External wall insulation is often associated with clean, uniform rendered façades, but this project by Holyhammer Ltd shows just how creative an EWI system can be.

Led by Daniel Basson, the residential project combined an EWI Pro EPS external wall insulation system with a specialist timber-effect Silicone Render finish, recreating the appearance of traditional timber beams without using real wood.

The idea first developed during EWI Pro training, where the Holyhammer team saw a sample of the wood-effect render technique. They then adapted the concept for their first EWI Pro project, combining EPS profiling, fine Silicone Render, a wood-effect mat and Lazure Paint to create the finished design. 

Creating a Traditional Timber Look Without Real Timber

The aim was to give the property the warmth and character associated with traditional timber framing while retaining an EPS-based external wall insulation and render system.

Rather than introducing real timber to the façade, 30mm EPS profiles were used to create the raised vertical, horizontal and diagonal beam details.

These profiles were then coated with 0.5mm EWI-075 Silicone Render. While the render remained workable, a silicone wood-effect mat was pressed into the surface to create the grain texture. Lazure Paint was applied afterwards to introduce colour, depth and the final timber-style appearance. 

The result demonstrates how familiar EWI materials can be used in a much more design-led way when the system build-up and decorative technique are carefully considered.

The External Wall Insulation System

The decorative beams formed only one part of the project.

The main façade itself was upgraded using 90mm EPS insulation over the existing solid brick wall, creating the primary external wall insulation build-up. 

The main system incorporated:

• 90mm EPS insulation
• starter track
• mechanical fixings
• EWI-225 Premium Basecoat
• fibreglass mesh
• EWI-333 Topcoat Primer
• EWI-075 Silicone Render in a 1.5mm finish.

The reinforced layer was formed using EWI-225 Premium Basecoat and fibreglass mesh before the final primer and Silicone Render were applied. 

Alongside this main build-up, the 30mm EPS profiles created the raised decorative sections, which were finished separately using the finer 0.5mm EWI-075 Silicone Render, wood-effect mat and Lazure Paint. 

This effectively created two connected EPS-based build-ups: one providing the main insulated rendered façade and another creating the decorative timber-effect detailing.

Why Was 0.5mm Silicone Render Used for the Timber Effect?

The decorative beam sections required a much finer surface than the main façade.

While 1.5mm EWI-075 Silicone Render was used across the main rendered areas, the beam profiles were finished in 0.5mm EWI-075 to provide a suitable surface for printing the timber grain. 

The wood-effect mat was applied while the render was still workable, meaning timing and consistency were important to achieving the final texture.

The technique relied on careful timing, consistent pressure and attention to detail before the Lazure Paint was applied to complete the effect. 

From EWI Pro Training to a Live Project

One of the most interesting parts of the project is where the idea began.

Holyhammer Ltd attended EWI Pro training ahead of the project and were introduced to the wood-effect Silicone Render technique there. Seeing the sample helped shape the direction of the finished façade and provided an alternative way of creating the desired traditional appearance. 

This was also Holyhammer Ltd’s first EWI Pro project, so our Technical Team continued to provide support as the installation progressed.

Site visits took place during the boarding, basecoat and topcoat stages, helping to review the build-up and provide practical guidance. Additional support was then provided during the wood-effect printing stage to help achieve the required texture and finish. 

It is a strong example of how training can move beyond the training wall and influence the way materials are used on an actual project.

Using EPS as a Decorative Element

EPS normally performs a functional role within an external wall insulation system, but this project also demonstrates its potential as a design material.

The 30mm profiles were positioned across the façade to create the depth and pattern traditionally associated with exposed timber framing. 

Once rendered, textured and painted, the profiles became a defining architectural feature rather than simply another component of the EWI build-up.

This allowed the appearance of traditional timber detailing to be created using:

EPS profile → 0.5mm Silicone Render → wood-effect mat → Lazure Paint

The finished beams could then sit alongside the main 1.5mm Silicone Render façade as part of one coordinated design.

What Did the Project Achieve?

The completed property demonstrates how an EPS external wall insulation system can be combined with specialist decorative techniques to achieve a much more distinctive façade.

The main elevation was upgraded with 90mm EPS and EWI-075 Silicone Render, while the additional EPS profiles provided the depth required to recreate traditional beam detailing. 

Most importantly, the timber appearance was achieved without the use of real timber. Instead, EPS, Silicone Render, a printed texture and Lazure Paint worked together to produce the final effect. 

The project brought together:

• the thermal upgrade provided by the EPS EWI system
• a durable Silicone Render façade
• creative use of EPS profiling
• specialist decorative render application
• training-led inspiration
• ongoing specification and technical support.

It shows that a standard rendered EWI façade does not necessarily have to result in a standard appearance.

More Than a Standard Rendered Façade

For Holyhammer Ltd, the project started with a technique seen during EWI Pro training and developed into a full-scale feature across a residential façade.

By combining 90mm EPS insulation with 30mm decorative EPS profiles, EWI-075 Silicone Render and Lazure Paint, the project created the character of traditional timber framing through a modern rendered system. 

It also demonstrates the value of considering the design possibilities of a system alongside its practical performance.

Our team supported Holyhammer Ltd from the initial training and specification stage through to key parts of the installation, helping the installer turn the original idea into the completed façade. 

If you are working on an EWI or render project and want to explore a more distinctive finish, speak to our Technical Team about system specification, training and decorative options available through EWI Pro.