Category Archives: Courtyards

Architectural Concrete & Design’s Courtyard Creation at Utah State Board of Education

February 14, 2024

In July 2022, the Utah State Board of Education, in Salt Lake City, UT, witnessed a remarkable transformation of its courtyard, a project that not only redefined its outdoor space but also set a new standard for design innovation. Bomanite Licensee Architectural Concrete & Design, a firm renowned for its expertise in architectural decorative concrete, took on the challenge to install a new courtyard with Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems using Bomanite Sandscape® Texture. This project was unique in its approach, employing two pours of two integral colors – Bomanite Coloration Concentrate “Dark Gray DM” and “Pewter DM” – to create a visually striking and highly functional outdoor area. The goal was not merely to renovate the existing space but to elevate it into a modern, aesthetically pleasing, and multi-functional courtyard. Working with an in-house design team, Architectural Concrete & Design envisioned a space that could seamlessly blend with the architectural ethos of the USBE building while introducing an element of contemporary elegance. The decision to use Bomanite Sandscape® Texture in two contrasting colors was driven by a desire to create a dynamic and engaging environment that could inspire creativity and tranquility.

Two-Phase Pour Precision and Expertise

The installation process is a testament to Architectural Concrete & Design’s mastery and concrete craftsmanship. The project was executed in two phases to accommodate the two-color scheme. Precision was key, as the team of concrete artisans meticulously planned the pours to ensure sharp, clean lines between the colors, achieving a seamless transition that visually expanded the space. One of the significant challenges faced during the installation was maintaining the integrity of the design amidst the logistical complexities of executing two separate pours, creating an intricate interplay of shades that added depth and dimension to the courtyard. This project has not only enhanced the aesthetic and functional value of the courtyard but also demonstrated the potential of architectural concrete to bring design visions to life.

Durability Meets Design

One of the project’s core considerations was selecting a material that could withstand the rigors of Utah’s climate while maintaining its visual integrity. Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, known for its durability, low maintenance, and the ability to incorporate multiple colors into the design, can withstand the rigors of high foot traffic and provides a non-skid surface. It was an ideal choice, ensuring that the courtyard would remain a vibrant and inviting space for years to come. It is now a visually appealing outdoor space and a picturesque setting for photos of smiling award recipients. Architectural Concrete & Design, through their creative use of Bomanite Sandscape® Texture and meeting design goals, has showcased the transformative power of architectural decorative concrete. This project stands as a beacon of modern design, inspiring future projects to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality.

Belarde Beautified Bank of America Plaza Courtyard

December 29, 2023

In the heart of the Central Business District in Seattle, WA, 800 5th Ave, a 42-story, 935,243 square foot, Class A tower, previously known as Bank of America Fifth Avenue Plaza, dominates its portion of the landscape and the skyline. It is the tenth-tallest building in Seattle with construction completed in 1981, an era when high-rise buildings were supposed to make you feel a little bit intimidated and in awe. The building and courtyard required renovation to transform them into inviting spaces where people feel encouraged to linger, dine, meet, and collaborate.

Bank of America picked Sellen Construction Company, INC as the main contractor and Olson Kundig was selected as Project Designer. Because of their proven track record of excellence and professionalism, Bomanite Licensee Belarde Company was chosen to install the decorative concrete on the courtyard and stairways. Belarde Company collaborated with all stakeholders and Bomanite Sandscape® Texture with “black” integral color was picked for the project. To get the project dark enough for the end user, Belarde Company used Bomanite Black Con-Color to stain the entire project prior to sealing with a clear color enhancing acrylic sealer. Belarde was forced to use maximum 7-yard loads due to the steep hill that concrete trucks and line pumps had to work off, a unique challenge created by Seattle’s downtown topography.

Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Transforms Terrains

Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, part of the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems, is crafted using a unique blend of concrete mixtures, additives, and decorative mineral aggregates to create a finish that closely resembles evenly sandblasted concrete or fine “quarried stone”. This technique usually involves integrating Bomanite Integral Color and may include specific natural sands like slag, granite, quartz, or limestone, chosen for their regional availability and quality. Bomanite Sandscape® Texture is also compatible with topically applied products like Bomanite Con-Color and Bomanite Chemical Stain.

