a pdf of the book

“...We put the thought of all that we
love into all that we make.”
Elves of Lothlorien - JRR Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
ROCKCOTE Clay Plaster Décor by Recommended Render. Photography: Ross Eason.
Cover image: ROCKCOTE Marrakesh bathroom by artisan Shannon Whitehill. Photography: Ross Eason.
Contents
04
We Believe
16-17
Natural Renders Range
05
Naturally Beautiful Buildings
18
Earthen Render Medium
06
Finish Types
19
Earthen Render Coarse
07
Undulations
20
Lime Plaster Basecote
08-09
Decorative Finishes Range
10
Otsumigaki
11
Clay Plaster Décor
12
Marrakesh
13
Venetian Plaster
14-15
Decorative Finishes Case Study:
Etsu Izakaya
22-23
Natural Renders Case Study:
Hotel Hotel, Canberra
24-25
Natural Paints Range
26
Clay Paint
27
Lime Wash
28-29
Natural Paints Case Study:
Natural Designer Homes
“We believe...
...we should live and work in tune with nature,
in buildings built in accordance with her laws,
emulating her designs, harnessing her natural energy flows
and respecting her limits.
...buildings should celebrate life over sterility, restraint over extravagance,
beauty over tawdriness.
...finishes should not poison the air with fumes nor the soul with artificiality.
...in crafting spaces that delight when entered, embody serenity when
occupied and create regret upon departure.
...We believe that people thrive when
living close to nature.”
4
Natural Materials
Naturally Beautiful Buildings
The ROCKCOTE Natural Materials range draws inspiration from nature to provide beautiful natural interior
and exterior finishes that don’t compromise your health or the environment.
With the increasing awareness of eco-building techniques alongside the desire to make our homes healthier,
the benefits of using traditional natural renders and paints are being rediscovered.
By working with natural clay materials, natural lime and renewables like straw, hemp, bamboo, wheat
and even volcanic ash, we are reviving ancient skills and building practices to create unique, appealing,
natural aesthetics.
The natural breathable plasters and paints can be used on a wide variety of wall surfaces, including
traditional and eco-build materials like cob, straw bale and stone, as well as modern plasterboard and
concrete surfaces, with stunning results.
Clay Plaster Décor with Straw, Noosa Pengari Steiner School, Queensland
ROCKCOTE
5
FINISH TYPES
Below is a guide to the finishes available with ROCKCOTE Natural Materials. Refer to the product pages for
the finishes that can be achieved with each product.
GLASS:
A reflective, highly polished finish, also described as
a mirror finish. A slightly iridescent mother-of-pearl
look can also be achieved with some products.
Products: Venetian Plaster, Otsumigaki, Marrakesh.
LUSTRE:
A slight sheen or glow that reflects a soft light at
different angles.
Products: Otsumigaki, Marrakesh.
SMOOTH:
In the middle – more open than “Lustre” and more
closed and smoother to touch than “Rustic”. Finish
may feature variations in areas that are more open
or more closed.
Products: Clay Plaster Décor, Lime Plaster
Basecote, Marrakesh, Otsumigaki and Earthen
Render Medium.
RUSTIC:
A tactility of finish – feel and see the character of
each grain.
Products: Earthen Render Medium and Coarse,
Lime Pl.aster Basecote, Clay Plaster Decor and
Otsumigaki.
EARTHEN:
A rough, heavily textured finish with a very open,
coarse grain.
Products: Earthen Render Coarse.
6
Natural Materials
UNDULATIONS
The artisans who work with natural materials are able to create a variety of undulating finishes depending on
the type of space you desire and the material used. There are three levels of undulation:
LEVEL FINISH:
Flat, consistent and level finish.
Products: Marrakesh, Venetian Plaster,
Otsumigaki, Clay Plaster Décor.
LIGHTLY UNDULATING:
Slightly wavy with 1-3 mm variations.
Products: Marrakesh, Otsumigaki, Clay Plaster
Décor, Earthen Render Medium, Lime Plaster
Basecote.
