Project Overview
Located within a sensitively restored rural property, The Old Smithy forms part of The Collective at Woolsery—a series of design-led holiday accommodations set within a heritage context.
The project required a flooring solution that could introduce a contemporary concrete aesthetic while respecting the building’s traditional fabric. A seamless, lightweight system was needed to deliver the appearance of polished concrete without the structural implications of a full slab, making it suitable for adaptive reuse.
Nuvolato Architop was selected to provide a continuous architectural surface across the interior, reinforcing the balance between heritage elements and modern design.
The Brief
The project focused on delivering a refined, durable surface suited to high-end short-stay accommodation within a renovated structure.
Key requirements included:
Seamless concrete-effect flooring across the internal space
Installation onto an existing liquid screed substrate
Minimal build-up to suit a heritage refurbishment
A finish aligned with both traditional and contemporary elements
High durability suitable for repeated guest use
Consistency of finish throughout the property
The solution needed to balance visual refinement with practical performance in a hospitality setting.
The Solution
We installed Nuvolato Architop directly onto the existing liquid screed substrate, transforming the surface into a continuous architectural finish.
The system was selected for its ultra-thin application, allowing the existing structure to be retained while achieving a seamless, monolithic appearance.
The finish was applied to create subtle tonal variation, introducing depth and movement associated with polished concrete while maintaining a controlled and consistent aesthetic throughout the space.
Working within a refurbished rural property required careful preparation and detailing to ensure long-term performance.
Key considerations included:
Preparation and stabilisation of the existing liquid screed substrate
Ensuring uniform adhesion across the full floor area
Managing substrate tolerances to achieve a consistent finish
Application of an ultra-thin system without introducing defects
Detailing at edges and junctions to maintain continuity
Each stage was controlled to ensure the finish remained consistent across varying conditions within the existing structure.
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 provides a seamless architectural surface that integrates comfortably within the building’s traditional setting while introducing a contemporary material language.
The Nuvolato Architop finish delivers durability suited to high-turnover hospitality use, while maintaining a refined, understated appearance that enhances the overall interior.
The project demonstrates the application of microcement systems within adaptive reuse contexts, enabling modern finishes to be introduced without compromising existing structures.
Project Gallery