Additionally, the Bomanite Sandscape® Texture is offered in the “Refined” Series, which, while similar to the conventional Sandscape, features fine quartz aggregates embedded in Bomanite Color Hardener. This creates a “sugar cube finish,” where the concrete’s texture resembles that of sugar cubes. The Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Refined Series comes in various standard and custom options, including eco-friendly light-reflective formulas that reduce the heat island effect without needing white cement.

Ideal for both new constructions and significant renovations, Bomanite Sandscape® Texture is typically installed as a full-depth slab on grade or as thick, un-bonded toppings over 3 inches thick on membrane applications. The success of the final product heavily depends on the quality of aggregate selection and the precision in placing and finishing.

Bomanite Licensees Leverage Training and Expertise

Founded in 1998 as the Belarde Company, this firm’s connection with Bomanite dates to the mid-1980s, when John Belarde, its owner, was part of his father’s concrete construction business. The Belarde Company, serving Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, is recognized as a leading provider of architectural concrete for major commercial projects in the Pacific Northwest, known for its commitment to quality, advanced technical expertise, and safety on the job site. The team at Belarde Company collaborates with owners, architects, landscape architects, and builders to grasp the unique aspects of each project, crafting concrete solutions that align with cost, quality, schedule, and design goals. In the construction phase, the Belarde team’s concrete experts focus meticulously on site and formwork preparation, applying Bomanite processes with precision to ensure exceptional quality in every project.

Colorado Hardscapes Executes Expert Installation of Bomanite Sandscape Refined

September 29, 2023

Located in the vibrant heart of the central business district between 16^th and 17^th Streets in downtown Denver, Republic Plaza is a 56-story iconic high-rise building. Built in 1984, Republic Plaza includes 1.2 million SF of office space and three retail levels and rising 717 feet currently holds the title of tallest building in the entire Rocky Mountain region.

Republic Plaza recently underwent renovations to the main lobby, lower-level concourse, and exterior plaza that leads to the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall. Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes was selected to create decorative concrete elements in the exterior plaza area. Originally, the plans called for precast benches and planter walls. Colorado Hardscapes asked general contractor The Weitz Company if they would consider a cast-in-place option instead. After looking at the numbers, Weitz was interested in seeing other cast-in-place benches installed by Colorado Hardscapes and following their portfolio review, approved moving forward with a mock-up of cast-in-place benches utilizing Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and featuring Bomanite Sandscape Refined.

Republic Plaza in downtown Denver, Colorado features a stunning installation of Bomanite Sandscape Refined cast-in-place benches and planter walls by Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes.

Bomanite Sandscape Refined Showcases Product Consistency

One of the most difficult aspects of this project was the shape of the wall. Not only did it include a reverse batter, 2” bull nose, and channel for lighting, but it was also on a curve. Colorado Hardscapes knew that a mock-up was the best option for this project to establish expectations and to address any issues they might encounter. By utilizing custom CNC contoured foam, they were able to cast the desired shape at their design center. Colorado Hardscapes typically uses this method for their water feature basins, but it also worked out perfectly for the specialty benches.

Once everyone approved the mock-up, the Colorado Hardscapes crew started on site. In total, they installed 156 linear feet of Sandscape Refined curved benches and 189 linear feet of Sandscape Refined planter walls with a more conventional shape. The biggest challenges of this project were the difficult access and hot summer temperatures. Working right off 16th street, they were limited to only using Tremont Street for access in addition to the complications of downtown in general. This required them to place the benches in smaller loads. Despite placing multiple batches, the Sandscape Refined showcases a consistent finish and color from one side of a pour joint to the next.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

With its superior structural capacities, faster production time, and cost-effectiveness, cast-in-place concrete offers an outstanding solution for various construction projects. Colorado Hardscapes discussed with the client how this method could benefit them in terms of visual appeal and utility features, and they were able to gain the client’s trust with their successful installation using cast-in place methods.