HEAVILY UNDULATING:
Appearance of visible waves and undulations so
that the surface has high points and low points of
3mm & above.
Products: Earthen Render Medium & Coarse,
Lime Plaster Basecote, Clay Plaster Décor.
FINISH TYPES AND UNDULATIONS IN ACTION
Using the finish types and undulations explained above, here is how to describe two very different looks.
POLISHED CONCRETE LOOK
TUSCAN LOOK
DESCRIPTION: smooth, seamless, highly
polished look.
DESCRIPTION: Uneven roughly finished, rustic,
wall reminiscent of an old farm house or bakery.
FINISH TYPE: Lustre or glass; glass if looking
for super high polished look.
FINISH TYPE: Rustic or Earthen.
UNDULATION: Level Finish.
ROCKCOTE PRODUCTS USED: Marrakesh,
Venetian Plaster, Otsumigaki.
UNDULATION: Lightly or heavily undulating.
ROCKCOTE PRODUCTS USED: Earthen
Render Coarse or Earthen Render Medium,
Clay Plaster Décor.
ROCKCOTE
7
DECORATIVE
FINISHES RANGE
ROCKCOTE’s Decorative Finishes range creates limitless
possibilities for natural aesthetics - from a traditional
organic, clay plaster look right up to the most modern
polished plaster finishes.
All products are completely natural, free of dangerous
chemicals and produce no odours or residual offgassing. They have low embodied energy (energy
necessary for the entire product life-cycle) and are fully
recyclable which means they can be returned to the
earth after use.
Clay and lime finishes can also be positive for
psychological well-being. They are inherently sensuous,
meaning they enliven the senses and bring us back into
contact with the natural world.
8
Natural Materials
Venetian Plaster ceiling by Artisan Mark Kennedy, Gold Coast Queensland.
Photography: Ross Eason.
ROCKCOTE
9
Otsumigaki
ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki is an extremely versatile product that allows the skilled artisan to achieve a wide
range of stunning decorative effects for interiors.
A polished earthen lime finish, Otsumigaki can be used in interior high traffic areas such as entrances,
stairwells and halls where a durable finish is desired.
The beauty of Otsumigaki lies in its ability to create textural depth in a smooth, flat surface. Create a dreamy
feature wall in its natural colour mixed with oxides and lightly polished to give warmth, depth and lustre.
Otsumigaki has a subtle elegance that gives walls life yet allows the surrounding elements in the space to
speak for themselves.
Otsumigaki Information:
Use: Interior
Film Build: 1-2mm
Colour: Soft white. Can be tinted with coloured oxides
Finishes: Rustic, Smooth and Lustre
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating
10
Natural Materials
“Buildings that celebrate
life over sterility, restraint
over extravagance,
beauty over tawdriness.”
Clay Plaster Décor
ROCKCOTE Clay Plaster Décor is a truly beautiful fine finishing clay plaster with built-in marble dust that
glistens in the presence of ambient light.
An earthen-look plaster with a smooth finish, Clay Plaster Décor adds a textural warmth to the interior of any
building - from a traditional straw bale home to the most elegant modern building.
Dry, clean, chopped wheat straw, hemp hurd, rice husks, quartz chips, marble chips and shells can be
added to create beautiful and unique effects.
Clay Plaster Décor Information:
Use: Interior
Film Build: 2-4mm
Colour: Soft white. Can be tinted with coloured oxides
Finishes: Rustic or Smooth
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating
ROCKCOTE
11
Marrakesh
Create a traditional Tadelakt or Moroccan plaster finish with ROCKCOTE Marrakesh. Can also be finished to
a traditional flat lime plaster; or for a contemporary look can be used to achieve a glass face marble plaster.
Create a seamless bathroom where the smooth curve of one element flows into another, evoking a sense of
ease and continuity not felt in a standard bathroom.
Marrakesh allows the artisan to create an individual work of art on any wall or room within the home. Many
different styles of finish can be achieved by using different trowels, floats, sponges and finishing techniques.
Marrakesh bathroom, Springbrook, Queensland by Recommended Render
Marrakesh Information:
Use: Interior and exterior
Film Build: 2-3mm as a finish coat
Colour: Can be tinted to a wide range of colours with oxides
Finishes: Rustic, Smooth, Lustre or Glass
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating
12
Natural Materials
Venetian Plaster
ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster produces a reflective, highly polished plaster finish, also described as a
mirror finish. Create a stunning smooth surface with the illusion of depth and texture for interior, exterior,
bathrooms, feature walls, columns and ceilings.
Venetian Plaster is ideal for crafting the polished cement render or polished concrete render industrial look
made popular by urban cafes and restaurants and now featuring in distinctive architecturally designed
homes and makeovers. Venetian Plaster is especially useful for columns and walls where the appearance
and feel of marble is sought and can achieve the light-reflective, lustrous properties of marble without
the weight.
Venetian Plaster feature wall in Bundaberg, Queensland by artisan Ray Hall
Venetian Plaster Information:
Use: Interior and exterior
Film Build: 0.5-2mm
Colour: Soft white. Can be tinted to a wide range of colours with oxides
Finishes: Glass
Undulations: Smooth
ROCKCOTE
13
Decorative Finishes Case Study
ETSU IZAKAYA
The chaos of Japanese dining
“Loud, bustly and a little bit chaotic” is how
played a big part in the overall experience, and
Mitchell McCluskey, co-owner of the Etsu Izakaya
where people were brought together by
restaurant at Mermaid Beach describes the
communal eating.
new venue.
“Izakaya venues are big in New York and becoming
Inspired by traditional Japanese izakaya bars where
more popular in Sydney. Before we launched we
men gathered after work to sit around, talk, eat
researched the style of the Sydney spaces and
and drink sake, the Gold Coast’s newest dining
drew on our experience of snowboarding in Japan
venue has certainly captured the same intensity of a
every year,” Mitchell said.
frenetic Japanese eating place.
A key aspect of the transformation from a fish
Mitchell McCluskey and his wife Nerissa are already
and chip shop to the Gold Coast’s most unusual
well known on the Gold Coast for their café,
Japanese restaurant was the bar which was always
Commune. For this venture, they wanted something
going to be the most dominant feature, taking up
a little different – a restaurant where the decor
half the width of the space.
“We wanted texture, cracks and different colours throughout and the
Marrakesh has delivered exactly the look we sought.”
- Mitchell McCluskey, Etsu Izakaya
14
Natural Materials
“We wanted the biggest bar in the world where
Outside, the restaurant stands out from its
people could sit, drink, snack and chat as well as
neighbours with recycled timber and old barn
talk to staff behind the bar. So the first thing was
doors. At night, a red lantern is hung outside to
to figure out the bar area and the rest literally took
indicate that Etsu Izakaya is open for business.
shape around that.”
According to Mitchell, people walking past are
“We just love concrete spaces and bars. They look
interesting – big, solid and unyielding. We wanted
intrigued by the light and the music coming from
inside, peeking in to have a look.
texture, cracks and different colours throughout
Guests are welcomed to the venue from a
and the Marrakesh has delivered exactly the look
geometric nook that is also finished in ROCKCOTE
we sought.”
Marrakesh, its horizontal lines carrying the eye to
The remainder of the interiors are finished in
the large bar and slightly chaotic scene beyond.
concrete, veneer and recycled timber. A tree sourced
from council forms the centerpiece of the main dining
area. Murals of a bonsai tree and Japanese street art
painted by a local artist adorn the walls.
PROJECT DETAILS:
- 11 metre long ROCKCOTE Marrakesh bar
Artisan: Michael Symington, ilfe
- Tinted with black oxides for a concrete colour
Photography: Ross Eason
- Finished with ROCKCOTE Carnauba Wax to
give a semi-polished look and protect the surface
ROCKCOTE
15
NATURAL
RENDERS
ROCKCOTE’s Natural Renders are authentic earthen
renders made from clay and lime, compatible with
modern and traditional construction methods.
