Walls become "designer" elements by Dave Nemeth

Up until a few years ago walls were either painted or left with the natural facebrick showing, textures would be achieved using variations of Spanish plaster and these surfaces then painted. In recent years however, a lot more thought and development has taken place ensuring the structures that hold the roofs over our heads have become creative elements themselves.

Paint companies have come to realize the need for consumer’s individuality and now market themselves as colour specialists releasing annual trend colour forecasts as well as an array of carefully thought out colour combinations. The large paint companies have evolved, with main showrooms yielding the glamour and overall in store experience of a branded fabric house, or bespoke decor store. Paint will always be around and although exciting innovations within this sector will continue to be developed, new and exciting products will continue to offer alternatives to the medium that dates back thousands of years.

Another familiar product; Wallpaper has made a huge comeback, and has evolved tremendously since its inception during the Rennaissance. From heavily textured vinyl applications to luxurious cut velvets, to rougher hessian, this new age wallpaper has never-ending variations in both colour and texture. For the more flambouyant descerning client, there are even wallpapers available with Swarovski crystals embedded in them. If it wasnt for the fact that so many South African homes have textured plaster (Spanish plaster) I firmly believe wallpaper would have an even greater market share than it currently has.

This is however, where Developents in the conventional wallcoverings end and the developent of new hi tech developments begin. With research into new eco- friendly materials and manufacturing processes, we see a multitude of new resin type products emerging. This new “Ecoresin” is made up of two layers of clear or coloured resin encapsulating a second material which can be of varying thickness, colour and texture. This product is then available in sheets for easy installation against walls, as room dividers and even ceilings and the best part is it can be backlit forming an ambient glow, which creates a unique mood within any interior space.

The philsophy behind the manufacturer is that design has the power to transform more than just space. It can positively change our planet, our environment, and people’s lives; based on their “Full Circle" collection of products which are developed in collaboration with skilled artisans from diverse regions from Africa to Nepal. Working directly with these artisan groups the company brings authentic regional hand crafts to the architecture and design community. Through this process they are able to support communities with craft traditions as well as the development of their skills, their business and ultimately the community at large.

Handmade lotka paper made in Nepal, sisal sacks woven in Columbia, baobab twine braided in Senegal, this innovative process combines traditioal craftsmanship with hi-tech manufacture.          

Hi Tech products like this have now further evolved into more 3d applications such as woven walls, which can even be backlit creating futuristic effects, whilst maintaining a fantastic acoustic quality, perfect for home theatres or even home offices and studies.

So whether you are renovating or building from scratch, it’s time to think out the box and select your wall finishes as carefully as you would your furniture or fabrics. - SAHO