Colorado Hardscapes showcased confidence in their ability as a Bomanite Licensed Contractor and utilized previous successes by taking potential clients to past projects, proving their ability to create amazing results. The mock-ups they created were an invaluable resource, and moreover, by speaking up about cast-in-place concrete, they saved the owner a significant amount of money on the project while creating an end-product even more beautiful than the original precast option. The 2022 Silver Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project was awarded to Colorado Hardscapes for their superior effort on this project – not only did they go the extra mile to provide the client with resources that would gain their trust, but they also provided an exceptional product that will stand out and be a feature at Republic Plaza.

Carolina Bomanite Creates Stunning Bomanite Stamped Concrete Hardscape at Mauldin Courtyard Marriott

November 30, 2022

The new state-of-the-art Courtyard by Marriott in Mauldin, SC, was developed by Touchstone Hospitality and offers inviting, flexible spaces, a well-equipped fitness center and outdoor pool, as well as small details and smart design that allow guests to be more productive while maintaining comfortability.

Having successfully worked with Touchstone Hospitality in the past, Carolina Bomanite Corporation was the developer’s top choice to create the decorative concrete hardscape surfaces. The Carolina Bomanite team stepped up to the challenge to remedy another contractor’s poor workmanship on a previous project and brought the Bomanite family of products and expertise to the rescue. Since then, the owner refuses to allow any other architectural concrete trade on its building sites.

Unsurpassed Selection and Superiority

The Mauldin Courtyard by Marriott highlights Bomanite Imprint Systems with multiple Bomacron patterns. The selection and quality of Bomanite Imprinting Tools is unsurpassed in the industry with well over 400 distinct patterns and associated textures. The hotel’s porte cochere features Bomanite Bomacron Running Bond Belgian Block, which resembles hand cut and tumbled basalt cobblestones, and adds distinct texture and design detail to the hardscape. The Bomanite Bomacron 10” Boardwalk pattern was installed to create the front entrance as well as an extension at the back of the hotel leading into the enclosed amenity area, giving the lifelike look of real wood while providing the durability of concrete. Additionally, the Bomanite Bomacron Slate Texture pattern was utilized to create the smoking area adjacent to the front entrance and in the enclosed amenity area at the back of the hotel. The Slate Texture installation in the amenity area features a 3-4’ sawcut pattern that runs bias to the building, adding versatile texture and rustic, random veining that complements the hotel’s architecture and aesthetic.

To further accentuate the design, darkened float finish bands were incorporated around the salt textured fire table with the incorporation of a channel drain that will handle runoff water from the covered patio seating area. Form and function come together seamlessly with this design and no details were spared, providing a beautifully stunning hardscape that is durable, distinct, and functional.

Challenges Faced

This project was underway prior to the onset of the pandemic and was thus temporarily delayed as the owner, along with others in the hospitality industry understood the future of travel. Facing challenges like material shortages and labor inefficiencies in unprecedented scope and duration forced a delay during construction for approximately one year. Despite the challenges that were faced, Carolina Bomanite was able to exceed the owner’s expectations with their successful completion of the architectural concrete installation.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Carolina Bomanite is experienced in all types of decorative concrete installation and for over 48 years they have set the standard for exceptional quality. Their seamless installations at multiple Courtyard by Marriott locations have proven their commitment to excellence, resulting in a long-standing partnership with Touchstone Hospitality. The 2021 Gold Award for Best Bomanite Imprint Systems Project was awarded to Carolina Bomanite for their stunning installation of Bomanite Bomacron Running Bond Belgian Block, 10” Boardwalk, and Slate Texture patterns to create a uniquely distinct decorative concrete hardscape around the Courtyard by Marriott in Mauldin, South Carolina, creating exceptional results and providing a product with superior durability and distinct character that will endure for decades to come.

Colorado Hardscapes Earns Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Award for Outstanding Work on the CoLab LEED Gold Co-housing Community Development

June 24, 2020

CoLab is an impressive 7-story podium student housing residential development with 253 apartment units that house 727 individual bedrooms and includes top-notch amenities. The 5-story residential component sits atop a 2-story partially buried parking garage creating a unique above ground level installation for outdoor amenities. Colorado Hardscapes, a Bomanite Decorative Concrete Contractor worked with Landscape Architect, Britina Designs to make the outdoor living space a stylish modern green community. Environmentally conscious, CoLab chose materials and systems to minimize waste and maximize energy.

