Refurb Projects April 2017

PROJECTS
Sto provides dramatic opening act for
refurbished theatre
Visitors arriving at a recently refurbished London theatre are now greeted by the venue’s dramatic new
appearance, which has been created by the use of StoDeco Profile panels from Sto. Tara Theatre in Earlsfield
has undergone an extensive programme of extension and refurbishment, and given a striking new appearance
which centres on a large Banyan tree motif that has been designed to wrap around different elevations of the
building.
The project architects, Aedas
Arts Team, were looking to
create an eye-catching
appearance for the building
which reflected the multi-cultural
nature of the events now being held
there. “In India, the Banyan tree
often represents a focal point of a
community where people gather,
and so it was a very appropriate
motif to use on the building,”
explains Julian Middleton of Aedas
Arts Team.
“We chose a StoRend Flex Cote
rendered finish for the building as
we were looking to achieve a ‘soft’
appearance, and then we added the
raised profile tree motif which
appears to ‘grow’ out from the
theatre walls. StoDeco Profile
seemed to be by far the most
attractive material to use for the
tree, as it would allow us to create
something that was really unique.”
“This was an unusual project for
us,” reveals Mark Shepherd from
Sto Technical Services. “Our
StoDeco Profile panels are normally
used to create more traditional
architectural detailing around
windows, doors and soffits, but this
was completely different. However,
StoDeco panels can be machined to
match any existing profile or, as in
this case, to create a custom design
element.
“The architects were looking for
a finished appearance where the tree
design was prominent, but without
actually dominating the building’s
appearance. StoDeco profile is easy
to work on an intricate design such
as this, so it was the ideal solution
to create the desired effect.”
Although the branches of the
tree design are straight, many of
them taper as they cross the
building and this required careful
on-site installation work from main
contractor, H.A. Marks. Construction.
“The tree design actually stands
some 25mm proud of the render
coat, and so accurate installation
was essential if we were going to
create the right look and feel for the
building,” explains a spokesman
from H.A. Marks. “We used StoDeco
Coll adhesive to apply the tree
branches, and these were overpainted
with StoColor Maxicryl to
create a uniform finish.
“Sto had also worked very closely
with the architect on the design and
setting out of the component parts
for the tree. This certainly made the
installation process much smoother
than we had anticipated and the
end result is very impressive.”
The StoDeco Profile panels are
manufactured from Verolith which
comprises 90% perlite volcanic
stone, making it highly resistant
weather and other environmental
factors. Light in weight and easy to
work on site, the panels are quick to
install and form a particularly
durable bond with the various
renders and paints that are available
from Sto.
The new Tara Theatre is the
country’s first purpose-built multicultural
venue of its type, housing a
100-seat auditorium and a separate
rehearsal studio for up to 30 people.
Web: www.sto.co.uk
8 APRIL 2017, REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS