Home Decor

Home Trends: The versatility of Gypsum

Gypsum has been in use far longer than we can imagine – think ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians who used gypsum mortar to fill gaps between stones when constructing the pyramids. Ever since, gypsum has been used extensively as a construction material, and became all the more popular thanks to its ability to create a comfortable and aesthetic ambience, and to deliver an effortlessly smooth, white surface free of scars and cracks.

Also referred to as wallboard or plasterboard, gypsum board is widely used to construct strong, high-quality walls and ceilings that are stable and durable, and that can easily be decorated or refinished. Loraine D’Ambrogio of D Gypsum and Lights says one of the best features of gypsum is its versatility, as it can be used to construct almost anything in any room.

“It offers significant advantages over other building materials as it can be combined with insulation and soundproofing material. It can be used on both straight and curved walls, can be bent, exposed to fire and water, and can be used for external purposes too,” says Loraine. “Gypsum can be used to create ceilings, partitions, units, features and anything one can imagine, as it is custom-made to suit every client’s needs. Today, different types of boards exist for each and every requirement, and as a result, it is clearly the construction material of choice for both residential and commercial demands.”

When considering gypsum for the home or any other project, Loraine says that the placement of gypsum should be planned in conjunction with the lighting in the space. “Gypsum is enhanced by light, and light spreads more evenly across a gypsum ceiling. Gypsum fittings, or ‘trimless’ as they are known, are downlights consisting solely of gypsum, therefore the bond between the luminaire and ceiling is seamless and clean. This allows for an invisible interface between the fitting and ceiling surface so the end result looks as though the shapes have been cast into the ceiling rather than added to the ceiling. These downlights have been designed to accommodate the new generation of LEDs and come in different shapes and sizes. They can be used as a primary light, secondary light or even as effect lighting.”

While some materials are best reserved for some parts of the home and better avoided for others –parquet in the bathroom is generally avoided, for instance, due to moisture and humidity – gypsum can be used almost anywhere, although the type does vary depending on the use. “Gypsum can be used in all parts of the home including the exterior,” says Loraine, “but of course there are different gypsum boards for different room requirements. For example, it is strongly recommended to use hydro boards in a bathroom, as this room exposes the boards to water and humidity. On the other hand, fire resistant boards for a gypsum unit intended to house a fireplace are the most appropriate, due to the level of heat they will be exposed to.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Gypsum is completely odourless and commonly found in nature. It also possesses the mechanism to regulate indoor climate and humidity.