The CoLab Student Living Housing Community, a USGBC Gold LEED project, brings the outdoors in with smartly styled study spaces, a rooftop deck and several lush outdoor gathering areas for tenants to enjoy; the pool court (Resort-Style Pool), Fire Court (Outdoor Lounge) and Water Court (Table Games) all featuring decorative concrete. During the design stage Britina Designs visited Colorado Hardscapes Showroom viewing several samples of different concrete systems and to determine the final finishes, aggregates and colors.

Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Sandscape Texture was chosen for the general walkways and courtyards with an inviting eye-catching alternating band of color panels of flatwork. The Bomanite Sandscape Texture was also incorporated into the pool coping with a child safety grip and coordinating color. Bomanite Sandscape Texture utilizes specialized concrete mix designs, additives, decorative mineral aggregates, topical treatments and advanced application procedures to produce a finished product that resembles sand blasted concrete through fine “quarried stone”. Bomanite Sandscape Texture typically involves the use of Bomanite Integral Color and may incorporate specialized natural, regionally selected and qualified sands such as slag, granite, quartz or limestone.

The Bomanite Sandscape Refined Series is similar in design to conventional Sandscape, based on the exposure of fine quartz aggregates but bound in Bomanite Color Hardener. The resulting texture is known as “sugar cube finish”; the feel of the concrete mimics the texture of formed sugar cubes. Due to the use of Bomanite Color Hardener, the Bomanite Sandscape Texture Refined Series is available in a multitude of standard and custom options, including cost effective light-reflective formulations that do not require the use of white cement to reduce heat island effect. The Sandscape Refined Architectural Concrete Finish was installed around the firepit lounge area and included amber glass and crushed mirror glass for a natural reflective nighttime sheen.

The Bomanite Toppings Systems Micro-Top ST, a spray applied concrete resurfacing product, has excellent adhesion and weather resistance with the ability to withstand prolonged pedestrian and light duty vehicular traffic. Bomanite Micro-Top ST provides a tough, slip resistant water-retardant coating that substantially reduces water penetration, freeze-thaw scaling and concrete carbonation making it perfect choice for the exterior areas of this Denver Community Housing development. Colorado Hardscapes placed the Micro-Top ST on curbs, steps and walls with a custom color match to complement the surrounding finishes. Once the finish was complete the owners loved the look so much that they requested an additional application to the front foundation.

A popular growing technique, Colorado Hardscapes installed Board-formed Concrete, for the fire pit, water features and outdoor kitchen BBQ. Board-formed Concrete is a process of patterning concrete that leaves a wood grain image on the finished face of the concrete. Because concrete is extremely well-suited as a finished material in modern design, by imprinting the wood grain on the surface, it visually softens and warms concrete’s somewhat cooler appearance while still allowing concrete to express the construction technique giving a modern yet rustic organic vibe to these CoLab outdoor hangouts.

CoLab achieved LEED GOLD certification with the collaboration efforts from the owner/developer, designers, contractors, and consultants that led to points in the following categories: High Efficiency Heating and Cooling Systems; Energy Efficient Appliances; High Efficiency Hot Water Heating; Energy Efficient Lighting; Indoor Environment Quality; Innovation & Design Process; and Material and Resources. Making a LEED Gold certified community, CoLab provides the peace of mind to tenants of knowing their community was built and operates in an environmentally friendly manner with the generated benefits of energy-efficiency and cost-savings. Everyone worked together to transform a great design into reality, a stylish decorative green living community.

Colorado Hardscapes earned the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Award Over 6,000 sq. ft Bronze Award for their outstanding and contributing decorative concrete work on the CoLab LEED Gold Co-housing Community Development.

Bomel Construction Receives Gold for their installation of Bomanite Revealed for the Flight at Tustin Legacy

May 14, 2020

Flight at Tustin Legacy, previously home to the Naval-Lighter-Than-Air-Station and the Marine Corps Helicopter Base, has been considered a first of a kind office development, that is the next generation of working living playing communities. The City of Tustin and the Lincoln Property Company laid out a massive future plan to keep with the flight history, innovation in design, productivity and entrepreneurship. From vast commercial farming of orange groves in the 1900’s, to the military’s construction by hand of two massive blimp hangars that are the largest wood structures in the world, Flight aims to carry on this legacy of excellence of ingenuity.

