Project Overview
Located on the third floor of an active commercial building in East London, this contemporary beauty studio required a seamless concrete-effect finish delivered within strict structural and logistical constraints.
The project involved installing a lightweight microcement system over an existing timber floor substrate, transforming the space into a refined, continuous surface suitable for a high-end commercial interior.
The installation needed to achieve a polished concrete aesthetic while maintaining minimal build-up and ensuring structural compatibility with the existing floor.
The Brief
The brief required a high-performance surface solution suitable for an upper-level refurbishment within a live building environment.
Key requirements included:
Installation over existing timber floorboards
Minimal build-up to suit third-floor structural limitations
A seamless polished concrete aesthetic
High durability suitable for daily commercial use
No requirement for traditional screed or heavy build-up
Delivery within a restricted programme in an occupied building
Achieving both structural integrity and a refined finish was central to the project.
The Solution
We installed a fully engineered microcement system using Nuvolato Architop to achieve the required finish and performance.
A cement board system was first installed, fully bonded and mechanically fixed to create a stable and level substrate over the existing timber floor.
To reinforce the structure and distribute load effectively, a dual epoxy resin system was applied and integrated with fibreglass mesh. This enhanced specification replaced the need for a traditional levelling screed, allowing the system to remain lightweight while providing increased strength and stability.
Nuvolato Architop was then applied to deliver a continuous, seamless surface with the appearance of polished concrete, aligned with the studio’s design intent.
Delivering a microcement system over a timber substrate required detailed technical control and sequencing.
Key considerations included:
Stabilising existing timber floorboards to prevent movement
Installation of a cement board system to achieve a uniform base
Use of a dual epoxy resin layer with fibreglass reinforcement for structural performance
Eliminating the need for screed to reduce overall weight and build-up
Coordinating installation within a live commercial building environment
Managing curing times to meet the accelerated programme
Each layer was specified to balance structural performance with minimal thickness.
Technical Considerations
Each stage was carefully planned and executed to ensure the final surface met both the aesthetic vision and the practical demands of the home.
The Result
The completed installation delivers a seamless, lightweight surface that achieves the appearance of polished concrete without the structural implications of a traditional slab.
The system provides a durable, low-maintenance finish suited to daily commercial use, while maintaining the refined aesthetic required for a design-led studio environment.
This project demonstrates the effective use of engineered microcement systems to overcome structural constraints, enabling high-quality architectural finishes in complex refurbishment scenarios.
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