Client: Haymarket Hub
Type of works: use of Knauf's projection plaster method to carry out internal plasterwork

The Haymarket Hub is a £22 million Metro station development in the heart of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The building, made up of four sides, each incorporating a giant glazed arch, features a distinctive zinc covered roof.

Ornate Interiors was appointed to carry out internal plasterwork on the third and fourth floors. Rather than choosing the traditional method of plastering, they proposed using the innovative Knauf’s projection plaster method.

This machine applied plastering is much quicker than hand applied plaster. The obvious benefit to the builders is reduced time on site, enabling following trades to come in earlier than planned.

A complex construction of steel suspension, insulation and curved galvanised sheets were finished with sprayed plaster to the required thickness. After application, the plaster was left to “pick up” or harden and a curved spatula was applied to the face of the plaster, followed by a sponge. Finally the face of the plaster was trowelled up to a curved, even matt finish ready for the application of the required paintwork.

Even with the added complication of a fully functioning underground Metro station operating beneath their feet and a constant stream of pedestrians during the works, as well as a challenging curved environment, the finish was extremely smooth.

The Haymarket Hub carries the marque of craftsmen throughout its structure with the smoothest of finishes applied by Ornate Interiors and was recognised by being awarded the Humber Salver for Internal Plastering 2009 at the Plasterers Awards 2010.