The way the light falls across sculptural architecture like this instills a desire in the viewer to touch the surface and feel its contours. Designed by Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects, this Marmorino plaster staircase brings sensory elements of the natural world into this multi-story New York City home. We collaborated with the architecture firm to create a finish that would mimic sculpted stone and be a calming structure against the bustle of the outside metropolis.
Traditional limestone plaster such as Marmorino can be customized to a variety of textures and tones, making it an ideal finish for interior surfaces such as this stairwell. Our partner artisan Patrick Shoemaker utilized his plastering expertise to create a smooth transition between all the edges and crevices of the form underneath.
1. Side angle of the staircase finished in Marmorino with mica flakes for Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects
2. Center of the staircase finished in Marmorino with mica flakes for Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects.
A unique factor of this project is the long, continuous surface of the staircase. It takes an experienced hand to know how to hand-trowel the plaster correctly in this scenario in order to make a seamless finish. Patrick and his team spent days covering every inch in Marmorino in such a way that it looks almost carved out of stone.
This chiseled sculpture appearance is understandable, as the Italian word, “Marmorino,” translates to “little marble,” as this type of plaster has marble dust added into it. Intensifying this look are the mica flakes that have been applied to the surface, which contrasts beautifully against the matte sheen of the plaster. When you ascend the staircase in person you can see and feel how the mica adds that extra bit of shine and texture.
1. Process shot of inside the staircase finished in Marmorino with mica flakes for Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects.
2. Details of Marmorino plaster with mica flakes added to the surface.
Learn more about how you can customize projects like this with a variety of Marmorino finishes through the link below. For a rougher, earthy feel you might consider aggregate plaster, which can incorporate materials such as garnet and quartz into the mix.