A storage structure, particularly for fluids but also useful for storing solids, which in one embodiment includes at least a portion thereof comprising a structural wall having opposing sides, at least one said side having an insulating and protecting built-up layered finish covering which retards heat transfer, the passage of water vapor through the insulation and/or the condensation of water on the one said side, the built-up layered finish covering including a layer of insulation positioned on the one said side of the wall; a solid unitary vapor barrier layer applied to the outer surface of the insulation board as a viscous liquid or paste which hardens into a solid layer; a reinforced stucco basecoat layer applied onto the vapor barrier layer; and a stucco topcoat layer applied onto the stucco basecoat layer.