Accumen Shapes

The EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Substrate used in Accumen Shapes products meets incredibly strict quality control requirements and is kiln-dried before the application of KickIt® plaster.

MOISTURE RESISTANCE

EPS is a closed-cell material and does not readily absorb water.

LIGHTWEIGHT

EPS is an extremely light weight material and has many advantages over other materials. The lightweight characteristic is a major advantage in providing design economies. Additionally, when shaped to provide intricate architectural features, it allows architects the freedom to create historical, innovative and economic enhancements to buildings while still complying with building and earthquake codes.

EPS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The excellent properties of Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) are further endorsed through its environmentally friendly characteristics. It contains no CFC’s or HCFC’s, it is inert and safe for contact with food products, and requires much less energy to produce than many other building materials. Accumen Shapes Ltd is an environmentally conscious company and virtually all of our waste EPS is recycled for a multitude of uses.

Accumen Shapes manufacture using three methods depending on requirements:

► DecraShape®

• Decorative kiln dried S grade EPS shape coated in KickIt® plaster with fibreglass reinforcing
• Accumen’s usual standard method for decorative details on buildings

► fourPLUS®

• decorative kiln dried S grade EPS shape with a minimum of four mm thick KickIt® plaster coating with layers of fibreglass reinforcing
• has a considerably higher MPa (resistance to compression)
• excellent for areas requiring a safeguard from impact
• suitable for historic buildings especially where weight on the wall can be an issue

► ShapeCrete®

• decorative lightweight concrete shape with mesh and, on larger shapes, reinforced rods
• can be made up to 2.700m lengths (depending on size and shape)
• a solid lightweight concrete product that can be used on historic buildings and areas requiring safeguard from impact
• NB. fourPLUS® is also very suitable for historic buildings especially where weight on the wall can be an issue

► FREEDOM

Accumen Shapes are able to duplicate existing architectural details or produce custom designs. By having state of the art technology to achieve this, Accumen provides architects and designers with the ability to create building styles that match their vision.

► COST EFFECTIVENESS

No longer is there the need to have expensive on-site tradesmen hand-making architectural mouldings on site. Accumen® lightweight, robust, pre-plastered products are delivered to site ready to be installed by qualified tradespersons, using recommended adhesives in conjunction with stainless steel fixings.

► LIGHTWEIGHT and ROBUST

Accumen® lightweight decorative details are EPS coated in KickIt® plaster. Accumen’s long history has proven this to be an exceptional product and it is used on many projects throughout New Zealand and overseas, especially where weight can be an issue, thus making it an ideal solution for earthquake-prone regions.

► TIME SAVING

Once Accumen Shapes have the drawing and dimensions of the shape required, the turnaround time ready for site installation is considerably faster than hand manufacturing on site:

Ex Stock: same day

Custom Design (two dimensional):

• Small Detail – 7 working days
• Medium Detail – 9 working days
• Large Detail – 12 working days

Note: These time windows do not include transport time. ShapeCrete® (lightweight concrete) will take longer due to drying time. Three dimensional shapes will need to be discussed on a case by case basis.

At what stage of the building process do you attach the mouldings?

Once the outside cladding is up and the wall areas have been made weather tight.

What additional information do I need to know when purchasing pre-plastered columns and details?

A tradesperson will be required to install, plaster or mesh and plaster any joins, and patch up any holes that may have occurred when using mechanical fixings to help hold the columns and details in place, in conjunction with adhesive plaster.

Who installs the mouldings to the building?

We are able to provide you with details of plastering companies who are proficient in installing decorative products manufactured by Accumen Shapes Ltd. For overseas customers we will provide installation details on a project by project basis.

Can Accumen Shapes supply any length?

Yes we can, but the most economical way to purchase mouldings is in 2.700 metre lengths. Due to the size of window or door openings often being a lesser length, it is often practical to order up the lengths in sizes to suit the opening (to cut down on joints).

What plaster finishes does Accumen Shapes provide?

We provide the following plaster finishes:

• Spray sponge finish
• Trowel sponge finish (most common)
• Trowel smooth finish
• Trowel very smooth finish (ideal for internal use)
• Other finishes by special request

Our stock range and most of our mouldings are made with a trowel sponge finish which blends in well with most exterior surfaces. However, we are able to provide other types of finishes on our mouldings when required.

Does Accumen Shapes export overseas?

Yes, we export product to a number of overseas destinations.

Does Accumen Shapes supply sills with return mitres?

Yes, if you supply us with the overall length of the sills including adding on the return mitre either side of the opening. If there is an architrave either side, remember to include this measurement in the overall length. We will then supply the sills made to length with the return mitres on each end ready for installation.

What wall material can the mouldings be fixed to?

Accumen Shapes decorative mouldings and details can be fixed to most types of wall material including solid plaster, brickwork, concrete, concrete block, AAC panel, cement board, plywood, wood and most other known wall material.

Do decorative mouldings require expansion joints?

Expansion joints should be discussed per project. Decorative mouldings that go around a building are not safety belts. All buildings move. Extra expansion joints are recommended and should be considered.

Is there a Pre-Install Checklist available for the installer of decorative details?

Yes, please click here to download the Pre-Install Checklist pdf.

What is required when installing decorative mouldings and details?

