Ann Verdonck

Belgian Craftsmanship in the Interwar Period: Formulas and Application Techniques of Decorative Cement-Based Wall Finishes

ABSTRACT In order to shed light on various decorative cement renderings, their characteristics, formulas, and application methods were studied. National and international plasterer and mason manuals, periodicals (mainly architectural), patents, and archival records (building specifications and estimations, plans, correspondence) were consulted. Chemical analyses of onsite lifted samples and testimonies of former plasterers revealed additional information. Several interwar period cement-based finishes that were poplar in Belgium will be discussed in this article, which contributes to knowledge about the material and decoration of cement-rendered façades and their care, to encourage the preservation of this special aspect of our modern architectural heritage.

Restoration of the 1824 Wissekerke Iron Suspension Footbridge: Construction Details Revealed

The wrought iron suspension footbridge, built in 1824 at the Wissekerke Castle in Kruibeke (Belgium) is the oldest surviving chain footbridge in continental Europe. As the footbridge shifted from private to public use, the condition of the footbridge was surveyed and assessed. During restoration works, which started in the winter of 2011, new construction details were revealed. The original foundation was excavated giving insight into the applied-anchorage system of the suspension cable. The iron bridge was blast-cleaned, revealing not only its connections, but uncovering assembly and production stamps. These new findings not only broaden the insight in the construction of the 1824 Wissekerke footbridge, they also contribute to the overall knowledge of early construction in wrought iron.

The Interior Decoration of the Japanese Tower at the Royal Castle Domain in Laeken

Abstract The Japanese Tower dates from 1904 and was designed by the French architect Alexandre Marcel at the request of King Leopold II of Belgium. The Tower is a timber building constructed by European craftsmen. The remarkable interior decoration consists of European materials and elements shipped from Japan. A rich variety of decoration techniques and materials were found during recent preliminary research into the architectural paintwork. The major challenge facing the researchers was the identification and differentiation of Japanese and European interventions on the interior decoration. The rediscovery and research of the sumptuous interior decoration of the Japanese Tower, including the many items brought from Japan, provides a unique insight into Meiji era Japonisme in Europe and cultural relations between Europe and Japan at the turn of the twentieth century.

House on a Bunker by Architect R. Romke de Vries: From Military Accommodation to Residential Refinement

The construction of houses on bunkers is not uncommon in post-war Holland, yet this project in The Hague, conceived by architect R. Romke de Vries between 1951 and 1955, sticks out as a pioneering design. A large concrete bunker was reused as an artificial rock foundation for the construction of a new house that was commissioned by contractor Jan van Kampen. In close collaboration with his client, Romke de Vries managed to create a remarkable synergy between both old and new constructions, interior design and garden layout, bringing together many of his previously published innovative design strategies for the post-war home interior. All fittings and furnishings were profoundly detailed and painted in a remarkable colour scheme. This essay is dealing with innovative residential issues by architect Romke de Vries with special attention to technical approaches, the colour scheme and the interaction between architect and client/contractor. This study also addresses objectives of basic comfort standards, improvement of the energetic performances, efficient approach of the damage phenomena and issues of building physics.

Terranova, a Popular Stone Imitation Cladding: Strategies and Techniques for Restoration

At the beginning of the 20th century, the application of innovative finishes on facades became a popular phenomenon in Belgium. Decorative renders were frequently used to hide the aesthetically imperfect structure and to imitate valuable natural stone features. In order to create the appearance of French stone, ingredients such as lime, mica and crushed natural stone were added to white cement. Afterwards, the surface was scratched or scraped to shape a rough texture. As a result, a convincing ‘simili-pierre’ or ‘stone imitation’ masonry was obtained, after drawing simulated joints into the wet render layer. Today, these imitation finishes suffer in most cases from discoloration, cracks, peeling off and other damage which has completely changed the initial perception. Since knowledge is lacking concerning their composition, properties and application techniques, many questions remain unanswered within the conservation area. As a consequence, incorrect decisions may be made during restoration campaigns, which may lead to additional damages. A remarkable example of a simili-pierre render is the former commercial product Terranova, which is the focus of the research. By means of literature studies, the exploration of historical patents, laboratory analysis of representative samples and a comparative research between similar claddings, this paper proposes legitimate solutions to revitalize the Terranova finishes. It is found that both original mortar formulas and historic application guidelines are key elements which form a fundamental contribution to restore stone imitating renderwork in a sustainable way, with respect for authenticity issues.

Composition and Application of Cimorné Finish: An Interwar Cement Render Decorated with Coloured Opalescent Glass Granules

A Walloon entrepreneur developed and patented Cimorne cement render at the beginning of the 1930s in Braine-l’Alleud (south of Brussels, Belgium). This peculiar facade finish consists of a pigmented multilayer cement mortar onto which opalescent and mass coloured glass granules were projected. Cimorne became popular in the interwar period and was available in a variety of (very bright) colours, depending on the global hue of the added opalescent glass granules. Local craftsmen developed in their characteristic manner application techniques, mixing the mortar of the cimorne render, based on a Portland cement mortar, on-site. Minor information is available about the cimorne technique, a regional applied finish of which the characteristics, formula and application method were mainly orally transmitted between craftsmen. Hence, knowledge about the cement mortar, its cement-sand ratio, granulometry, etc. is crucial and prior to durable repair and restoration campaigns. Interviews with retired plasterers revealed relevant information about the original formula, preparation on-site and application method. The information related to the cimorne craftsmanship was compared to data found in archival records, patents and interwar plastering and masonry manuals on the one hand and to results from laboratory analyses of mortar samples lifted on-site on the other hand. The overall results form the basis for restoration trials, which will be carried out on-site, in order to enable future durable and sustainable repair interventions of this peculiar Art Deco cement render.

Pierre-simili And Cimorné Cladding:From Modern Craftsmanship To ContemporaryRenovation Techniques

This paper introduces and valorises pierre-simili and cimorne cladding by confronting knowledge resulting from literature, patents and lab analysis. This leads to original formulas and application methods, which will be further investigated towards scientific renovation and restoration strategies. Early 20 th century architecture is characterized by the development of innovative finishes like pierre-simili and cimorne cladding. Pierre-simili finish or ‘stone imitation’ is used in order to imitate sandstone masonry facades. The illusion of stone is obtained by adding lime, mica and crunched stone to a light grey or white cement (bad mortar) and by scraping the surface to create a rough texture. Consequently false joints are drawn into the wet mortar. Cimorne (ciment orne) means ‘decorated cement’. Opal glass fragments are projected into wet mortar. This technique allows applying a bright coloured mortar that does not fade. Currently, there is no scientific based strategy to solve present damage such as contamination, cracks and peeling off. The combination of a literature study, a study of records, patents and onsite research followed by laboratory analysis of onsite lifted samples leads to formulas and application methods that will contribute to future renovation/restoration projects.