...

We put the thought of all that we

love into all that we make.
Elves of Lothlorien - JRR Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

ROCKCOTE Clay Plaster Dcor by Recommended Render. Photography: Ross Eason.

Cover image: ROCKCOTE Marrakesh bathroom by artisan Shannon Whitehill. Photography: Ross Eason.

Contents
04
We Believe

16-17
Natural Renders Range

05
Naturally Beautiful Buildings

18
Earthen Render Medium

06
Finish Types

19
Earthen Render Coarse

07
Undulations

20
Lime Plaster Basecote

08-09
Decorative Finishes Range
10
Otsumigaki
11
Clay Plaster Dcor
12
Marrakesh
13
Venetian Plaster
14-15
Decorative Finishes Case Study:
Etsu Izakaya

22-23
Natural Renders Case Study:
Hotel Hotel, Canberra

24-25
Natural Paints Range
26
Clay Paint
27
Lime Wash
28-29
Natural Paints Case Study:
Natural Designer Homes

We believe...
...we should live and work in tune with nature,
in buildings built in accordance with her laws,
emulating her designs, harnessing her natural energy flows
and respecting her limits.
...buildings should celebrate life over sterility, restraint over extravagance,
beauty over tawdriness.
...finishes should not poison the air with fumes nor the soul with artificiality.
...in crafting spaces that delight when entered, embody serenity when
occupied and create regret upon departure.

...We believe that people thrive when

living close to nature.
4

Natural Materials

Naturally Beautiful Buildings

The ROCKCOTE Natural Materials range draws inspiration from nature to provide beautiful natural interior
and exterior finishes that dont compromise your health or the environment.
With the increasing awareness of eco-building techniques alongside the desire to make our homes healthier,
the benefits of using traditional natural renders and paints are being rediscovered.
By working with natural clay materials, natural lime and renewables like straw, hemp, bamboo, wheat
and even volcanic ash, we are reviving ancient skills and building practices to create unique, appealing,
natural aesthetics.
The natural breathable plasters and paints can be used on a wide variety of wall surfaces, including
traditional and eco-build materials like cob, straw bale and stone, as well as modern plasterboard and
concrete surfaces, with stunning results.

Clay Plaster Dcor with Straw, Noosa Pengari Steiner School, Queensland

ROCKCOTE

FINISH TYPES
Below is a guide to the finishes available with ROCKCOTE Natural Materials. Refer to the product pages for
the finishes that can be achieved with each product.

GLASS:
A reflective, highly polished finish, also described as
a mirror finish. A slightly iridescent mother-of-pearl
look can also be achieved with some products.
Products: Venetian Plaster, Otsumigaki, Marrakesh.

LUSTRE:
A slight sheen or glow that reflects a soft light at
different angles.
Products: Otsumigaki, Marrakesh.

SMOOTH:
In the middle more open than Lustre and more
closed and smoother to touch than Rustic. Finish
may feature variations in areas that are more open
or more closed.
Products: Clay Plaster Dcor, Lime Plaster
Basecote, Marrakesh, Otsumigaki and Earthen
Render Medium.

RUSTIC:
A tactility of finish feel and see the character of
each grain.
Products: Earthen Render Medium and Coarse,
Lime Pl.aster Basecote, Clay Plaster Decor and
Otsumigaki.

EARTHEN:
A rough, heavily textured finish with a very open,
coarse grain.
Products: Earthen Render Coarse.

Natural Materials

UNDULATIONS
The artisans who work with natural materials are able to create a variety of undulating finishes depending on
the type of space you desire and the material used. There are three levels of undulation:

LEVEL FINISH:
Flat, consistent and level finish.
Products: Marrakesh, Venetian Plaster,
Otsumigaki, Clay Plaster Dcor.

LIGHTLY UNDULATING:
Slightly wavy with 1-3 mm variations.
Products: Marrakesh, Otsumigaki, Clay Plaster
Dcor, Earthen Render Medium, Lime Plaster
Basecote.

HEAVILY UNDULATING:
Appearance of visible waves and undulations so
that the surface has high points and low points of
3mm & above.
Products: Earthen Render Medium & Coarse,
Lime Plaster Basecote, Clay Plaster Dcor.

FINISH TYPES AND UNDULATIONS IN ACTION

Using the finish types and undulations explained above, here is how to describe two very different looks.

POLISHED CONCRETE LOOK

TUSCAN LOOK

DESCRIPTION: smooth, seamless, highly

polished look.

DESCRIPTION: Uneven roughly finished, rustic,

wall reminiscent of an old farm house or bakery.

FINISH TYPE: Lustre or glass; glass if looking

for super high polished look.

FINISH TYPE: Rustic or Earthen.

UNDULATION: Level Finish.

ROCKCOTE PRODUCTS USED: Marrakesh,
Venetian Plaster, Otsumigaki.

UNDULATION: Lightly or heavily undulating.

ROCKCOTE PRODUCTS USED: Earthen
Render Coarse or Earthen Render Medium,
Clay Plaster Dcor.

ROCKCOTE

DECORATIVE
FINISHES RANGE
ROCKCOTEs Decorative Finishes range creates limitless
possibilities for natural aesthetics - from a traditional
organic, clay plaster look right up to the most modern
polished plaster finishes.
All products are completely natural, free of dangerous
chemicals and produce no odours or residual offgassing. They have low embodied energy (energy
necessary for the entire product life-cycle) and are fully
recyclable which means they can be returned to the
earth after use.
Clay and lime finishes can also be positive for
psychological well-being. They are inherently sensuous,
meaning they enliven the senses and bring us back into
contact with the natural world.

Natural Materials

Venetian Plaster ceiling by Artisan Mark Kennedy, Gold Coast Queensland.

Photography: Ross Eason.

ROCKCOTE

Otsumigaki
ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki is an extremely versatile product that allows the skilled artisan to achieve a wide
range of stunning decorative effects for interiors.
A polished earthen lime finish, Otsumigaki can be used in interior high traffic areas such as entrances,
stairwells and halls where a durable finish is desired.
The beauty of Otsumigaki lies in its ability to create textural depth in a smooth, flat surface. Create a dreamy
feature wall in its natural colour mixed with oxides and lightly polished to give warmth, depth and lustre.
Otsumigaki has a subtle elegance that gives walls life yet allows the surrounding elements in the space to
speak for themselves.

Otsumigaki Information:
Use: Interior
Film Build: 1-2mm
Colour: Soft white. Can be tinted with coloured oxides
Finishes: Rustic, Smooth and Lustre
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating

10

Natural Materials

Buildings that celebrate

life over sterility, restraint
over extravagance,
beauty over tawdriness.

Clay Plaster Dcor

ROCKCOTE Clay Plaster Dcor is a truly beautiful fine finishing clay plaster with built-in marble dust that
glistens in the presence of ambient light.
An earthen-look plaster with a smooth finish, Clay Plaster Dcor adds a textural warmth to the interior of any
building - from a traditional straw bale home to the most elegant modern building.
Dry, clean, chopped wheat straw, hemp hurd, rice husks, quartz chips, marble chips and shells can be
added to create beautiful and unique effects.

Clay Plaster Dcor Information:

Use: Interior
Film Build: 2-4mm
Colour: Soft white. Can be tinted with coloured oxides
Finishes: Rustic or Smooth
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating

ROCKCOTE

11

Marrakesh
Create a traditional Tadelakt or Moroccan plaster finish with ROCKCOTE Marrakesh. Can also be finished to
a traditional flat lime plaster; or for a contemporary look can be used to achieve a glass face marble plaster.
Create a seamless bathroom where the smooth curve of one element flows into another, evoking a sense of
ease and continuity not felt in a standard bathroom.
Marrakesh allows the artisan to create an individual work of art on any wall or room within the home. Many
different styles of finish can be achieved by using different trowels, floats, sponges and finishing techniques.

Marrakesh bathroom, Springbrook, Queensland by Recommended Render

Marrakesh Information:
Use: Interior and exterior
Film Build: 2-3mm as a finish coat
Colour: Can be tinted to a wide range of colours with oxides
Finishes: Rustic, Smooth, Lustre or Glass
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating

12

Natural Materials

Venetian Plaster
ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster produces a reflective, highly polished plaster finish, also described as a
mirror finish. Create a stunning smooth surface with the illusion of depth and texture for interior, exterior,
bathrooms, feature walls, columns and ceilings.
Venetian Plaster is ideal for crafting the polished cement render or polished concrete render industrial look
made popular by urban cafes and restaurants and now featuring in distinctive architecturally designed
homes and makeovers. Venetian Plaster is especially useful for columns and walls where the appearance
and feel of marble is sought and can achieve the light-reflective, lustrous properties of marble without
the weight.

Venetian Plaster feature wall in Bundaberg, Queensland by artisan Ray Hall

Venetian Plaster Information:

Use: Interior and exterior
Film Build: 0.5-2mm
Colour: Soft white. Can be tinted to a wide range of colours with oxides
Finishes: Glass
Undulations: Smooth

ROCKCOTE

13

Decorative Finishes Case Study

ETSU IZAKAYA
The chaos of Japanese dining
Loud, bustly and a little bit chaotic is how

played a big part in the overall experience, and

Mitchell McCluskey, co-owner of the Etsu Izakaya

where people were brought together by

restaurant at Mermaid Beach describes the

communal eating.

new venue.

Izakaya venues are big in New York and becoming

Inspired by traditional Japanese izakaya bars where

more popular in Sydney. Before we launched we

men gathered after work to sit around, talk, eat

researched the style of the Sydney spaces and

and drink sake, the Gold Coasts newest dining

drew on our experience of snowboarding in Japan

venue has certainly captured the same intensity of a

every year, Mitchell said.

frenetic Japanese eating place.

A key aspect of the transformation from a fish

Mitchell McCluskey and his wife Nerissa are already

and chip shop to the Gold Coasts most unusual

well known on the Gold Coast for their caf,

Japanese restaurant was the bar which was always

Commune. For this venture, they wanted something

going to be the most dominant feature, taking up

a little different a restaurant where the decor

half the width of the space.

We wanted texture, cracks and different colours throughout and the

Marrakesh has delivered exactly the look we sought.
- Mitchell McCluskey, Etsu Izakaya

14

Natural Materials

We wanted the biggest bar in the world where

Outside, the restaurant stands out from its

people could sit, drink, snack and chat as well as

neighbours with recycled timber and old barn

talk to staff behind the bar. So the first thing was

doors. At night, a red lantern is hung outside to

to figure out the bar area and the rest literally took

indicate that Etsu Izakaya is open for business.

shape around that.

According to Mitchell, people walking past are

We just love concrete spaces and bars. They look

interesting big, solid and unyielding. We wanted

intrigued by the light and the music coming from

inside, peeking in to have a look.

texture, cracks and different colours throughout

Guests are welcomed to the venue from a

and the Marrakesh has delivered exactly the look

geometric nook that is also finished in ROCKCOTE

we sought.

Marrakesh, its horizontal lines carrying the eye to

The remainder of the interiors are finished in

the large bar and slightly chaotic scene beyond.

concrete, veneer and recycled timber. A tree sourced

from council forms the centerpiece of the main dining
area. Murals of a bonsai tree and Japanese street art
painted by a local artist adorn the walls.

PROJECT DETAILS:
- 11 metre long ROCKCOTE Marrakesh bar

Artisan: Michael Symington, ilfe

- Tinted with black oxides for a concrete colour

Photography: Ross Eason

- Finished with ROCKCOTE Carnauba Wax to

give a semi-polished look and protect the surface

ROCKCOTE

15

NATURAL
RENDERS
ROCKCOTEs Natural Renders are authentic earthen
renders made from clay and lime, compatible with
modern and traditional construction methods.
Our Natural Renders impart a textural warmth, honesty
and authenticity, naturally.
ROCKCOTE Natural Renders contain no cement and are
free of dangerous chemicals. The natural composition
also means that they can play an active role in improving
internal air quality. Their thirst for moisture means they
regulate humidity creating a clean, fresh, wholesome
indoor environment.
Natural Renders are very forgiving, easy to apply and
can be used for entire walls, feature walls or creative
projects such as fireplace surrounds.

16

Natural Materials

ROCKCOTE Earthen Render Coarse fireplace surround, Springbrook,

Queensland by Recommended Render. Photography: Ross Eason.

ROCKCOTE

17

Earthen Render Medium

ROCKCOTE Earthen Render Medium is formulated to create a natural earth plaster finish over modern
substrates. The medium formulation is produced without the coarse aggregates in Earthen Render Coarse,
making it more suitable for use in conventional buildings where a smoother textured look is desired.
ROCKCOTE Earthen Render is the ideal choice for architects seeking a natural clay render for use in
commercial developments. High durability and ease of maintenance make it a perfect product for hotels
(such as the Hotel Hotel Canberra), cinema and theatre foyers, and day spas.
Its tactility, warmth and earthy tones add a stunning natural aesthetic that brings a sense of relaxation and
ease to any space. In modern homes, Earthen Render Medium can be used to create unique seamless
fireplace surrounds and textured feature walls.

Earthen Render Medium walls, Hotel Hotel Canberra by artisan Paul Geach

Earthen Render Medium Information:

Use: Interior
Film Build: 4-8mm
Colour: Earthy loam. Can be tinted to a range of earthy colours
Finishes: Earthen or Rustic
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating

18

Natural Materials

Earthen Render Coarse

ROCKCOTE Earthen Render Coarse is a hard, durable render developed for straw bale buildings and other
natural substrates.
Our most heavily textured natural material, Earthen Render Coarse is a true earthen render that is applied
in thick coats to deliver an authentic rustic, natural clay finish. Designed as a base coat render that can be
overcoated with Lime Wash, Otsumigaki, Clay Plaster Dcor, Venetian Plaster or Marrakesh.
Earthen Render Coarse is also ideal as a final finishing coat for straw bale projects as a nice, even 3-4mm
finishing coat, offering consistency of product, ease of application and a more even finished coat.

Earthen Render Coarse with straw, Earthen Home, Eumundi Queensland

Earthen Render Coarse Information:

Use: Interior base coat render or as a finishing coat for straw bale projects
Film Build: 6-10mm
Colour: Earthy loam. Can be tinted to a range of earthy colours
Finishes: Earthen or Rustic
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating

ROCKCOTE

19

Lime Plaster Basecote

Lime Plaster Basecote is designed as a base coat but like most ROCKCOTE natural materials, has a
multitude of finishes and uses. Being a true lime render, ROCKCOTE Lime Plaster Basecote is perfect as an
undercoat for ROCKCOTE Marrakesh, Lime Wash and Venetian Plaster.
ROCKCOTE Lime Plaster Basecote can be used both interior and exterior including wet areas such as
bathrooms and laundries due to its breathability and mould resistance.
It will comply with regulations on the refurbishment and repair of heritage listed and architecturally sensitive
buildings due to its traditional lime and sand formulation (contains no cement like some similar products).
Suitable for entire buildings where a textured lime finish is required as well as for facades and fine decorative
work.

Lime Plaster Basecote Information:

Use: Interior and exterior
Film Build: 2-4mm
Colour: Designed as a base coat but can be tinted with oxides
Finishes: Earthen or Rustic
Undulations: Level, Lightly Undulating, Heavily Undulating

20

Natural Materials

ROCKCOTE Earthen Render Coarse by artisan Bob Cameron. Photography: Ross Eason.

ROCKCOTE

21

Natural Render Case Study

Hotel Hotel, Canberra

When curator Don Cameron observes guests

Comfortability, relatability, always a work in

entering the carefully created rooms of Canberras

progress. A place for introspection. A textural

Hotel Hotel, he senses they struggle to find the

experience. A certain quality of dappled light. A

vocabulary to explain exactly what they see.

sense of items being brought from somewhere else

Every surface and object in each of the hotels 68

collected, assembled and given new meaning.

rooms was consciously designed, sourced and

These are the key elements that Don sought to

created to celebrate natural materials.

inspire each room of this unique hotel that takes up

The starting point was a shack to create

something that belonged to this quintessentially

three floors of the Nishi Building in the NewActon

cultural precinct.

Australian vernacular. I explored what that

Texture was the biggest challenge and one that

could mean and how to translate the intent

would make the most sense in conveying the

Don said.

essence of the theme raw, rustified luxury. Finding

the materials to speak that language was key.

I wanted an unadorned approach to the materials in the rooms

presented and celebrated in their most natural state.

22

Natural Materials

In keeping with the environmental commitment

I was looking for a render that had a raw, textural

of the entire precinct, Don knew natural materials

quality that was rough and didnt conceal the

would play a big part in crafting the interiors.

natural ingredients.

Wool carpets, linen curtains, mild steel, aniline

Don observes the responses of guests entering

leather and vintage furniture all feature in the rooms.

the rooms... many people arent used to seeing

Don said using ROCKCOTE Earthen Render on the

so many natural materials in their raw state in such

walls gave the entire scene potency and brought

proximity. The dividend of such an approach gives

together the collective honesty of all the elements.

the rooms honesty and relatability.

PROJECT DETAILS:
- Three storey hotel with 68 rooms

Artisan: Paul Geach, Cr8ive Surfaces

- Walls: Earthen Render Medium. The render was mixed

Photography: Ross Honeysett

with milled hemp for added texture then pigmented to a

dusty, grey tone
- Lightly undulating, earthen finish
- Guest Room Interiors: Don Cameron

ROCKCOTE

23

NATURAL
PAINTS
ROCKCOTE Natural Paints are premium quality
environmentally friendly paints for health conscious
people who are concerned about environmental
pollution and indoor air quality.
Unique lime and clay-based formulations contain zero
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), have no lingering
paint fumes and are free of synthetic chemicals. They
provide a natural alternative to other chemical-based
paints on the market.
Unlike most modern low to zero VOC paints which are
made from synthetic materials, ROCKCOTE natural
paints are a true natural product.
Natural paints can be used on almost every substrate
that modern paints can be used on: walls, ceilings,
woodwork, brick and block.

24

Natural Materials

ROCKCOTE Clay Paint, Natural Designer Home, Queensland.

ROCKCOTE

25

Clay Paint
ROCKCOTE Clay Paint has outstanding opacity that can support a full range of colours from its natural
Grecian white to the brightest colours you can imagine.
The stunning flat finish provides the added benefit of hiding plasterboard defects in the open plan modern
home style. It evokes a softer, subtler mood effect than low sheen finishes that can reflect light in unnatural
ways.
Being vapour permeable and breathable, Clay Paint allows air to pass through, assisting in natural regulation
of moisture from the surface and therefore will not support the growth of mould, mildew or fungi.

Clay Paint, Natural Designer Homes, Casuarina

Clay Paint Information:

Use: Interior only, not suitable for bathrooms or wet areas
Colour: Can be tinted with coloured oxides
Finish: Flat

26

Natural Materials

Lime Wash
ROCKCOTE Lime Wash provides a breathable decorative finish that penetrates into the underlying
substrate, delivering a long-lasting, robust coating.
Lime Wash has been for centuries on the exterior of all types of buildings. Recreate the aged patina look
reminiscent of a traditional Greek seaside building, or the heritage character of a Sydney terrace home.
It is perfect for historic buildings, refurbishments or commercial developments, particularly where Council
requires new construction to maintain a heritage aesthetic. Additionally, Lime Wash can be an effective and
innovative method to finish more modern surfaces such as a kitchen, courtyard or outdoor living area.
A versatile product, different looks can be achieved by a skilled artisan including cross-hatching, a scalloped
shell look, burnishing or a standard rolled finish.