This historical site comprising of 18 acres is adjacent to the 26-acre Tustin Legacy Park, providing inspirational design elements and the new office campus clientele with additional outdoor space and walking trails. The project’s first phase was completed with a total of about 470,000 square feet, that includes eight office buildings, four level parking structure, a food hall and an event conference center.

Bomanite Licensee, Bomel Construction has been designing and building parking structures, office buildings, hotels, stadiums, bridges and virtually any kind of concrete structure for over 40 years. Widely regarded as the dean of parking structure construction in the West, Bomel was the design-build general contractor for the 1,169-stall parking structure, self-performing all structural concrete. Bomel also acted as the subcontractor for the structural concrete, formwork, rebar and metal decks for the buildings. Additionally, Bomel’s Architectural and Site Concrete Division completed the exterior tenant access points while working with Rios Clementi Hale Studios, the mulit-disciplinary award-winning global design firm responsible for the urban planning, architecture, interior public spaces, and landscape architecture for this first phase.

Each building is designed with adaptable, tall, uninterrupted and light-filled spaces that offer tenants the ability to customize the building interiors according to their business needs. The larger hangar-like structures feature a unique design idea. Rather than concentrating the lobbies, elevators, stairs and services at the center of the building as most commonly seen in traditional office parks, Rios Clementi Hale Studios positioned them at the perimeter of the spaces to produce more usable interior space while maximizing the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Sliding and roll-up doors open to balconies and terraces that overlook an array of outdoor rooms, parks, and amenities with exterior stairs that provide direct access to plazas which act as outdoor lobbies and extensions of the workplace. The layout cements the design firm’s approach to creating pedestrian-friendly access throughout the project.

With over 101,750 square feet of decorative concrete, Bomel Construction installed all of the exterior hardscapes along with seatwalls, bleacher, stairs, outdoor kitchen, fire hearths and even an outdoor BBQ with a Polished concrete countertop. The majority of the walking paths, pedestrian sidewalks, courtyards use the Bomanite Revealed Exposed Aggregate System. With a project this vast, Bomanite Revealed is the product of choice for projects requiring a highly decorative and durable finish. Bomanite Revealed is an engineered concrete with sustainable finishing options that incorporate a unique binder and color blending process with specialty aggregates. Natural stone such as granite, quartz or marble along with unique aggregates such as recycled glass or porcelain are common aggregates of choice. A dark gray Bomanite Integral color with natural gray washed finishes and Ivory botticino aggregates were used to transform the open space into active pedestrian landscapes that promote social interaction and alternative spaces for work and collaboration. The overall design uses active landscape strategies including exterior amenities to diversify the outdoor workplace experience.

The natural non-skid properties and abrasion resistant aggregates result in a robust concrete with high-strength performance that has an excellent life cycle with reduced maintenance requirements. The Flight at Tustin Legacy’s installation of Bomanite Revealed for the decorative concrete landscapes is the perfect architectural exterior allocation for the working living playing lifestyle.

AWARDS: Bomel Construction Company received the 2019 Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Project Gold Award for their outstanding work on the Flight at Tustin Legacy.

Edwards Concrete Installs Bomanite Decorative Concrete for Race Track Beach Themed Tanger Outlets Daytona

February 5, 2020

The future of physical shopping is about creating a compelling destination and a location specific experience to engage the public to generate return visitation. Tanger Outlets Daytona, working with project designer, EDSA and decorative concrete craftsmen, Edwards Concrete Company provided just that! Bomanite Licensee, Edwards Concrete, with their expertise in the decorative concrete field helped to create an ultimate shopping experience that provided the guests with the feeling of spending the day at the racetrack with a beachy vibe. Working for four months building out walkways, major thorough fares, plazas, outdoor living areas and a splash pad playground along with thousands of feet of decorative concrete curbing, Edwards Concrete pulled out all the stops to transform the 38-acre site design into a contemporary social gathering mega shopping mall.

