Limitless design
Because precast concrete design flexibility is available in a broad range of architectural styles, shapes, sizes, and colors, it has unlimited design potential and can be integrated into any project type to define architectural expression.
Architectural options can be used in conjunction with structural precast concrete to enhance aesthetic options and building design economy with a wide variety of possibilities for expression and detail.
bullnose
A bullnose offers dimension to a standard line or plane and can increase visual interest and impact. Flat panel areas may lack visual interest and detail, a bullnose option can create distinction, depth, and shadow with its curved form.
Color
Colors can be formed with various aggregates, tints, and textures, or a combination of all three. It is not difficult to change color tones within a project, or to match buildings to mimic or complement brick, stone, granite, and colors.
Nearly all colors are obtained by mixing standard gray or white cement with colored pigments, aggregates, or both.
For both high level detail and intricate stone detail, stains are also a durable long-term option to add color to precast.
Cornice
The interruption of planes and the addition of profiles allow cornices to be used in combination with other components with multiple styles of design. The cornice can create design interest through acting as a heavy pronounced building element drawing the eye up the façade.
Finish
The finishing process and depth of exposure in the architectural finish contribute to creating the final project color. Finish options provide a designer with an economical way to vary colors and textures to create more visual interest. Multiple shades of the same color can be created by varying the finishing technique.
Architectural finishes include sand blast in light, medium, and heavy levels, acid etch, and exposed aggregate.
Formliners & Molds
Precast mold techniques allow for detailed work to be incorporated into precast concrete pieces. Textured finishes from molds include characteristic imprints and patterns.
Various details can be created with a high level of sophistication available in mold and form design. The creation of sizes, depths, shapes, cornices, arches, logos, and lettering allows a high level of creativity for elegant and creative detail inclusions.
Shaping
The flexibility and strength of precast allow it to be used for complex shapes and configurations. Shapes are not limited to plane surfaces and may be rounded or curved and can be easily integrated into an architectural precast design.
Architectural precast is produced to PCI MNL 117 Architectural Specifications ensuring a high level of dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances. This quality-controlled environment ensures the precast concrete components will be produced with stringent product specifications and heightened attention to detail, while providing a uniform appearance and quality product.
Texture
A specified design pattern and texture is achieved through varying aggregates, liners, molds, aggregate exposure, and finishing techniques. This allows precast to achieve the look of many other construction materials while still maintaining the inherent benefits of precast.
Texture options allow the designer to create and define buildings that can stand alone as unique structures or blend into neighboring structures. Local aggregates, brick, glass, tiles, shells, granites, and stones can all be used to achieve desired architectural texture effects.
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Speak with us to learn more about our architectural precast/prestressed concrete products
