The decorative, architectural art-concrete is also based on the usual cement-sand mixture. The most commonly used white Portland cement, although you can use a gray variety – it all depends on the decorative task. You cannot do without sand, quartz sand or marble chips are also used.
However, modifiers and plasticizers are added to the art concrete, which increase the service life, plasticity, resistance to frost and moisture, as well as coloring pigments and other fillers. The result is a material that can successfully imitate natural stone and even wood..
Architectural concrete is:
- Geometric. Poured into the formwork, allows you to create a variety of shapes, monolithic structures.
- Sculptural. Accordingly, it is used to create volumetric compositions, sculptures.
- Decorative. It is used for finishing already created structures.
- Pressed or pressed concrete. We wrote in detail about how to use this material to make a beautiful path in the garden..
You can work with architectural concrete by embossing (pressing, stamping), vibrocompression, casting, or create products by hand.
In interiors, concrete is now a very popular material, but it can be used both on facades and in landscape design – the field of application is very large.
For the processing of architectural concrete, bringing products and structures to full readiness, such mechanical methods as grinding, polishing, engraving and sandblasting are used. Also, art-concrete is processed by decoration – painting or mosaic facing. An additional protective layer is applied to the products, prolonging their service.
Even little things, such as decorative concrete candlesticks, are now in trend. They can become an original addition to the interior, its highlight.
Environmentally friendly decorative concrete is made from affordable materials and is significantly cheaper than granite and marble. At the same time, it quite successfully replaces them, for example, in the production of kitchen countertops..
In landscape design, art concrete is widely used to create small architectural forms, including garden benches, which at first glance are difficult to distinguish from marble or carved wood.
Decorative concrete works well with other materials, including natural wood.
Concrete doesn’t have to be gray and rough, it can be very interesting and even unrecognizable. I hope you are convinced of this!
What are the different types of architectural concrete? Can you provide examples and explain the scope of architectural concrete in construction projects?
There are several types of architectural concrete used in construction projects. One type is precast concrete, which is made in a factory and transported to the construction site. It can be formed into various shapes and finishes, such as textured or patterned surfaces. Another type is cast-in-place concrete, which is poured directly at the construction site. It allows for customization and unique designs due to its ability to be molded into any shape. Architectural concrete can also include decorative concrete, which involves adding color or texture to the surface of concrete to enhance its appearance.
Architectural concrete provides aesthetic value to construction projects. It can be used to create visually pleasing elements like curved walls, intricate facades, or unique shapes. This type of concrete also offers durability, strength, and low maintenance, making it a desirable choice in various architectural applications. Since architectural concrete allows for customization, it gives architects and designers the flexibility to bring their creative visions to life. It adds a touch of uniqueness and artistic expression to buildings, making them stand out and leave a lasting impression on viewers. Overall, architectural concrete plays a vital role in enhancing the visual appeal and design aspects of construction projects.
Can you provide a brief explanation of the different types of architectural concrete and their usage in construction? It would also be helpful to see some photo examples to better understand the scope and possibilities of this versatile material. Thank you.