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Preparation for tall buildings can begin years before construction starts. Here are the stages of a construction project.

1. Planning and Feasibility Study — purpose, specifications, cost estimates, environmental impact.
2. Site Clearing — building site offices, worker housing, storage, security fencing.
3. Site Surveying — establishing reference lines/points matching the blueprint.
4. Excavation — minimum 1 meter depth, retaining walls needed if adjacent to existing buildings.
5. Soil Compaction and Foundation Work — coarse stone layer, PCC and column framework.
6. Applying Cement to the Foundation — even, staged pouring, sometimes with an asphalt coating.
7. Marking Boundaries Between Building Sections — for gardens, parking, etc.
8. Continuing Construction Upward — staying on schedule for efficiency and foundation integrity.

Construction stages require strong communication between owner, architect, and contractor.

Home walls get dirty and damaged easily without maintenance. Here’s how to take care of them.

1. Clean Regularly — use a damp cloth, soft brush, or vacuum cleaner.
2. Watch the Humidity — paint can fade/peel and mold can grow if humid. Find the source of any seepage.
3. Pay Attention to Kitchen and Bathroom Walls — install exhaust fans for airflow.
4. Protect Exterior Walls — use quality materials and a waterproofing layer. We recommend RK-340 for masonry and plastering.
5. Painting the Walls — consider paint composition (silicone, waterproof, latex) suited to the room.

Before doing any repairs, understand the type of crack in your wall and its cause.

Types of Wall Cracks

• Tension Cracks — from uneven ground settlement.
• Compression Cracks — from excessive load, common in multi-story buildings, vertical shape.
• Shrinkage Cracks — at junctions of two different materials, doesn’t affect structure, easy to repair.

Causes of Wall Cracks

1. Building Location — shifting/marshy ground carries higher risk.
2. Excessive Building Load — exceeding foundation capacity.
3. Wall Material Quality — red brick, AAC block, or concrete block.
4. The Plastering and Skim-Coating Process — if rushed, results are thin and crack easily.
5. Building Material Mixture — RK-340 instant cement helps deliver consistent, quality results.

What Is Wall Plastering?

A finishing stage that coats the wall after brickwork is complete, making it neat and easy to paint.

Functions of Wall Plastering

Protects from sunlight and water splashes, prevents cracks/seepage, strengthens the wall, and even dampens noise.

Wall Plaster Materials

Cement and sand in the right ratio; today most use a specialized plastering mortar.

Plastering Technique

• Make sure the brick wall is complete and correctly positioned; water/electrical installations are in place.
• Clean the wall surface of dust.
• Wet the wall until damp.
• Mark the thickness guide with string and nails.
• Mix plaster mortar and water per packaging instructions.
• Apply a test patch first, let it dry before full application.
• Apply plaster by pressing/throwing the mix, leveling any low spots.
• Don’t rush — work with precision and patience.

Tips for Plaster Application

• Avoid direct sunlight on the wall.
• Smooth with a straightedge (jidar) once spread evenly.
• Water the surface for 7 days for gradual shrinkage and to prevent cracking.
• Once dry, move on to skim coating.

AAC Block is an alternative to red brick/concrete block: lighter, heat-resistant, standardized factory sizing.

Sizes (L x W x T)

• 60 x 20 x 7.5 cm / 60 x 20 x 10 cm / 60 x 20 x 12.5 cm / 60 x 20 x 15 cm / 60 x 20 x 20 cm — most common thicknesses: 7.5 cm and 10 cm.

Calculating AAC Block Requirements (1 m³)

Example 60x20x7.5 cm: 0.6 x 0.2 x 0.075 = 0.009; 1 : 0.009 ≈ 111 pcs per m³. If the price per m³ is Rp 500,000, price per block = Rp 4,505.

Calculating Wall Area

Example wall area of 21 m²: 21 : (0.2 x 0.6) = 175 AAC blocks needed.

1. Use Earth Tones or Neutral Colors — black, wood brown, white, olive, brick red complement the gray.
2. Pay Attention to the Room’s Light Source — large windows, floor lamps, spotlights to highlight texture.
3. Pair With Brighter Colors — on items or decor so the room isn’t dull.
4. Aim for High Ceilings — or add glass/mirrors for a sense of spaciousness.
5. Combine With an Industrial Style — wood, iron, upcycled items, rustic feel.