Tag: Architectural Wall Finishes

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.

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.

image1

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

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.

IMG_4071

IMG_4072

IMG_4078

Enjoying a glass of wine at the end of hard work day.
IMG_4340

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.

IMG_4375

 

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.

IMG_4343

IMG_4374

Getting the opportunity to work with LarkGroup on the Venetian plaster interior and exterior polished plaster walls was an experience to remember. This was our 1st experience working directly over poured 12″ thick concrete walls. IBI Architecture  was the lead architect on the project. The design and materials used on the project were impecable and timeless, with a use of concrete, wood, plaster and glass.
Hope-Centre-Entrance

Hope-Centre-Lobby

Hope Centre Lions Gate Hospital Venetian Plaster Interior/Exterior from Darrell Morrison on Vimeo.

Working with the design team and builder, we were able to create a polished Venetian lime plaster that would meet the detailed rules of leed compliance and sustainability , using a natural material like lime and marble to create a bespoke highly polished wall substrate for the exterior feature walls and 5 storey interior stairwell.

Modern architecture with matte Tadelakt Venetian plaster concrete looking walls. Venetian Plaster Canada

This Stunning West Coast Contemporary home featured many modern elements including exposed wood beams and stainless steel countertops. The walls were designed using a custom tone limestone plaster that was installed between powder coated steel reveals. The ability to apply the limestone plaster material to unique substrates also made it possible to plaster two doors seamlessly integrated into the wall system that are completely hidden when closed.

The architect for the renovation Kevin O’Leary was the catalyst and idea man. We worked together in designing how the plaster system would work together. Being involved with a project like this from the substrate up to final completion helped insure all the components would flow together seamlessly and any errors could be caught before the project is to far forward. The Tadelakt lime plaster has a smooth velvet touch with a matte finish and subtle texture invoking the touch of your hand as you walk past.

It was equally important the design of the new kitchen respect the quality and intent of the existing architecture, the home originally designed by Seattle-based architect Roland Terry. The new design keeps to a monochromatic colour scheme with a highly crafted use of wood, terrazzo, plaster and steel to mirror the finishes seen elsewhere in the residence.

Before the Christmas break we tackled one last major project the Versace Vancouver store on Thurlow and Alberni in downtown Vancouver. Getting the opportunity to work on the Versace Vancouver store was a challenge in every aspect. The combination of a legendary brand, working on challenging substrates, and an extremely tight time line to be ready for the Vogue party, made it a truly memorable project. The uniqueness of the interior design was incredibly inspiring. Specifications called for curved wood cabinetry and floating glass that had to be united into a flawless white distress Italian lime plaster sealed with Marsi soap wax to give it a velvety touch and durability. With trades working around the clock, the only option was to be positive and work together as a team. Our team managed to complete almost 30 days of work in under 10 days, those were not your average shifts. If asked to do it again I would not hesitate to say yes! Check the story on Retail Insider

Versace Vancouver Italian Lime Plaster from Darrell Morrison on Vimeo.


Contact

Office:: 604.628.7855 | Direct:: 604.779.4233 | 9am to 5pm Monday – Saturday

Name
Email
Message

Thank you! Message sent.
Error! Please re-check that all fields are complete.
©Copyright 2019 Decorative Paint & Plaster Concepts Inc.