Architectural Precast concrete

Almost every Architect and Developer wants their buildings and structures to be somewhat unique and unmistakable ..and nowadays Green!!.

One special subset of precast concrete is called architectural and decorative precast, which refers to a precast that provides an aesthetic finish and structural capabilities in one. 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 can not be achieved with other material. Whether that involves special moulds, special finishing techniques, or special ingredients, the variety of effects is almost unlimited. Fair faced or exposed quality concrete is in vogue and demands on its performance are continuously rising. In the last couple of years, concrete has slowly made a comeback with innovative decorative methods that are not only gorgeous but much more affordable.

Precast can easily replicate the high-end look of masonry, marble, cut stone and even exotic and sculpted motifs in both physical beauty and durability.

Achieving an architectural or decorative appearance usually requires that something different is done to the precast. However, many factors must be optimized with one another in order to create high-quality precast surfaces.

Important factors in ARCHITECTURAL PRECAST design and manufacture include:

Colors/ Stains

Concrete can be tinted or coloured to provide several tones by using various surface treatments allow designers to specify any color they want. A wide range of finish combinations can be achieved easily.

Integral color : 

This coloring system encompasses subtly muted earth tones. It is based on synthetic oxides for UV stability and conforms to DIN/EN standards.

Shake-on color hardener :

Shake-on color hardener comes in light colors, rich hues, and select greens and blues that may be cost-prohibitive as an integral color.

Chemically Non-reactive / Reaction Stains:

Including a limited range of translucent, variegated, and mottled earth tones, chemically reactive stains consist of metallic salts in an acidic solution that reacts with calcium hydroxide formed as cement hydrates.

Textures on Precast concrete surface :

The inherent natural beauty of sand and stone are most often expressed in architectural precast concrete. A wide variety of textures can be created in the precast concrete to add interest.

Sand or abrasive blasting, however, has limitations :

Honing or polished finishes are achieved by grinding the surface to produce smooth, exposed aggregate appearances so as to reach a certain level of gloss.

Designs on precast concrete:

A variety of attractive patterns shapes and surface textures can be achieved by using pre-shaped formliners as the casting surface.

Stone  replication:

Special mixes and finish techniques are used to mimic limestone , sandstone, granite and any other type of stone desired.

Contemporary design:

Precast concrete panels offer a plasticity in shapes, curves, and geometrics that can create any desired look.

Timber designs:

Wood, bamboo, grass related designs can be cast on concrete using these Formliners.

Replicating existing style:

With its ability to replicate such a wide range of materials, precast concrete panels ensure new buildings blend with existing ones.

Embellishments :

Corporate or school names, emblems and other custom touches can be embedded into concrete, creating unique accents at an attractive cost.

Architectural aggregate:

Use of natural crushed rock aggregates.

Mould releasing agents:

Conventional de-shuttering oils are not suitable as they lead to cloud formation and excess oil, which accumulates in the often deep structures of the moulds, causes increased the formation of pores.

Efflorescence and surface protection:

Efflorescence causes white filmy deposits on concrete surfaces, and spoils the look of architectural precast.