Transforming a 1960s Home with Breathaplasta Universal by Adaptavate

In the heart of Greenwich, London, a modest 1960s terraced house has been carefully reimagined by Office Ten Architecture to support modern living through thoughtful design choices and low-impact materials. The completed refurbishment project Musicians’ House, embraces the potential of what already exists, turning a compact structure into a light-filled, flexible space for both family life and musical creativity. At the center of this transformation is Breathaplasta Universal by Adaptavate, a natural lime-based plaster applied throughout the home to support healthy indoor air quality and long-term comfort.

Driven by a mindset of enhancing existing spaces rather than building new, the design team approached the Musicians’ House with a clear question: Why build more when you can enhance what already exists? The clients needed a home that could accommodate their family lifestyle while integrating space for rehearsals and lessons.

Key to achieving this balance was reconfiguring the layout. Removing redundant corridors and opening up the plan created rooms that feel more generous and adaptable. The spatial changes support a multifunctional lifestyle where areas flow together intuitively.

Light and openness became central design themes. Upon entering the home, a visitor’s line of sight now extends uninterrupted to the lush back garden, thanks to a large new window that invites daylight deep into the space. A once dark, enclosed corridor has been opened up into a unified kitchen and dining area, making way for a more natural flow and furniture arrangement.

The original chimney stack, previously a visual and physical obstruction, was removed to unlock further spatial potential. This allowed the front room to connect with the kitchen via a large sliding door creating a versatile environment that serves both private music sessions and family gatherings.

Upstairs, the layout was reconfigured following the chimney removal. Larger bedrooms, a reimagined bathroom, and a new utility area increased both comfort and practicality. A bold vertical intervention, a ceiling opened above the stairwell draws the eye up to a new rooflight, positioned eight meters overhead flooding the space with daylight.

To finish the interior, the design team selected Breathaplasta Universal, a natural lime-based plaster by Adaptavate. This decision was not purely aesthetic. The plaster is a natural dehumidifier, regulating excess moisture in the air, while its moisture vapour permeability prevents condensation and moisture build-up.

As a material, Breathaplasta Universal contributes to indoor air quality by inhibiting mould and bacterial growth while absorbing airborne pollutants. This makes it particularly well suited for homes prioritizing occupant health and long-term wellbeing. The natural finish also eliminated the need for painting, offering a clean, tactile aesthetic aligned with the project’s low-carbon ethos.

Core Features:

• Bio-based plaster made with lime and hemp
• Designed for rapid build-up on a variety of backgrounds
• Suitable for renovation, retrofit, and new builds
• No Portland cement, gypsum, or synthetics
• Creates a healthy, breathable indoor environment

Performance Specifications:

• Product Standard: BS EN 998–1
• Reaction to Fire: Euroclass A1
• Vapour Permeability: 5μ (tabulated)
• Thermal Conductivity: 0.27 W/mK (tabulated)
• Setting Time per Coat: 45–60 minutes
• Coverage: 5 m² at 4 mm thickness (per 18 kg bag)

Benefits:

• Acts as a natural dehumidifier, regulating excess moisture
• Reduces condensation, helping prevent damp and mould
• Vapour open, preventing moisture build-up
• Offers a smooth or textured finish without the need for painting
• Improves indoor air quality and supports occupant wellbeing

Know more about the Breathaplasta Universal by checking the product here.

Beyond materials, the home integrates systems that support a forward-thinking, low-carbon lifestyle. The property has been completely disconnected from the gas grid and is now powered by an air-source heat pump combined with underfloor heating. This shift away from fossil fuels reinforces the project’s commitment to energy efficiency and future-ready living.

Every design decision in the Musicians’ House was made with long-term comfort in mind. Breathaplasta Universal plays a crucial role in creating a healthier indoor environment, its lime formulation helps moderate the internal climate naturally, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and improving air quality. The material’s ability to support wellbeing is not just technical but experiential, providing occupants with a tactile, calming interior that feels welcoming from day one.

Musicians’ House stands as an example of how thoughtful, low-impact refurbishment can deliver a dramatic change in how a home feels and functions. By working with the existing structure, applying natural and breathable materials like Breathaplasta Universal, and integrating flexible spatial solutions, the home now supports both family life and creative work in equal measure.

The choice to use Breathaplasta Universal in the Musicians’ House reflects more than just a design preference, it highlights the value of transparent, high-performance materials that align with evolving design standards. Available on 2050 Materials platform, Breathaplasta Universal offers verified material data, enabling designers to make informed, low-impact choices without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

For projects like this one, where health, comfort, and reduced environmental impact are central, having access to credible, comparable product information is essential. 2050 Materials supports this need by showcasing innovative solutions like Adaptavate’s lime-based plaster, helping to bridge the gap between product research and real-world application.

Explore the full range of products by Adaptavate on the 2050 Materials Platform.