More than just skin deep Novotel Auckland - Coating from Sto European Plaster Systems

Originally transport centres were spartan, utilitarian buildings. Today, however, there is a return to the concept of the historical inn; a place where travellers can rest, refresh and eat while in transit.

Warren and Mahoney's brief to Sto sales manager Dallas Ell, for the new Novotel Auckland Airport hotel, consisted of two separate requirements. The Unicast precast panels required a hydrophobation treatment for long-term protection against spent aviation gas, wind-borne sea salt and industrial wastes prevalent in the environment.

There was also a need for a self-cleaning, breathable coating to subtly tie the design together, and to blend the glass and precast elements with the landscape.

Jin Moon of Surface Matters applied the Sto Coating System, consisting of BHN, a hydrophobation treatment containing 98% active ingredients in a solvent-free solution. This same treatment is already used to protect iconic masonry structures, including the Sydney Opera House, the Louvre, and the Hangzhou Bay Bridge in China.

Dallas Ell says the Sto Coating System included an application of StoLotusan Color, which is modelled on the lotus effect in nature a natural phenomenon that ensures lotus plants are immediately clean and dry after every rainfall. Utilising bionic research, this phenomenon has been duplicated in the microstructure of StoLotusan, matching the lotus leaf to create a super-hydrophobic surface. This is referred to as the Sto patented Lotus Effect a natural cleaning process.

STO EUROPEAN PLASTER SYSTEMS

Phone (04) 801 7794 Fax (04) 384 9828www.sto.co.nz info@sto.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas