Architecture of Concrete
Concrete is often seen as a purely structural material, and for the most part this is its most common use; when carefully considered, however, concrete can have many positive aesthetic attributes that enrich the architecture. It is made from a mixture of Portland cement, water, aggregate (such as crushed stone or gravel) and fine sand. It can be used for structural members (often with steel reinforcement) including columns, beams, roofs, floor slabs, footings, and foundations, as well as for cladding and surfacing (owing to its strong compression rate).
When the opportunity arises, it can take any shape or form through casting, and can have a variety of strengths, curing times, surface textures, finishes, and colours. These variants differ according to the proportions and characteristics of the cement, water and aggregate from which it is made. Admixtures (added to the base material) can be mixed into the concrete to improve its workability or change certain characteristics such as water-resistance and durability.
The aggregate is what gives the material its main structural capability, ideally an even mix of fine and coarse aggregate. When water is combined with the cement a chemical bond is formed with the aggregate, heat is given off (heat hydration, or curing) which is a byproduct of the setting and hardening of the concrete. Concrete’s compressive strength is generally developed within a month of the initial pour, but it continues to improve as the hydration process evolves.
Cast insitu concrete is poured on site, built around formwork. It is advantageous for its sculptural adaptability around existing junctions and for its ability to be cast in the location for where it is intended. Formwork here is key, and great consideration must be made for the positioning of the boarding, form ties positions, day work pours and construction joints, as these items will be visible and imprinted on the finished concrete when the formwork is removed. Craftsmanship, forethought and execution are crucial in concrete design in order to avoid the mundane character the material is also capable of.
The biggest advantage for us is its range of possible forms and shapes, limited only by its formwork. A versatile tool, it can take linear forms in the shape of beams and columns, just as steel and wood; it can mimic the dense, wall-like forms of stone or masonry, or it can take a more planar from such as floor slabs.
Precast concrete has the alternative advantage of being made off site, with changes to the specification, casting and finishes being tweaked in a controlled environment. This improves consistency and omits the need for formwork, therefore reducing the installation time.
Inclume will often prepare detailed specifications and engage with contractors, structural engineers and specialists to prepare sample panels in order to achieve the desired structural and aesthetic qualities. This can be for both internal and external surfaces, such as polished concrete floors, exposed concrete walls or surface treatment cladding. It can provide a raw and striking architectural element, which can feel honest yet contemporary.
