Břizolit is back on the facades of our houses again

The renaissance of břizolit plaster in practice: its strength, cohesion, and long lifespan appeal, just as they did in the 1930s, to contemporary architects who are already saturated with thin-layer plasters. Břizolit also works well with modern insulation systems, but it requires attention when addressing details. Thanks to the collaboration between architects and the company Sto, it was possible to successfully insulate the façade during the modernization of an older family house in Slovakia's Šaľa, while also restoring the house's original appearance.

The family house in Šaľa was in good technical condition, and during its reconstruction, the project authors sought to restore it as if it were being done at the time of its creation 50 years ago, of course using modern technical possibilities. "That was the main motivation for our approach to this reconstruction," says Ing. arch. Róbert Bakyta from the Bratislava studio Bakyta Architekti, who was the author of the reconstruction project. "The idea of combining modernity with tradition then defined the choice of materials and technologies."

Functional and typically building elements such as railings and a column with mosaic cladding have been preserved.

How to insulate while preserving the proportions of details

Older houses often lose their character and beautiful airy details under layers of insulation systems. Róbert Bakyta wanted to avoid this and preserve the proportions of the original details. The need to reduce the energy demands of the older house during the reconstruction was also a priority. "At the same time, we wanted to preserve all the elements that are characteristic of the house and are in good functional condition. Such as the railing or the column with mosaic cladding at the entrance to the house," adds Róbert Bakyta. The façade of the family house in Šaľa had a original břizolit plaster, and this type of plaster adorns the façade even after insulation. Břizolit enjoyed its greatest glory in the 1970s and 1980s, but its roots are much older.

Břizolit is almost a

Břizolit plaster Sto on the façade

When looking at břizolit plasters today, it is evident that they are still in good condition even after so many years. Therefore, it can be said that this type of plaster is time-tested. This plaster is also interesting due to its appearance - it looks a little different under clouds and differently when the sun shines, when it glistens in places. "On the façade of the house in Šaľa, a thick-layer mineral plaster StoMiral Edelkratzputz, known as břizolit, is applied, with the base being the StoTherm Vario insulation system," explains arch. Ludvík Jelemenský, project manager at Sto Slovakia, adding: "Currently, břizolit plasters are experiencing a small renaissance. Many architects are saturated with new thin-layer surface finishes and are rediscovering a material that admits its own essence."

Břizolit plaster StoMiral Edelkratzputz is a certified and time-tested surface finish for StoTherm insulation systems.

Sto supports the return of břizolit to façades

When deciding which plaster to choose for your house, břizolit will surely be the right choice. Břizolit is a traditional plaster that has been used for several decades, and interest in it is again increasing, not only due to its interesting slightly shimmering surface but especially because of its almost "immortality," as it withstands decades without algae and moss. "Caution is necessary when addressing details. Since we are talking about a thick-layer plaster here, all details related to other structures must align with the requirements of thick-layer plaster. The company Sto is ready to support designers and architects in creating such details." says Ľudovít Jelemenský from Sto.