How can you deliver a bespoke solution and high efficiency for interior renovations?
Having access to materials that are easy to apply regardless of the different types of interior substrates present (and there can be many) is key. But how can you be sure to deliver a harmonious texture and look?
For the project described here, the contractor (specialised in lime, hemp and air lime renders) stepped in during the second phase of the renovation project. Some of the decisions concerning substrates had already been taken by the time they stepped in.
The profile of this old farm
Although some lime substrates were kept, particularly in the entrance hall, most of the walls had been covered with ceiling-high plasterboard panels. In addition, stonework framed the doorways and other openings, which highlighted the building’s value.
The project owner had very tight time schedule and wanted to be able to move into his new house quickly. That was the reason for some of the choices made early on, which did not necessarily fit in with what he had imagined.
Meeting with a heritage expert and a bio-based material specialist
The project owner’s desire to use lime for his interior was, however, top of his wish list. As a result, a solution had to be found for applying lime to the new substrates used. The obvious solution would have been paint products, but this type of finish was inconceivable for the project owner. It was certainly a paradoxical situation, but a solution had to be found.
Meeting Manuel Barbaux provided the key to unlocking the problem. He suggested a range of options in line with the owner’s wishes. He offered material solutions focusing on the quality of the raw materials, durability and indoor air quality.
A hemp-lime render for interiors and an air lime render for interiors – there was a choice after all!
When it came down to it, the presence of different substrates was a deciding factor in the final choice of materials. For example, for the stripped load-bearing walls, Barbaux Bâtiment applied a dubbing out coat made of Tradical® Bâtir formulated with air lime plus local sand. A finish was then applied consisting of a Tradical® Décor ready-to-mix air lime render trowelled down smooth thanks to its particle-size distribution.
One of the main advantages of this air lime render was that it was also used on most of the modern BA13-type plasterboard substrates, with little preparation work required. The end result is a harmonious use of materials.
The Barbaux Bâtiments team knows all the ins and outs of using this very smooth render, which has a creamy texture and thus a workability that can be easily adjusted to make it simple to apply. It has a longer drying time, which makes it easier to adjust the thickness as work progresses and provides high performance.
You can start living in your room that has been restored using Tradical® Décor the very next day!
What about hemp render?
Hemp render was totally new to the project owner. It can be seen in its all its glory in one of the rooms used as a home gym, where it was applied in its natural colour.
The overall aim was to create a healthy and cosy atmosphere, with natural pigments used for the colour scheme (Manuel Barbaux).
It all had to match with the decorative items dotted around the living space.
Want to find out more?
Interview 1/2 et 2/2 de Manuel Barbaux le 05 09 2018 : BCB Tradical®
- Pourquoi rénover un intérieur à la chaux aérienne…l’expérience de Barbaux Bâtiment.
- Portrait express de Manuel Barbaux : un entrepreneur pour qui le biosourcé est vecteur de développement et de pérennité de son activité. article 2/2
Nota : Photos ©LezardsCreation.fr
For more information
- Barbaux Bâtiment – 2001 Route de Xertigny, 88370 Plombières-les-Bains – www.barbaux-batiment.com
- BCB Tradical®: contact@weber-tradical.com
Examples of hempcrete homes and buildings