One of the key reasons architects and interior designers specify microcement is its ability to create visual continuity across different elements of an interior. Rather than treating floors, walls, stairs, counters and fitted furniture as separate surfaces, microcement can allow the same material language to flow through an entire scheme.
The Viero OLTRE Microcement System is a thin-build, hand-applied decorative system that can be installed over a range of appropriately prepared, stable substrates. This provides considerable design flexibility across both residential and commercial projects, particularly where a seamless, contemporary surface is required without the visual interruption associated with conventional tiles and other jointed finishes.
At Viero UK, we work with architects, interior designers, contractors and developers to specify and professionally install OLTRE across projects in London, throughout the UK and internationally.
Creating Continuous Floors and Walls
Floors and walls are perhaps the most obvious application for microcement, but using the same finish across both can fundamentally change the character of an interior.
Instead of introducing a material change at the perimeter of the floor, microcement can continue vertically onto walls to create a more unified architectural surface. This approach works particularly well within contemporary residential interiors, hotel suites, restaurants, retail environments and wellness spaces where designers want to simplify the material palette.
Colour and texture can remain consistent across both planes, or subtle variations can be introduced while retaining the same underlying material.
Because microcement is applied by hand, it also retains gentle trowel movement across larger surfaces. This prevents a continuous scheme from feeling completely uniform while maintaining the clean architectural appearance that makes microcement so distinctive.
Seamless Surfaces in Kitchens and Hospitality Spaces
Microcement provides interesting possibilities wherever floors, work surfaces and bespoke joinery meet.
Within residential kitchens, for example, the finish can be used across floors and suitable prepared elements such as kitchen islands and work surfaces. Carrying a consistent colour and texture through these different areas helps establish a cohesive scheme without introducing numerous competing materials.
The same principle can be particularly effective within hospitality interiors. Applications can include:
- Restaurant and bar floors
- Bar fronts and suitable counter surfaces
- Reception desks
- Host stations
- Display plinths
- Bespoke architectural features
- Selected fitted furniture and joinery
In a restaurant or hotel bar, for example, a microcement floor can be visually connected with the bar or reception area, helping these functional elements feel integrated into the architecture rather than added to it.
The OLTRE system is completed with Top 2K, a two-component polyurethane protective finish that provides resistance to scratches, impact, chemicals and everyday wear, supporting its use within demanding residential and commercial environments.
Continuous Microcement Bathrooms
Bathrooms provide some of the strongest opportunities for continuous microcement design.
Rather than dividing the room into separate floor, wall and shower finishes, the OLTRE system can be used to establish a consistent surface across appropriate areas of the bathroom. The same material can also be incorporated into suitable vanity units, bath surrounds and other built-in architectural elements.
This is particularly effective within spa-inspired bathrooms and wellness environments, where designers are increasingly seeking quieter material palettes and fewer visual transitions.
The OLTRE Barrier stage incorporates a waterproofing skim coat and mesh, creating the waterproof layer required for wet-area applications when the complete system is correctly specified and professionally installed.
Microcement is also compatible with appropriately designed underfloor heating systems, making it particularly relevant to contemporary bathrooms, spas and wellness interiors where both thermal comfort and material continuity are important.
Stairs and Architectural Features
Continuity does not have to stop when a floor reaches a staircase.
Microcement can be used on appropriately prepared stairs to continue the visual language between different levels of a property. This can be especially effective in open-plan residential interiors, hotels, retail spaces and commercial reception areas where the staircase forms a prominent part of the architecture.
The same approach can be applied to selected architectural features, allowing columns, plinths, raised platforms and built-in elements to relate directly to surrounding floors or walls.
For designers, this provides an opportunity to treat microcement as an architectural surface rather than simply a flooring material.
Microcement for Bespoke Furniture and Joinery
Microcement can also be incorporated into suitable bespoke furniture and joinery, provided the substrate and construction are appropriate for the specified system.
This opens up possibilities for creating furniture with the visual character of concrete or mineral surfaces without relying on solid concrete construction.
Within residential interiors, applications might include media units, shelving, tables or built-in furniture. Commercial projects provide even broader opportunities, including hotel reception desks, restaurant counters, retail display plinths and other bespoke features.
For a luxury retail environment, for example, microcement can be carried from the architectural surfaces into selected display elements, helping establish a consistent backdrop for merchandise. In hospitality interiors, reception desks or bar features can use the same colour and texture as surrounding surfaces to reinforce the overall design concept.
The important consideration is that these elements must be designed and prepared appropriately. Microcement should not simply be treated as a coating that can be applied indiscriminately to any piece of furniture or substrate.
One Material, Different Design Outcomes
A continuous surface does not necessarily mean every element needs to look identical.
OLTRE is available in a broad standard colour palette, allowing designers to work with warm neutrals, greys, terracotta-inspired colours, blues and other contemporary tones. Bespoke colour development also provides further flexibility where the finish needs to coordinate with a wider project palette.
Application technique can alter the degree of visible movement and texture as well. This means designers can create relationships between different areas without making the entire interior feel monotonous.
A floor might use a restrained finish while a feature wall or reception desk introduces stronger trowel movement, for example. The material remains consistent, but the treatment responds to the function and scale of each surface.
The Viero OLTRE Microcement System
Creating this continuity relies on specifying microcement as a complete system rather than treating it as a single decorative coat.
Viero OLTRE consists of four principal stages:
Step 1 - Base: Primer and acrylic binder provide the foundation and adhesion required for the system.
Step 2 - Barrier: A waterproofing skim coat and mesh provide reinforcement and waterproofing where required.
Step 3 - Style: The decorative microcement finish establishes the colour, texture and characteristic hand-applied appearance.
Step 4 - Top 2K: A two-component polyurethane protective finish provides resistance to scratches, impact, chemicals and everyday use.
The complete build-up allows OLTRE to be specified across a wide variety of residential and commercial applications while maintaining a consistent surface language throughout the project.
Professional Specification & Installation
The ability to carry microcement from floors and walls onto stairs, bathrooms and bespoke architectural elements makes correct specification particularly important. Different substrates and applications need to be assessed to establish the appropriate preparation and system build-up before work begins.
At Viero UK, we work with architects, interior designers, contractors and developers to specify the Viero OLTRE Microcement System, develop handcrafted samples and establish the required colour, texture and finish for each project.
Our in-house artisans then professionally install the system, helping maintain consistency as the finish moves between different surfaces and architectural elements. We undertake residential and commercial installations throughout London and across the UK, as well as selected international projects.
If you're planning a microcement project, call 0870 609 2827 or get in touch to discuss your specification and installation requirements.
Trade Professionals
Professional artisans and specialist applicators looking to purchase the Viero OLTRE Microcement System can visit our online shop to explore the complete system, including preparation, decorative and protective products.