Our Natural Renders impart a textural warmth, honesty
and authenticity, naturally.
ROCKCOTE Natural Renders contain no cement and are
free of dangerous chemicals. The natural composition
also means that they can play an active role in improving
internal air quality. Their thirst for moisture means they
regulate humidity creating a clean, fresh, wholesome
indoor environment.
Natural Renders are very forgiving, easy to apply and
can be used for entire walls, feature walls or creative
projects such as fireplace surrounds.
16
Natural Materials
ROCKCOTE Earthen Render Coarse fireplace surround, Springbrook,
Queensland by Recommended Render. Photography: Ross Eason.
ROCKCOTE
17
Earthen Render Medium
ROCKCOTE Earthen Render Medium is formulated to create a natural earth plaster finish over modern
substrates. The medium formulation is produced without the coarse aggregates in Earthen Render Coarse,
making it more suitable for use in conventional buildings where a smoother textured look is desired.
ROCKCOTE Earthen Render is the ideal choice for architects seeking a natural clay render for use in
commercial developments. High durability and ease of maintenance make it a perfect product for hotels
(such as the Hotel Hotel Canberra), cinema and theatre foyers, and day spas.
Its tactility, warmth and earthy tones add a stunning natural aesthetic that brings a sense of relaxation and
ease to any space. In modern homes, Earthen Render Medium can be used to create unique seamless
fireplace surrounds and textured feature walls.
Earthen Render Medium walls, Hotel Hotel Canberra by artisan Paul Geach
Earthen Render Medium Information:
Use: Interior
Film Build: 4-8mm
Colour: Earthy loam. Can be tinted to a range of earthy colours
Finishes: Earthen or Rustic
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating
18
Natural Materials
Earthen Render Coarse
ROCKCOTE Earthen Render Coarse is a hard, durable render developed for straw bale buildings and other
natural substrates.
Our most heavily textured natural material, Earthen Render Coarse is a true earthen render that is applied
in thick coats to deliver an authentic rustic, natural clay finish. Designed as a base coat render that can be
overcoated with Lime Wash, Otsumigaki, Clay Plaster Décor, Venetian Plaster or Marrakesh.
Earthen Render Coarse is also ideal as a final finishing coat for straw bale projects as a nice, even 3-4mm
finishing coat, offering consistency of product, ease of application and a more even finished coat.
Earthen Render Coarse with straw, Earthen Home, Eumundi Queensland
Earthen Render Coarse Information:
Use: Interior base coat render or as a finishing coat for straw bale projects
Film Build: 6-10mm
Colour: Earthy loam. Can be tinted to a range of earthy colours
Finishes: Earthen or Rustic
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating
ROCKCOTE
19
Lime Plaster Basecote
Lime Plaster Basecote is designed as a base coat but like most ROCKCOTE natural materials, has a
multitude of finishes and uses. Being a true lime render, ROCKCOTE Lime Plaster Basecote is perfect as an
undercoat for ROCKCOTE Marrakesh, Lime Wash and Venetian Plaster.
ROCKCOTE Lime Plaster Basecote can be used both interior and exterior including wet areas such as
bathrooms and laundries due to its breathability and mould resistance.
It will comply with regulations on the refurbishment and repair of heritage listed and architecturally sensitive
buildings due to its traditional lime and sand formulation (contains no cement like some similar products).
Suitable for entire buildings where a textured lime finish is required as well as for facades and fine decorative
work.
Lime Plaster Basecote Information:
Use: Interior and exterior
Film Build: 2-4mm
Colour: Designed as a base coat but can be tinted with oxides
Finishes: Earthen or Rustic
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating
20
Natural Materials
ROCKCOTE Earthen Render Coarse by artisan Bob Cameron. Photography: Ross Eason.
