Handsmooth House
Project Overview
Location: Handsmooth House, a modern construction with contemporary design.
Client: Rowan Atkinson
Design: Richard Meiers
Project Management: Size Group London Ltd (formerly Sizebreed Ltd)
Introduction
Handsmooth House represents a striking embodiment of modern architecture and contemporary design. This unique project, entrusted to the renowned architect Richard Meiers, presented both exceptional design challenges and an opportunity to create a masterpiece.
Under the guidance of project management by Size Group London Ltd, the construction of Handsmooth House showcased innovation and precision.
Project Challenges
Exacting Plaster Finish:
One of the primary challenges was achieving a multi-coat “Tellings” wet lime plaster finish to extremely tight tolerances of +/-0.5mm.
The design demanded meticulous attention to detail, with a focus on maintaining contemporary, flush, and clean lines, particularly in areas around doors, stairs, lighting fixtures, and the large, glazed elevations.
Glazing Integration
The project included large, glazed elevations that allowed abundant natural light into the building. The challenge was to seamlessly integrate these glazing elements into the overall design while maintaining the desired contemporary aesthetic.
Project Specification
The Handsmooth House project adhered to precise specifications to achieve the desired architectural vision.
Plaster Finish
The interior and exterior finishes were executed using Tellings Unilit M, F & PS with a "Rasdecor" finish, applied to a 0.5mm tolerance. This level of precision was critical to meet the project's design standards.
Construction Substrates
The plaster finishes were applied to new substrates comprising metal stud and MF framing with brick-mesh reinforcement on plasterboard base construction. These modern construction techniques ensured the stability and durability of the finishes.
Integration with Fixtures
The finishes had to be seamlessly integrated with powder-coated door frames, opening directly to ceiling lines. This required precise craftsmanship to maintain the flush and clean lines throughout the building.
Outcome
Handsmooth House stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved parties. The ambitious design by Richard Meiers was brought to life with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The execution of multi-coat wet lime plaster finishes to exact tolerances showcased the skill and dedication of the JHM plastering and dry lining teams. The contemporary and striking lines around doors, stairs, lighting fixtures, and the large, glazed elevations have created an architectural masterpiece.
The integration of natural light through the glazed elevations adds to the building's allure, creating a harmonious blend of modernity and aesthetics with views to be savoured across the Chiltern Hills.
Handsmooth House is a reflection of the vision of the design expertise of Richard Meiers, and the project management capabilities of Size Group London Ltd. With top class workmanship of the JHM dry lining and plastering teams.
It stands as an iconic representation of modern construction and contemporary design, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in architectural excellence.
