When was stucco first used

They frequently used stucco both in art and architecture. Stucco was used to create statues and sculptures, as well as provide exterior protection on buildings. This multi-faceted material was sought after because it was affordable and versatile.

Fast forward to the s in the United States, when stucco was chosen as a building material, especially for influential political and religious structures.

Traditionally in our country, stucco is most often used in residential construction or smaller commercial buildings. However, the look and make-up of stucco has changed over time. Since its inception, the word stucco has been used to describe a material applied in layers directly on to a building surface or on wire mesh. Once formed with a mixture of lime, sand, water, the stucco industry was revolutionized with the advent of portland cement. After this product became readily available, stucco became popular once again.

In fact, stucco trends include many different regional influences, such as Spanish, Mediterranean, or Tudor. Stucco got a bad rap during the post-World War II building boom.

In the West and Southwest, where brick and stone were too scarce and too pricey to use as building materials, stucco became the siding of choice. Hundreds of thousands of affordable homes were slathered with the stuff. Shot from a pressurized spray gun in a limited range of timid colors, mass-produced stucco had a cheap and, some felt, tacky look.

During the building boom of the last 15 years, however, architects and designers have taken a new look at the ancient siding material. By playing with depth and texture, form and color, they have rescued stucco from its cookie-cutter oblivion and turned it back into a building material with heart and soul.

So what is stucco? Until the late s it was primarily a lime-based coating used mostly on homes and small commercial buildings, according to historians with the National Park Service. The popularization of Portland cement at the turn of the century revolutionized stucco, making it stronger and easier to use. The increased versatility was a turning point. Not only did stucco become a popular choice of siding material, but it also gave American architects a new design direction.

Paskind, AIA. Did you know that stucco, also known as exterior plaster, has been used for many centuries? Historians suggest that the material has been used by multiple civilizations including the Babylonians, Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans, spanning over thousands of years. Although evolved and changing, the use of stucco today is still growing in popularity despite various problems. The following is a short comparison of historic and new practices. Its original composition and performance appears superior compared to its modern-day counterpart.

Why did the historic stucco used in buildings last so long and perform so well? Topics: Engineering , Construction , Architecture. The materials and information contained on this website have been prepared by CCA, LLC solely for general informational purposes and do not constitute advice.

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