ROCKCOTE
21
Natural Render Case Study
Hotel Hotel, Canberra
When curator Don Cameron observes guests
“Comfortability, relatability, always a work in
entering the carefully created rooms of Canberra’s
progress. A place for introspection. A textural
Hotel Hotel, he senses they struggle to find the
experience. A certain quality of dappled light. A
vocabulary to explain exactly what they see.
sense of items being brought from somewhere else
Every surface and object in each of the hotel’s 68
– collected, assembled and given new meaning.”
rooms was consciously designed, sourced and
These are the key elements that Don sought to
created to celebrate natural materials.
inspire each room of this unique hotel that takes up
“The starting point was a shack – to create
something that belonged to this quintessentially
three floors of the Nishi Building in the NewActon
cultural precinct.
Australian vernacular. I explored what that
“Texture was the biggest challenge and one that
could mean and how to translate the intent…”
would make the most sense in conveying the
Don said.
essence of the theme – raw, rustified luxury. Finding
the materials to speak that language was key.”
“I wanted an unadorned approach to the materials in the rooms –
presented and celebrated in their most natural state.”
22
Natural Materials
In keeping with the environmental commitment
“I was looking for a render that had a raw, textural
of the entire precinct, Don knew natural materials
quality that was rough and didn’t conceal the
would play a big part in crafting the interiors.
natural ingredients.”
Wool carpets, linen curtains, mild steel, aniline
Don observes the responses of guests entering
leather and vintage furniture all feature in the rooms.
the rooms... “many people aren’t used to seeing
Don said using ROCKCOTE Earthen Render on the
so many natural materials in their raw state in such
walls gave the entire scene potency and brought
proximity. The dividend of such an approach gives
together the collective honesty of all the elements.
the rooms honesty and relatability.”
PROJECT DETAILS:
- Three storey hotel with 68 rooms
Artisan: Paul Geach, Cr8ive Surfaces
- Walls: Earthen Render Medium. The render was mixed
Photography: Ross Honeysett
with milled hemp for added texture then pigmented to a
dusty, grey tone
- Lightly undulating, earthen finish
- Guest Room Interiors: Don Cameron
ROCKCOTE
23
NATURAL
PAINTS
ROCKCOTE Natural Paints are premium quality
environmentally friendly paints for health conscious
people who are concerned about environmental
pollution and indoor air quality.
Unique lime and clay-based formulations contain zero
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), have no lingering
paint fumes and are free of synthetic chemicals. They
provide a natural alternative to other chemical-based
paints on the market.
Unlike most modern low to zero VOC paints which are
made from synthetic materials, ROCKCOTE natural
paints are a true natural product.
Natural paints can be used on almost every substrate
that modern paints can be used on: walls, ceilings,
woodwork, brick and block.
24
Natural Materials
ROCKCOTE Clay Paint, Natural Designer Home, Queensland.
ROCKCOTE
25
Clay Paint
ROCKCOTE Clay Paint has outstanding opacity that can support a full range of colours from its natural
Grecian white to the brightest colours you can imagine.
The stunning flat finish provides the added benefit of hiding plasterboard defects in the open plan modern
home style. It evokes a softer, subtler mood effect than low sheen finishes that can reflect light in unnatural
ways.
Being vapour permeable and breathable, Clay Paint allows air to pass through, assisting in natural regulation
of moisture from the surface and therefore will not support the growth of mould, mildew or fungi.
Clay Paint, Natural Designer Homes, Casuarina
Clay Paint Information:
Use: Interior only, not suitable for bathrooms or wet areas
Colour: Can be tinted with coloured oxides
Finish: Flat
26
Natural Materials
Lime Wash
ROCKCOTE Lime Wash provides a breathable decorative finish that penetrates into the underlying
substrate, delivering a long-lasting, robust coating.
Lime Wash has been for centuries on the exterior of all types of buildings. Recreate the aged patina look
reminiscent of a traditional Greek seaside building, or the heritage character of a Sydney terrace home.
It is perfect for historic buildings, refurbishments or commercial developments, particularly where Council
requires new construction to maintain a heritage aesthetic. Additionally, Lime Wash can be an effective and
innovative method to finish more modern surfaces such as a kitchen, courtyard or outdoor living area.
A versatile product, different looks can be achieved by a skilled artisan including cross-hatching, a scalloped
shell look, burnishing or a standard rolled finish.
“Finishes should not
poison the air with
fumes, nor the soul
Lime Wash Information:
Use: Interior and Exterior
Colour: Soft white, Can be tinted with oxides
Finishes: Flat
with artificiality.”
ROCKCOTE
27
Natural Paints Case Study
Casuarina
When award-winning builder, Mick Corcoran
Strategies were implemented for energy and
planned his own family home, he set out to create
water management, indoor air quality, the careful
a beautiful architecturally designed home that was
selection of materials, landscaping, stormwater
healthy to live in and a fine example of sustainable
management, and minimal wastage to ensure the
living.
project met its brief.
Mick works collaboratively with Natural Designer
The home has been designed to take advantage
Homes, a company that leads the way in
of natural lighting and passive solar heating
environmentally aware building. The collaboration
throughout the year, as well as the prevailing breeze
has won a myriad of Housing Industry Association
paths for ventilation.
and Master Builders Awards since 2009 including
several Greensmart Energy Efficiency Home of the
Cedar, and coreten steel were selected as the core
Year Awards.
building materials. The coreten is designed to rust
and protect itself and has a low carbon content.
This two-storey home at Casuarina on the NSW
North Coast was thoughtfully designed to blend
The selection and use of building products that
with the coastal environment using sustainable
promote and support a healthy indoor home
building materials integrated with a functional, low
environment were a key consideration. Every
maintenance design.
material that has gone into the home has been
scrutinised for VOCs and the best alternative
selected to improve the air quality.
28
Natural Materials
ROCKCOTE Clay Paint was selected for the
Two coats of Clay Paint were applied with a roller,
interior of the home (including all walls, ceilings and
and the product was watered down slightly for the
skirtings) for its zero VOC content and ability to act
cutting in coats.
as a filter to improve the indoor air quality.
The completed home has certainly caught the
“We wanted something that looked fabulous,
attention of the industry, recently taking out the 2013
was a hundred percent natural, odour-free, and
Housing Industry Association Gold Coast, Northern
wouldn’t harbour mould in what is a fairly humid
Rivers Housing and Bathroom Awards Greensmart
environment,” Mick said.
Energy Efficient House of the Year. It also won the
2013 Master Builders Excellence in Building Awards
“The natural white colour looks stunning, and has
Best Environmental Management Award.
helped create an amazing indoor environment that
we know does not compromise our health.”
Earlier in 2013 the home was awarded Master
Builders Northern NSW Excellence in Building
The ROCKCOTE Clay Paint was used over
Awards Best Sustainable Energy Project.
plasterboard walls with a preparatory coat
of ROCKCOTE EcoStyle Sealer/Undercoat.
PROJECT DETAILS:
- 340m² approximately
Photography: Bray Kay
- 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
- Double storey with all living areas on the ground floor
- Timber Frame
- Cedar, coreten and steel exterior
Two coats of ROCKCOTE Armour over cedar
- Internal finishes: ROCKCOTE Clay Paint, natural colour
on walls, ceilings and skirtings
ROCKCOTE
29
“We do not inherit the earth from our
ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
- Native American Proverb
Phone: 1300 736 668
Email: sales@rockcote.com.au
18 Machinery Road
Yandina QLD 4561
www.rockcote.com.au
Printed on 100% recycled, process chlorine-free
paper with environmentally friendly Electro ink.
30
Natural Materials
www.thenaturalartisan.com
© ROCKCOTE V6
ROCKCOTE Marrakesh bar, Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach Queensland
by artisan Michael Symington. Photography: Ross Eason.
ROCKCOTE
31
“To help people create naturally
beautiful buildings that don’t cost the earth.”