria di Nazareth Photo By Darrell Morrison

Santa Maria di Nazareth Photo By Darrell Morrison

Piazza San Marco Photo by Darrell Morrison

Piazza San Marco
Photo by Darrell Morrison

Black Tadelakt Fireplace

When I get asked to create samples for fireplaces its always something new. This house was no exception with a 14 foot tall fireplace as the main feature to the living area. The clients wanted dark. The pictures of the concepts they showed had a metal look. I decided that Tadelakt Italian Lime plaster was the best material for the project. Tadelakt comes in powder instead of paste. Tadelakt is a feebly hydraulic lime similar to NHL 3.5. The powder form gives the installer the ability to add larger amounts of colorants if needed, although this can effect the working properties of the Lime plaster material if excessive amounts of colorant are used.

Waxed Tadelakt Fireplace Hearth

The end finish we created is polished to an effect of gun metal with hints of bronze metallic which add an undertone of brown to this black Tadelakt fireplace. The hearth was waxed to add extra protection and differentiate the upper and lower area of the fireplace. I can’t wait to see photos when the wood burning fireplace is running this fall/winter. Lime plaster is a non-combustible material making it a great finishing material for hi-heat applications.

Here are some photos of the progress of building out the fireplace and getting things ready for finish coat.

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Enjoying a glass of wine at the end of hard work day.
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One thing about working on an Island is making sure you have “everything” you need. It felt like I brought everything but the kitchen sink.

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As this project nears its end we get a chance to enjoy a few moments of reflection, to think of all the hard work that goes into our clients projects and everyone involved. I will miss the early morning coffee and scenic views.

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