Heritage plaster restoration work and contemporary design elements are provided by Plaster Services

The 2011 earthquake in Christchurch either destroyed or damaged much of the city's refined architectural legacy. Advances in materials have made some plaster restoration work easier and led to some dynamic contemporary features, too.

Plaster Services has restored intricate period detailing to many Christchurch buildings. The company's work on the Isaac Theatre Royal also features in this issue of Trends, while its completely rebuilt heritage facade detailing for the iconic Press Building is seen at right. However, this is only half the story of the highly skilled plaster specialist.

Director Gary Watson says his company can re-create and install pretty much any plaster feature, such as the ornate cornices and ceiling roses found in old villas, or more contemporary elements.

"The use of modern materials allows re-creation of features in a manner that will last well into the future. They also allow us to construct complex elements that appear to defy gravity, such as the Feather and Ripples sculpture by artist Neil Dawson on the CCC building stairwell. We use fibrous plaster rather than lathe and plaster as it's lighter, stronger and withstands movement much better."

"Our staff have a wealth of knowledge and experience in historic and custom work. All we need to produce something is a small piece of an existing pattern saved from the building site, or even an artist's photograph or drawn dimensions to work from.

"The Christchurch market provides the bulk of our business. However, we contract as far north as Auckland and Bluff in the south. Notable past projects include the restoration of Parliament Buildings in Wellington and Eichardts Hotel in Queenstown,"

For details, contact Plaster Services, phone (03) 366 1776. Website: www.plastercraft.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas