GRAPHEX and INTEGRA from Resene Construction Systems give this multi-unit development its distinctive façade

Situated in the Christchurch suburb of Edgeware, ‘Curves’ is a multi-unit development designed by Threefold Architecture, specifying Resene Construction Systems’ GRAPHEX Insulated Facade System to create the distinctive curved façade.

For Mike Ashby, director of Ashby & Co Exterior Plastering, and his team, the residential project is indicative of the type of architecture he is seeing around the city.

“It’s definitely a trend that is gaining a lot of traction with high-end architecture across Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region at the moment, and not just residential. We’re working on the new Silvermoon gallery and retail store, which has seven curved bays. Curves and concrete finishes; everybody wants them."

Sweeping curves and vertical battens create a sculptural façade the imparts a modern look that is crisp and finely detailed, as well as being warm and inviting. 

While the GRAPHEX system was specified for the upper levels, at ground the INTEGRA Lightweight Concrete Facade System was used, a combination Mike says is pretty standard in the work he’s seeing.

“Each product has its own pros, for example, if you want curves then you’re going to go with GRAPHEX, while the INTEGRA product is pretty much the standard for sharp, clean-lined designs.

“It’s at the point now where the RCS technicians have engineered a range of products that make any complex design achievable.”    

Beyond design flexibility, installation efficiency is another important consideration. Lightweight panel systems can help builders enclose a building sooner, allowing other trades to progress with interior work. 

"The GRAPHEX comes in at 1200 by 2.4 while INTEGRA is 600 by 2.2, both options offering good coverage in a single panel. The upshot is, installation is quicker and more efficient for everyone, allowing interior sub-trades onsite while the plastering continues on the exterior," says Mike. 

Lightweight ROCKCOTE GRAPHEX cladding makes the development's distinctive curved façades possible, complemented by INTEGRA panels with a seamless EzyTex Float finish in Resene Black White. 

To complete the development's seamless exterior, the team applied ROCKCOTE EzyTex Float mineral plaster for a consistent, finely textured surface. This was finished with Resene X-200 acrylic waterproofing membrane paint in Resene Black White, a clean, versatile white that complements the building's sculptural forms. 

“The EzyTex float finish is just the standard, mainly for its ability to mimic most textures, plus it’s got a good finish and covers well. There are cheaper products out there, but we find the plaster goes off to fast and you can’t get a consistent finish, that’s why we use EzyTex.” 

In the run up to Christmas, Mike says his team is busier than they have been in a long time, with the local construction industry experiencing somewhat of a boom period. 

“I think here, in Canterbury, we’ve had a pretty good bubble, especially in the last twelve months. Certainly, in the lead up to elections, it normally quietens off, but we're busier than we ever have been at the moment, which is very lucky and not something we take for granted.”