Finishes should not

poison the air with
fumes, nor the soul

Lime Wash Information:

Use: Interior and Exterior
Colour: Soft white, Can be tinted with oxides
Finishes: Flat

with artificiality.

ROCKCOTE

27

Natural Paints Case Study

Casuarina
When award-winning builder, Mick Corcoran

Strategies were implemented for energy and

planned his own family home, he set out to create

water management, indoor air quality, the careful

a beautiful architecturally designed home that was

selection of materials, landscaping, stormwater

healthy to live in and a fine example of sustainable

management, and minimal wastage to ensure the

living.

project met its brief.

Mick works collaboratively with Natural Designer

The home has been designed to take advantage

Homes, a company that leads the way in

of natural lighting and passive solar heating

environmentally aware building. The collaboration

throughout the year, as well as the prevailing breeze

has won a myriad of Housing Industry Association

paths for ventilation.

and Master Builders Awards since 2009 including

several Greensmart Energy Efficiency Home of the

Cedar, and coreten steel were selected as the core

Year Awards.

building materials. The coreten is designed to rust

and protect itself and has a low carbon content.

This two-storey home at Casuarina on the NSW

North Coast was thoughtfully designed to blend

The selection and use of building products that

with the coastal environment using sustainable

promote and support a healthy indoor home

building materials integrated with a functional, low

environment were a key consideration. Every

maintenance design.

material that has gone into the home has been

scrutinised for VOCs and the best alternative
selected to improve the air quality.

28

Natural Materials

ROCKCOTE Clay Paint was selected for the

Two coats of Clay Paint were applied with a roller,

interior of the home (including all walls, ceilings and

and the product was watered down slightly for the

skirtings) for its zero VOC content and ability to act

cutting in coats.

as a filter to improve the indoor air quality.

The completed home has certainly caught the
We wanted something that looked fabulous,

attention of the industry, recently taking out the 2013

was a hundred percent natural, odour-free, and

Housing Industry Association Gold Coast, Northern

wouldnt harbour mould in what is a fairly humid

Rivers Housing and Bathroom Awards Greensmart

environment, Mick said.

Energy Efficient House of the Year. It also won the

2013 Master Builders Excellence in Building Awards

The natural white colour looks stunning, and has

Best Environmental Management Award.

helped create an amazing indoor environment that

we know does not compromise our health.

Earlier in 2013 the home was awarded Master

Builders Northern NSW Excellence in Building

The ROCKCOTE Clay Paint was used over

Awards Best Sustainable Energy Project.

plasterboard walls with a preparatory coat

of ROCKCOTE EcoStyle Sealer/Undercoat.

PROJECT DETAILS:
- 340m approximately

Photography: Bray Kay

- 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
- Double storey with all living areas on the ground floor
- Timber Frame
- Cedar, coreten and steel exterior
Two coats of ROCKCOTE Armour over cedar
- Internal finishes: ROCKCOTE Clay Paint, natural colour
on walls, ceilings and skirtings

ROCKCOTE

29

We do not inherit the earth from our

ancestors; we borrow it from our children.
- Native American Proverb

Phone: 1300 736 668

Email: sales@rockcote.com.au
18 Machinery Road
Yandina QLD 4561

www.rockcote.com.au
Printed on 100% recycled, process chlorine-free
paper with environmentally friendly Electro ink.

30

Natural Materials

www.thenaturalartisan.com
ROCKCOTE V6

ROCKCOTE Marrakesh bar, Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach Queensland

by artisan Michael Symington. Photography: Ross Eason.

ROCKCOTE

31

To help people create naturally

beautiful buildings that dont cost the earth.