A Grade II listed property in Aberdare, Wales, has received a new lease of life with the help of Sika’s render solutions.
The former Rates building, which was vacant for more than three decades, has been redesigned by architects George and Co, and converted into apartments and commercial space.
Owners Morris Property Developments selected Sika’s products to restore the façade, ensuring it reflects the property’s historic character.
Sika’s Parex Parlumiere Fin lime-based render was specified for the front of the building. Providing a through-coloured appearance, the render features small granules to create a finer finish and was applied over a Parex Parlumiere Clair lime-based base coat. Both the base coat and topcoat were reinforced in vulnerable areas with Parex TV10 mesh to provide additional protection and prevent any cracking.
Lightweight and weatherproof, Sika lime renders allow moisture to evaporate, reducing the risk of dampness and decay. Their flexibility and plasticity also accommodate minor building movement, preventing cracks and ensuring a long-lasting and luminosity finish.
For the back of the building, Monorex GF render was chosen in natural white. This one coat, through-coloured render is weather resistant and breathable, providing a fine grain finish.
Joshua Morris, Director of Morris Property Developments, said: “The main priority was to make sure we met all the listed building requirements and Sika’s products provided the best balance of colour and performance. As one half of the building is lime render and the other is standard, it was really important the two finishes worked together visually. The Monorex GF is a subtle shade of white which perfectly complements the lime render.
“The support from Sika was a massive help throughout the project, particularly advice around drying times and colour changes.
“I’m really pleased with the final finish. It’s the first building you see when you hit the town centre, so it’s a real focal point now.”
Supplied by local distributor The Render Depot, the render was machine applied by EziRend. Owner and applicator, Dale Phillips, added: “Having applied Sika mineral renders for several years, this project was my first using Sika lime-based render and I found it very straightforward to apply. The lime-based render and base coat worked well together, and the fine finish aggregate really suits the building.
“I’ve done a lot of rendering over the years, but this project stands out. It’s such a prominent building with a lot of history, so seeing it look new again is very rewarding.”
The property is known as the former Rates building as it was converted into council offices and used for rates collection in the 1960s by Aberdare Urban District Council. Its transformation has created 10 apartments and space for a local independent café called Coco's Coffee and Kitchen.
