Magma Microcement Floor Remediation & Installation

Installation Date: August 2025
Product: Magma Microcement
Location: Thorney Bay Pavilion
Total Area: Approx. 45m²
Main Contractor: TJ Evers
Architects: Ingleton Wood

Project Overview
This project formed part of a new-build development at Thorney Bay Pavilion on Canvey Island, a prominent seafront location overlooking Thorney Bay Beach. The pavilion has since been handed over and opened as a new coffee shop, adding to the growing leisure offering along the Canvey Island coastline.

We were appointed to resolve issues with an existing microcement floor installation that did not achieve the intended aesthetic or quality expected for the space. The client and design team were seeking a refined, characterful floor finish that better reflected the look and feel of traditional polished concrete.

Existing Condition & Initial Challenges
Unfortunately, the previously installed microcement floor fell short of expectations, both visually and in terms of finish quality. The surface lacked the tonal variation and texture typically associated with a polished concrete-style floor, detracting from the overall interior design of the pavilion.

To address this properly, it was agreed that the most reliable solution was to remove the existing microcement entirely, rather than attempting surface-level corrections.

The floor was mechanically removed back to the screed at a depth of approximately 2–3mm, using vacuum-assisted diamond grinding equipment to ensure controlled removal, minimal dust, and a clean working environment.

Substrate Preparation & Remedial Works
Once the existing finish had been fully removed, the underlying screed was prepared and inspected. All noted cracks were carefully repaired to stabilise the substrate and prevent future movement transferring through to the finished surface.

At the same time, the matwell trims were reset to the correct finished floor heights, ensuring a clean, flush transition once the new microcement system was installed. These preparatory stages were critical in setting the foundation for a high-quality final result.

System Build-Up & Installation
With the substrate fully prepared and corrected, the new Magma Microcement system was applied to the floor areas. The installation was carried out methodically to introduce depth, tonal variation, and texture, closely mimicking the appearance of a traditional power-floated polished concrete finish.

Careful control of application techniques allowed the floor to develop natural movement and character, giving the space a more architectural and authentic appearance while retaining the practical benefits of a seamless microcement system.

Result & Finished Outcome
Following completion, the finished floors were reviewed by both the site team and the architects, who were extremely impressed with the transformation. The new Magma Microcement finish delivered the desired aesthetic, with significantly improved depth, texture, and overall visual quality.

The pavilion has now been successfully handed over and opened to the public as a coffee shop, providing a welcoming new destination for visitors to Thorney Bay and the wider Canvey Island seafront.

Conclusion
This project demonstrates the importance of correct preparation and system selection when aiming to achieve a true polished concrete-style finish using microcement.

By removing the failed installation and rebuilding the floor properly from the screed upwards, we were able to deliver a high-quality Magma Microcement floor that meets both the architectural intent and practical demands of a busy coastal hospitality environment.