Concrete - strong, durable and beautiful

Structurally, it may be close to that position but aesthetically and architecturally, exploitation of the inherent advantages of concrete is patchy at best and a long way from maximising the potential afforded by current and widely available knowledge. The concrete supply chain is not aggressively promoting the use and benefits of concrete as a final finish, despite the speed and economies for the contractor, design freedom for the architect and identification of cost advantages to the client. The technology is available and is not even new. It is well established and is well proven.

Concrete as a design option

Many will have seen the excellent architectural exposed aggregate work that forms a regular feature on commercial construction in Spain and Italy. These could not be more different from the old-fashioned 'sixties' perception many have of exposed aggregate in the UK. The concept in these countries is based on developing clever, imaginative, elevation and paving designs which use basic concrete colouring techniques, modern technology on surface retardation and protection, with the natural beauty of prevailing aggregates. The same information and products are available in the UK, but little used. It is possible to purchase the same aggregates for an in-situ pavement in the UK for as little as 2 per square metre. Decorative aggregate options exist in the UK, mostly buried in black top or concrete structures. Spain, Italy and many of the Arab countries are leading the industry by using innovative ways to maximise use of decorative architectural concrete and they are achieving this with help from UK designers and engineers.

Motivators

Possible reasons for the reluctance to use concrete in imaginative ways in the UK might be that:

* There is a general ignorance within the contracting community of the materials, techniques and technology available.

* There is poor communication from concrete professionals to the design, development and construction industry on what can be achieved, how and by whom.

* The specialist contracting infrastructure and supply sources are fragmented and not sufficiently well promoted.

* Innovation by specialist contractors and suppliers is discouraged.

* Lack of planning and attention to detail at design stage and a reluctance to invest in pre-construction, full-scale samples for client approval.

* Lack of investment in training and education for good concrete finishing.

Apprenticeships

As a career opportunity, working with decorative concrete is interesting, creative, skilled, knowledge-based and adds value to the finished article. This would seem to be an obvious, beneficial opportunity for modern apprenticeships, which would bring fast and worthwhile rewards. Some work has started in this area, but it would be encouraging if some of the larger concrete construction companies recognised the advantages by expanding capacity in uses, application, knowledge and technique, in addition to product development.

Factors in achieving good concrete finishes

Like all good things there is a little more to making beautiful concrete than meets the eye. It is not a matter of information, data, testing or technology being available - all those elements are readily and easily resourced. Fuller understanding of the few simple, but critical, factors in dosing and dispersing colour, controlling surface set, aggregate distribution, timing, attention to detail in finishing and protection is the key. None of this is outside established concrete practice, but does require recognition of the care and control necessary for any quality finish. Added to this must be greater detail and more precise specifications. The industry needs to provide the architect with data to do this and perhaps designers should seek to absorb a more indepth understanding of what is required.

Concluding remarks

There is absolutely no practical reason why concrete should not be much more widely accepted as a flexible, attractive solution for architectural finishes. That it is so under used should be cause for concern. The industry is losing business while designers and developers are missing out on an attractive, competitive, durable and low-maintenance material choice.