Our Heritage

Continuing 100 Years Of Tradition

The start of a 100-year Tradition

For nearly a century, our family has upheld a tradition of craftsmanship, quality, and service. As we move forward, we remain committed to carrying this legacy into the future, ensuring that Swart Plastering continues to set the standard in the industry.

1925The start of a 100 year Tradition

Our Plastering tradition began in Alkmaar, Netherlands in 1925 with my grandfather Gerard Swart from a family of stonemasons. Gerard was trained to be a solid plasterer then eventually starting his own family with his wife Veronica. They had 6 sons and one daughter with the older children coming before WW2, 2 of them born during the war and the youngest after.

1952The Swart’s move to Australia

After WWII in the September of 1952 Gerard at around 50 years of age made the tough decision to move himself, wife and 7 children to Melbourne, Australia. Australia being rich in development at the time accepted their application due to the fact they already had Gerard and 3 older boys that were already plastering. Gerard and the 3 boys first worked for Hopkins Plaster in Melbourne.

1954The Swart’s move to Adelaide

Gerard and their eldest son jumped on a train to Adelaide for a potential job opportunity working for an architect called Dean Berry, they rented a house in Stanley Street North Adelaide, and then moved the whole family over.

1956Gerard starts his own business

Gerard started his own business GHS SWART + SONS originally working on new homes. I’ve heard stories of the black + white Taxi truck pulling into the driveway of the family-built home in Burnside. The boys would load all equipment on a truck and then ride bikes to the job and plaster all day, then ride home.

1957First Commercial Job: The Da Costa Building

Gerard Swart next set his sights on commercial plastering, which was difficult to break into due to builders employing their own trades. Eventually Mr. Yuncken from Hansen and Yuncken gave Gerard an opportunity and the Swart family plastered their first Multistorey building which was the Da Costa Building on the corner of Gawler Place and Grenfell St Adelaide.

1962Harry Swart starts Plastering

My Dad, Harry Swart. The second youngest in the family picks up the Hawk and trowel and starts his plastering career.

1972Harry Swart start Swart Plastering

Harry decides to go out on his own and starts the original Swart Plastering, Throughout his business career you’ll see his work scattered throughout Adelaide with key highlights being the plastering of The Adelaide Art Gallery extension and The Hyatt Hotel.

1988Conrad Joins the Business

At 16 my plastering career began, where I was working for the family business with my Dad (Harry). I worked alongside my Dad for 25 years until he decided he was ready to semi-retire.

going on to start his own business and eventually when I (Conrad) took over, he began teaching plastering at trade school and being one of the most respected tradesmen in the building industry, with every building site I walk on people still asking about Harry.

2003Conrad takes over Swart Plastering

In 2003 Harry retired from the physical side of plastering as one of the most respected tradesmen in the building industry. He decided to pass his skills on to the next generation of plasterers by becoming a trade teacher at TAFE SA.

2025100 years of Plastering

I have now been continuing the Swart Plastering tradition for 37 years as a plasterer and 22 as a business owner. We are proud of our family's achievements whether it was the Da Costa Building, Adelaide Art Gallery, or some of our newer work seen on SAHMRI, SkyCity or even at some of your favourite restaurants like Arkhe and Osteria Oggi. For 100 years we have plastered all over Adelaide, Australia, and even the Netherlands with reputation and quality. The team and I (Conrad) at Swart Plastering plan to continue and uphold this tradition for many more years to come.

Our Mission

To maintain a passion within the industry, which generates high quality outcomes and excellent service delivery to all of our clients.

Our Vision

To provide high quality products and services, To invest in our people, deliver to our commercial and residential clients and maintain the Swart plastering traditional values.

Meet Our Team

Meet our team with over 100 years of combined experience.

Conrad Swart

Director

Keith Muller

Plasterer

Nathan Munn

Plasterer

Adam Henry

Painter/Trades Assistant

Testimonials

See what our clients say about us.

"Our builders had not seen Conrad’s work before and said they doubted the workmanship as they didn’t see him doing any measurements. So they measured with spirit levels only to find exceptionally straight rendering!! Nice one Conrad."

"Swart Plastering Services is of very high quality. Conrad has worked on many projects around our house from inside plastering, rendering our extension & outside feature walls. We have not only been more than happy with the high standard of work that he produces but the respect he has for the clients property."

"Conrad has continued to provide excellent pastering and rendering services for ongoing residential projects. His experience and professionalism is clearly demonstrated not only through the quality of his work but also in the delivery of the services."

"Swart Plastering were engaged by Lendlease to repair an existing façade to a multi-story heritage building on a high profile CBD project ‘Lot Fourteen’ (former Royal Adelaide Hospital). Swart Plastering performed solid plaster work whilst also managing repair of steel window frames, installation of glazing and painting."