Project Study

A Travel-Inspired Bathroom | Howth, Co. Dublin

Overview

Welcome to another edition of The Project Study, where we explore the technical details and design choices behind some of our favourite projects. This time, we take you to a bathroom renovation in Howth, co. Dublin—a space that blends texture, classic heritage, and a subtle Mediterranean flair.

Let’s dive in!

Project Scope

Our clients wanted a bathroom that would transport them back to their travels, with soft Arabic and Mediterranean vibes, while still respecting the more traditional character of their home. The brief was clear: lots of texture, a discreet yet noticeable design, and a “wow” factor through tactile surfaces.

The bathroom being part of an older, Georgian home, the challenge was to introduce contemporary decorative textures while preserving the existing architectural features. The aim was to create a space that felt luxurious, layered, and reflective of our clients’ personal style—without overwhelming the classic Georgian elements.

Client Requirements

  • Textured, Decorative Surfaces: Our clients wanted a bathroom rich in texture, with walls that invite touch and visual exploration.
  • Subtle Mediterranean & Arabic Influences: Inspired by their travels, the finish should complement the overall space and decorative elements.
  • Blend Old & New: The design needed to integrate seamlessly with the Georgian architecture of the house.
  • Natural, Luminous Palette: A bright yet warm white that feels open and inviting.

Material Selection

For this project, our clients opted for microcement in the colour Cocomilk—a luminous white with a hint of warmth, and our bestselling shade. Its natural glow makes it ideal for enhancing light while creating a soft, elegant backdrop for textured applications.

The material was then worked by our team to create a textured effect in select areas to reveal subtle silvery and iridescent undertones. Some areas were left rough, celebrating imperfect, tactile surfaces that create both depth and character.

Preparation and Application Process

1. Surface Preparation: Working in an old house meant careful preparation to avoid compromising original Georgian features. Surfaces were cleaned, primed, and stabilized for microcement application.

2. Layering Microcement: Multiple layers were applied with the highest care and precision. Areas requiring texture were sculpted by hand to achieve irregular, expressive finishes.

3. Creating Iridescence: Select sections were lightly “burned” to enhance reflective, silvery effects, producing subtle shifts in tone and depth.

4. Finishing Touches: Rough, unpolished areas were preserved to contrast with smoother sections, highlighting texture and catching the light in unexpected ways.

Challenges Encountered

  • Preserving Heritage Features: Integrating contemporary textures without compromising the existing Georgian elements required careful planning and precision.
  • Achieving Depth Without Overpowering: The decorative approach had to be noticeable yet discreet, striking a balance between subtle elegance and visual interest.
  • Textured Surfaces: Ensuring consistency in smooth and rough finishes was technically demanding, as the play of light can exaggerate imperfections.

Outcome and Impact

  • Neutral, Luminous Palette: A bright yet warm white that feels open and inviting.
  • Aesthetic Harmony: The new textured surfaces complement the traditional Georgian architecture, blending old and new effortlessly.
  • Layered, Tactile Design: Rough and smooth areas interact with light, creating subtle iridescence and a tactile depth that draws you in.
  • A Distinctive, Personal Touch: The bathroom feels curated and intimate, reflecting our clients’ love of travel and appreciation for craftsmanship.

The result is a sensory, textural experience. The microcement brings a luminous elegance to the room, while the subltle texture of the walls evoke memories of Mediterranean and Arabic travels.

This beautiful bathroom demonstrates how layered textures, and thoughtful detailing can transform a bathroom into an exotic sanctuary while honoring classic heritage architecture.

Are you ready to bring the beauty of microcement into your space ?

Overview

Welcome to another edition of The Project Study, where we explore the technical details and design choices behind some of our favourite projects. This time, we take you to a bathroom renovation in Howth, co. Dublin—a space that blends texture, classic heritage, and a subtle Mediterranean flair.

Let’s dive in!

Project Scope

Our clients wanted a bathroom that would transport them back to their travels, with soft Arabic and Mediterranean vibes, while still respecting the more traditional character of their home. The brief was clear: lots of texture, a discreet yet noticeable design, and a “wow” factor through tactile surfaces.

The bathroom being part of an older, Georgian home, the challenge was to introduce contemporary decorative textures while preserving the existing architectural features. The aim was to create a space that felt luxurious, layered, and reflective of our clients’ personal style—without overwhelming the classic Georgian elements.

Client Requirements

  • Textured, Decorative Surfaces: Our clients wanted a bathroom rich in texture, with walls that invite touch and visual exploration.
  • Subtle Mediterranean & Arabic Influences: Inspired by their travels, the finish should complement the overall space and decorative elements.
  • Blend Old & New: The design needed to integrate seamlessly with the Georgian architecture of the house.
  • Natural, Luminous Palette: A bright yet warm white that feels open and inviting.

Material Selection

For this project, our clients opted for microcement in the colour Cocomilk—a luminous white with a hint of warmth, and our bestselling shade. Its natural glow makes it ideal for enhancing light while creating a soft, elegant backdrop for textured applications.

The material was then worked by our team to create a textured effect in select areas to reveal subtle silvery and iridescent undertones. Some areas were left rough, celebrating imperfect, tactile surfaces that create both depth and character.

Preparation and Application Process

1. Surface Preparation: Working in an old house meant careful preparation to avoid compromising original Georgian features. Surfaces were cleaned, primed, and stabilized for microcement application.

2. Layering Microcement: Multiple layers were applied with the highest care and precision. Areas requiring texture were sculpted by hand to achieve irregular, expressive finishes.

3. Creating Iridescence: Select sections were lightly “burned” to enhance reflective, silvery effects, producing subtle shifts in tone and depth.

4. Finishing Touches: Rough, unpolished areas were preserved to contrast with smoother sections, highlighting texture and catching the light in unexpected ways.

Challenges Encountered

  • Preserving Heritage Features: Integrating contemporary textures without compromising the existing Georgian elements required careful planning and precision.
  • Achieving Depth Without Overpowering: The decorative approach had to be noticeable yet discreet, striking a balance between subtle elegance and visual interest.
  • Textured Surfaces: Ensuring consistency in smooth and rough finishes was technically demanding, as the play of light can exaggerate imperfections.

Are you ready to bring the beauty of microcement into your space ?

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