We strongly recommend that informed and competent tradespersons install the decorative mouldings and details. This may include but is not limited to the following:

• using a recommended adhesive (eg TidyUp® adhesive plaster supplied by Accumen Shapes Limited)
• use of stainless steel mechanical fixings
• meshing and plastering joins
• using expansion joints
• sealing the decorative mouldings and details to the building
• making the fixed decorative mouldings and details weather tight

What if eave is not square to the wall when installing cornice?

Simply ask us to remove an angled section of the cornice that is going into the corner. This will give you the ability to roll the cornice as you install it to help alleviate possible gaps on the wall or eave.

What is the LRV (Light Reflectance Value) requirement for paint colour applied to decorative mouldings?

LRV is a measurement that tells you how much light a colour reflects, and conversely how much it absorbs. LRV runs on a scale from 0% to 100%. Zero being absolute black and 100% being a perfectly reflective white. Dark colours with low LRV tend to reflect little light while absorbing lots of heat energy, whereas light colours with high LRV reflect a lot of light and absorb less heat energy.

The LRV of the paint colour that is to be applied over decorative details, must be as per the specification of the plaster system or cladding company.

Do decorative shapes need to be painted?

Once mouldings are installed correctly, and the adhesive, touch-ups, and joins have been made good and dried, they must be either painted or recoated in a specifically designed plaster as soon as possible.

If painted, Accumen Shapes Ltd recommend two coats of flexible sealer and two coats of flexible paint be used.  Also, the same preparation and application of any paint going on to the moulding, should be the same instructions that a paint company would give for applying any sealer and paint on to a raw concrete or plastered wall.

The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of the paint colour must be as per the specification of the plaster system or cladding company.

What maintenance is required?

Any accumulation of dirt or similar that may occur should be regularly removed from the external surface by cleaning with warm water and detergent and a soft broom. Solvent-based cleaners should not be used.

Like any standard cladding system, the moulding should be checked annually for damage and possible water entry. Any damage which may have occurred must be repaired using professional trade practice. Any paint film damage must be repaired as soon as possible.

It will be necessary to repaint the building in accordance with the paint manufacturer's instructions at certain intervals. The paint manufacturing company should be contacted to confirm the life expectancy of the paint system.

Click here to download the Maintenance Guide pdf.

How long does it take Accumen Shapes to manufacture the mouldings from when the order is confirmed:

Ex Stock:Within 48 hours 

Custom Detail: Please inquire as it depends on complexity of the details and whether manufactured in DecraShape®, fourPLUS® or ShapeCrete®  

Please Note: Does not include transport time

Information you should consider

Decorative mouldings may be water repellent in themselves, but due to the diverse situations they may be used in, they are not to be used as a weather tight material. Architects and competent tradespersons must follow professional trade specifications for the application of a weather tight membrane on the building before fixing Accumen Shapes Ltd decorative products. We strongly recommend that informed and competent tradespersons fix the mouldings and shapes.

Installation methods should be clearly understood BEFORE installing decorative products manufactured by Accumen Shapes Ltd.

Construction using Accumen Shapes Ltd products must be in accordance with good building practice, in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code and all statutory and relevant New Zealand standards.

The information contained in this website is true and accurate to the best of Accumen Shapes Ltd's knowledge. However, the performance data quoted herein is subject to variation dependent upon the quality of workmanship, the base material and atmospheric conditions, which may be entirely beyond the Company's control before and after installation. Any Accumen Shapes Ltd warranty is therefore limited to the quality of goods supplied ex factory.

Accumen is a trusted name in New Zealand’s construction and building materials landscape, with a market presence spanning over 30 years. We have earned a reputation for reliability, innovation, and a “can-do” approach that consistently delivers value across residential, commercial, and specialist construction sectors. We are commented to local manufacturing, exclusive distribution, and technical specification, offering products and services that are both industry-proven and forward-thinking. Our adaptability and responsiveness — from product development to compliance support — set us apart as more than just a supplier: we’re a solutions partner.

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Our enduring partnerships with leading national construction and materials companies reflect our long-standing reliability and the consistent performance of our solutions. These collaborations underpin a wide range of successful projects, from architecturally significant homes to civic infrastructure and commercial developments. As the exclusive distributor for a number of globally recognised insulation brands, Accumen serves as a key conduit for bringing high-performance materials to the New Zealand market. Our offering includes innovative solutions like Hot Edge, a thermal enveloping system widely adopted in slab construction, developed through our successful partnership with Firth Industries.

Serving the Full Construction Spectrum

We support a diverse client base — from homeowners to builders, architects, engineers, and specifiers. Our team offers practical advice, specification support, and product recommendations tailored to the specific needs of each project, whether it’s a one-off detail or a full-scale development.

Innovation, Development, and Local Focus

At Accumen, we invest heavily in product development, technical testing, and customised solutions. We convert and adapt global systems for the New Zealand context, often prototyping and refining ideas in collaboration with our industry partners. Our growing local manufacturing capabilities enhance our flexibility and responsiveness, allowing us to deliver tailored, high-performance solutions at speed and scale.

Our Team

The strength of Accumen lies in our team — a dedicated group of professionals who bring deep industry knowledge, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From customer service and logistics to design and technical support, we work together to ensure outstanding results and long-term value.

Looking Ahead

As the construction landscape evolves, so does Accumen. Our commitment to innovation, technical integrity, and trusted partnerships positions us to lead in delivering smarter, more efficient building solutions.

Whether you’re specifying an insulation system, detailing architectural elements, or solving a complex compliance challenge, Accumen is your partner in performance.