Architectural Precast Concrete
Concrete can easily replicate the high-end look of masonry, marble, cut stone and even exotic and sculpted motifs in both beauty and durability and the versatility of architectural precast concrete gives designers a freedom that is not available with most other materials.
Er. Pradeep Ghumare
One special subset of concrete is called Architectural & Decorative concrete, which refers to a concrete that provides an aesthetic finish and structural capabilities. Because of its versatility, concrete offers endless design possibilities. Moreover, concrete permanently captures the chosen look. Concrete is a visually rich material that allows the architect to be innovative and obtain design objectives that cannot be achieved with other materials. Whether that involves special moulds, special finishing techniques, or special ingredients, the variety of effects is almost unlimited. Fair-faced concrete is in vogue and the demands on its performance are continuously rising. Exposed concrete with innovative decorative methods is not only gorgeous, but also affordable.
A step further is the Architectural Precast Concrete that offers exceptional aesthetic and structural versatility, speed of enclosure, and durability. No other material combines properties such as a range of shapes, colors, and textures, fire-resistance, acoustical insulation, weather tightness, durability, low maintenance, indoor air quality-friendly enclosure. They consist of a variety of structural and non-structural panels, columns, covers, infills, and re-cladding panels.
Architectural Precast Concrete facade systems work seamlessly with a range of other building materials, enabling easy incorporation of brick, tile, stone, and glazing systems into a single, elegant, expressive facade that can stand the test of time. They can contribute to credits for LEED / IGBC certification for Green Sustainable Buildings.
Important Aspects of Architectural Precast Concrete
Colours & Stains
Precast Concrete can be tinted or coloured to provide several tones by using various surface treatments that allow designers to specify any color they want. A wide range of finish combinations can also be achieved easily.
Integral Colour: Colour is introduced by using pigments to colour the concrete matrix to enhance the tone of the aggregates in the concrete mix or to duplicate the appearance of other materials. This colouring system encompasses subtly muted earth tones. It is based on synthetic oxides for UV-stability and conforms to DIN/EN standards. Integral color is typically added to concrete-mix and is long-lasting. It cannot be applied to the surface of fresh concrete because it will not permanently bond to the concrete as stains do.
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NBM&CW November 2019
