Garmin, Southampton - Microcement

This project involved the application of a bespoke Microcement wall finish for the Garmin retail unit at Westquay Shopping Centre, Southampton. As an experienced Microcement company working within commercial retail environments, we were approached by our long-standing client to to deliver a durable, contemporary interior finish which aligned with Garmin's technical brand aesthetic, whilst performing in a high-footfall shopping centre. 

The Microcement was applied to the atrium walls across the ground floor and first floor, creating a seamless architectural feature visually connecting both levels. In total, approximately 48m2 of Microcement was installed using a fast-wall system. 

• System: Fast-wall Microcement system
• Finish: Coarse
• Colour: RAL 7011
• Application Area: Approx. 48m2 to ground floor and first floor atrium walls
• Application Method: Microcement applied heavy, stippled with trowel, and dragged to create depth and movement

Originally, the specification proposed our Granito polished plaster finish with a metallic colourwash. During the design development phase, the specification was revised in favour of a Microcement finish to achieve a more contemporary, robust and tactile surface. 

Garmin is a globally recognised brand known for precision engineering, innovation and performance-led GPS navigation and wearable technology within the automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor and fitness markets. The interior finishes for the Westquay store required a material solution that reflected these values while withstanding the demands of a busy retail environment. The selected Microcement finish was designed to provide a robust yet refined backdrop to support Garmin's product displays without distraction. 

Microcement is a seamless decorative coating widely specified by architects and designers for commercial and residential projects. It provides the appearance of concrete with far greater flexibility, reduced thickness and minimal disruption during installation. 

As a versatile system, Microcement is suitable for walls, floors, staircases and architectural features, making it ideal for retail environments where durability, aesthetics and speed of installation are crucial. 

Microcement can be colour matched to an extensive rnage of systems including RAL, NCS, Dulux and bespoke brand colours, allowing complete creative control for designers and brand teams. In addition, Microcement finishes can be tailored through:

• Texture: smooth, fine, coarse or heavily textured applications
• Sheen: matt, satin or polished finishes
• Application techniques: trowelled, floated, stippled or dragged effects

The completed atrium walls provide a bold, refined architectural feature within the Garmin Westquay store. The Microcement finish delivers durability, visual depth and brand alignment, transforming the circulation space into a cohesive extension of the overall retail design.