2. Surface finishes are particularly important:
• Finishes form the interface between building users
and the building and hence affect the way in which
we interact and perceive our built environment.
• Surfaces are seen, touched and smelt by building
users.
• Color affects our psychology and the atmosphere
of our buildings.
• Materials give off scent and this too will influence
our internal environment and may affect our
health.
4. Inherent finishes
• Many materials such as timber, stone, brick and
glass provide a natural finish without any need
for further work – an inherent finish.
• Attention to joints, fixings and the quality of work
is critical (because they will not be covered up).
• brickwork and blockwork is to be left fair-face,
rather than be plastered, it is important to specify
this so that the quality of the workmanship and
joints are built to an appropriate quality
5. • Carefully chosen, materials with an inherent
finish may help to reduce construction time
and initial construction costs.
• The use of materials with an inherent finish
may be an important consideration when
disassembling the building and recycling
materials at a future date, since the material
has not been compromised by the application
of a finish.
6. Applied finishes: ecological
consideration
• Application of materials to existing
backgrounds, such as plaster to a wall or paint
to timber, is an applied finish.
• The durability of the finish will depend upon
the material properties of the finish and the
material it is applied to, as well as the bond
between the two materials.
• Ecological design goals aim to minimize the
pollution from applied finishes.
7. Functional requirements
• The primary function of a surface finish is to
provide a durable, visually attractive and low
maintenance surface to floors, walls and
ceilings.
8. External finishes
• External finishes are important in determining
the aesthetic appeal of the building.
• The external finishes will also, in conjunction
with the detailing, determine how the building
will weather over time.
• the quality of the materials used for external
finishes and the manner in which they are
applied will determine the durability of the
building fabric.
9. Functional requirements are:
• Aesthetic appeal
• Durability
• Strong mechanical or chemical bond to
structural substrate
• Flexibility, the ability to withstand thermal and
moisture movement (via control joints)
• Health and safety considerations
10. Internal finishes
• Internal finishes are important in creating a sense
of place and in helping to ensure a healthy indoor
environment.
• The quality of the internal environment is
particularly important in ensuring a sense of
wellbeing and enjoyment.
• Materials will be touched, experienced visually
and will give off scent, which combined with
furnishings and appliances will influence our
perception of the space in which we live or work.
11. Functional requirements are:
• Aesthetics
• Durability and flexible ability to withstand
thermal and moisture movement
• Ease of maintenance and cleaning
• Strong mechanical or chemical bond to
structural substrate
• Expel water from the surface that forms as
condensation (particularly in kitchens and
bathrooms)
12. • Prevent and resist mould growth or insect
attack
• Provide visual finish, high levels of contrast
(e.g. nosing on stairs)
• Tactile or touch sensitive finish as an aid to
those with visual difficulties
13. Wall and ceiling finishes
Fairface finishes
• Fairface brickwork, block work, etc.
• Internal plastering and dry lining
14. Fairface brickwork, block work
• Fairface brickwork or block work is used to
describe the higher standard of finish.
• workmanship and quality of bricks or blocks
that is required to provide an aesthetically
pleasing appearance.
• Particular attention is given to the joints; the
perpendicular joints should line up vertically
and all of the mortar joints should be of a
consistent thickness.
15. • A neat joint should be formed and drips and
snots of mortar should not be allowed to
come into contact with the face of the
brickwork.
• A wide variety of rough, smooth and polished
facing blocks and bricks are available.
• The type of brick or block selected will depend
on the performance requirements.
