Natural finishes for an evolving world

Learn about the history and
people behind Beyond Plasters.

About

Meet Sebastian

Sebastian Renel’s path to Cottage Country and Natural Plasters Master Craftsmanship is as unique as the amazing design effects he has demonstrated throughout his career.

Born in Alba-Iulia, Romania, Sebastian relocated to Montreal in 1990 where he later pursued studies in Science and Fine Arts at Dawson College. As an extremely creative soul, travel was his passion. His journey towards achieving the status of Master Craftsman took him to Japan with the love of his life Yuki. His strong connection to Japan remains a guiding influence as the Japanese have refined the art of Natural Plasters for hundreds of years.

In 2007 Sebastian became certified in Sustainable Building Design and Construction at Haliburton’s Fleming College, a groundbreaking program that has since revolutionized the landscape of building methods in Canada and around the world. For the past 12 years, Sebastian, Yuki and their two beautiful children live, work and play in the Haliburton Highlands.

Beyond Plasters is committed to working throughout Cottage Country to bring amazing designs, through over-the-top service and flexibility. In partnership with their customers, Beyond Plasters contribute to saving our environment one project at a time.

A few of our partners

Beyond Plasters begins each project with client consultation and collaboration. Why? Unlike vinyl siding or drywall, plaster is a definite blend of structure and art. Early in the design phase, your vision is explored from many angles. Texture, colouration, feel and much more is worked into the creative process. Beyond Plasters will always endeavor to bring your vision to life. When bringing creative vision and building structure together Beyond Plasters leverages a network of associates to ensure every detail is planned and verified before the work begins. Our professional associates include:

Deirdre McGahern of Straworks, experts in straw bale building.
Mike Henry: A truly accomplished craftsman and the author of “Natural Plasters”.
Kyle Holtzhueter: A builder, researcher and educator specializing in natural building materials and sustainable systems. He is a graduate of the Kyoto Plastering Institute and the first westerner in Japan to pass the level one Japanese National Plastering Exam. In 2017 Kyle founded Permaculture Center Kamimomi, a Permaculture demonstration and education site in Okayama, Japan.
Chris Magwood: An author, teacher, researcher and founder of the Endeavour Centre in Peterborough, Chris is a leading figure in Sustainable Building in Canada.

Deirdre McGahern of Straworks, experts in straw bale building.
Mike Henry: A truly accomplished craftsman and the author of “Natural Plasters”.
Kyle Holtzhueter: A builder, researcher and educator specializing in natural building materials and sustainable systems. He is a graduate of the Kyoto Plastering Institute and the first westerner in Japan to pass the level one Japanese National Plastering Exam. In 2017 Kyle founded Permaculture Center Kamimomi, a Permaculture demonstration and education site in Okayama, Japan.
Chris Magwood: An author, teacher, researcher and founder of the Endeavour Centre in Peterborough, Chris is a leading figure in Sustainable Building in Canada.

Beyond Materials

The selection of natural materials together with the exact mixtures is a critical element in achieving the perfect recipe for the plaster. Beyond Plasters prides itself in expertly combining the right natural materials with the right mixtures to produce the desired appearance and structure.

Customers have drawn parallels between the process of material selection and mixtures to culinary arts. The materials used to create your finished product range from lime and clay, to masonry and silica sand, marble dust, and fibres such as straw, hemp and cattail fluff. Linseed oil can often be an additive as well as rice flour paste and pigments. Beyond Plasters brings skill and knowledge, and careful consideration of the essence of each ingredient in order to bring harmony to the spaces they define. Being in such a space enables connection to the earth and its healing energy.

Tools of the Trade

Beyond Plasters has naturally evolved alongside Rising Sun Gardens, a small, but well respected business in our community, founded and run by Yuki Renel. Yuki is a master of methods and techniques required in order to produce the best kind of fresh produce in the county. Yuki uses specialized Japanese gardening tools, and runs an import service through Rising Sun Gardens for plastering, carpentry and gardening tools.

Complementary natural
building techniques

Having worked in the timber framing industry for more than 8 years, Sebastian appreciates attention to detail and the true value of a well built home. Timber framing is enhanced when adorned with beautifully laid out plasters, and Sebastian’s background and skills make him the ideal craftsperson for the job.

Why choose Beyond Plasters?