Lately At Alt: Company News from Q3 2026
A New Finish, Interstate Expansion & Project Features
Plenty has happened behind the scenes at Alternative Surfaces in the past three months. From expanding the X-Bond finish range to growing our network of affiliated applicators beyond Victoria and seeing some special projects recognised in Australian design publications; we’ve got a few updates worth sharing.
Introducing X-Bond Rammed Earth
Our biggest recent development is the launch of X-Bond Rammed Earth, a new way to achieve the layered, organic character of traditional rammed earth without the construction process that typically comes with it.
Using our proven X-Bond Microcement system, the finish is hand-trowelled at approximately 5mm thick over an existing substrate, eliminating the need for formwork, demolition or lengthy construction lead times. It can be applied over a range of wall substrates including plaster, sheeting, brick and concrete, as well as selected joinery substrates.
Just like genuine rammed earth, variation is an important part of the finished result. Each application is completed by hand, creating subtle differences in tone, texture and layering from one wall to another. Rather than trying to replicate a perfectly uniform manufactured finish, X-Bond Rammed Earth embraces the organic imperfection that gives traditional rammed earth its character.
The finish is available in a curated palette of natural earth tones — explore the range now.
Alternative Surfaces Is Expanding Interstate
While Alternative Surfaces has always been based in Melbourne, demand for X-Bond projects continues to extend well beyond Victoria.
We’re excited to now have affiliated applicators servicing Sydney and Queensland, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. You can get in contact with these applicators through our sales team.
Expanding our network means more homeowners, architects, designers and builders can access experienced X-Bond applicators, while maintaining the level of product knowledge and application expertise that's so important when working with specialist finishes.
If you have an upcoming X-Bond project in one of these regions, get in touch with our team to discuss your project and find an applicator in your area.
Our Sorrento Project Featured in Grand Designs Australia Magazine
It’s always rewarding to see a completed project recognised in the press, and our Sorrento project was recently featured in Issue 14.6 of Grand Designs Australia Magazine.
The extensive renovation and extension retained the home's original heritage façade while introducing an entirely new contemporary environment beyond it.
X-Bond played a huge role in creating the material connection between old and new, applied by our team to floors, walls, ceilings and joinery across internal and exterior applications.
Seeing the finished project captured in the pages of Grand Designs Australia is a particularly special moment for our team after being part of its transformation.
Eaglemont Featured by The Local Project
Our Eaglemont project has also been featured by The Local Project, joining an inspiring collection of Australian architecture and design.
The project is another example of how surface selection can become an integral part of the architecture rather than simply the finishing touch. Through the distinctive finish of X-Bond Natural Concrete, interior and exterior wall surfaces contribute to the overall material language of the home — one inspired by the shape and texture of natural rock formations.
Recognition from The Local Project is always exciting, particularly given its focus on considered architecture, interiors and design across Australia and beyond.
What's Next for Alternative Surfaces?
From new ways of working with X-Bond to taking our application network into new parts of Australia, these updates represent our comittment to constantly evolving what’s possible through the art of surfacing.
At the same time, the foundations of what we do remain unchanged: hand-applied surfaces, considered materiality, and finishes designed to transform the spaces they're applied to.
With Rammed Earth joining the X-Bond collection, affiliated applicators now servicing more of Australia's east coast, and some incredible projects receiving national recognition, we're looking forward to seeing where X-Bond appears next.