The project designer EDSA has a winning track record for planning, landscape architecture, themed environment design and urban design. Breaking the mold of a traditional outlet mall, Tanger Outlets Daytona was designed to provide a fresh and unique appeal to their customers. The aesthetic styling is a combination of beach-industrial and mid-century modern theme with brand name stores located in the interior space that are connected by the outdoor walkways and plaza spaces inspired by the Daytona International Speedway that lies just a few short miles away.

With a circular racetrack pattern on the outside perimeter there are four standout entry plazas of ocean, beach, industrial and Floridian forest themes showcasing unique decorative concrete paving installed by Edwards Concrete, with planters and lighting that lead into an interior checkerboard pattern of sponge finished two tone colored concrete walkways resembling the racetrack infield.

A Bomanite Exposed Aggregate step plaza with light box seating and handicap ramp was created with embedded seashells to provide a reflective nature of light. Common gathering spaces, “pit stops”, create points of convergence; media lounge, two outdoor living rooms, three cabanas, lighted sitting swings, and shading trellis contribute to the social shopping experience. To facilitate the beach theme Bomanite imprinted concrete in a Bomacron Boardwalk pattern was incorporated into several of the lounge areas as well as common walking areas along the front of retail shops. In addition, a kid worthy splash pad playground and central water fountain support the family-focused atmosphere. Edwards Concrete used several ocean inspired blues of concrete colorant for the surface area of the splash pad and sandblasted the defining bands in beige to mimic the water and sandy beach vibe.

Decorative concrete paving and flooring are becoming more and more commonplace in commercial and retail facilities such as this themed shopping mall for its versatility in design, long-term durability, low-maintenance, weather-resistant features and environmentally friendly attributes. Not only did Edwards Concrete display their craftsmanship with Bomanite Decorative Concrete for multiple applications within the scope of the project, they met the grand opening deadline of this beachy racetrack theme inspired mall even through Hurricane Matthew that hit during the installation. Tanger Outlets 44^th center in Daytona Beach was up and running on their targeted date offering a world-class shopping themed experience for local, national and international visitors.

Awards: Bomanite Imprint Systems Over 12,000 Sq. Ft – Gold Award 2017 and ASCC Decorative Concrete Council 2018 Award – Multiple Applications, Over 5,000 Square Feet, Second Place

Work completed by Edwards Concrete “BY THE NUMBERS”:

16,406 man hours and 119 workdays
187,638 square feet of hardscape concrete
4,367 lineal feet of decorative curbs and bands
41,798 square feet of gray paver bases
132,091 square feet of sponged finished walkways in a checkerboard pattern
7,011 square feet of Bomacron Boardwalk stamped concrete
2,890 square feet larger than life pattern of a scanner barcode
550 square feet exposed aggregate seashell step plaza with a handicap ramp
1,872 square feet of exposed aggregate seashell bands
3,838 lineal feet of planter curbs 399 lineal feet of tree pit curbs
1,426 square feet splash pad finished with 529 lineal feet of sandblasted bands

Connecticut Bomanite Systems Earns Bomanite Imprint Award for Commerical Plaza Renovation

June 27, 2019

Connecticut Bomanite Licensee worked with Hoffman Architects and the general contractor Downes Construction to install several Bomanite Imprint System Patterns throughout the pavilion of the commercial buildings located in Hartford, CT.

Connecticut Bomanite Installs Bomanite Basketweave Brick and Bomacron Medium Ashlar Slate Patterns to Replace Old Worn out Pavers in this Commerical Plaza and Pedestrian Bridge.

With little over an acre, the Bomanite Basketweave Brick Pattern (no texture) and Bomacron Medium Ashlar Slate pattern were installed with the traditional Bomanite Color Hardener and Releases to provide durablity, excellent wear resistance and fade resistance. Bomanite Color Hardener is the most effective coloring method to achieve your desired results in the installation of Bomanite and Bomacron Imprinted concrete surfaces.

This large project took over 73 concrete pours to complete a total of 46,574 square feet. The plaza and Pedestrian Bridge required replacement of the paving, drains, lighting and waterproofing and modification of the existing guardrail to make it code compliant. Hoffmann Architects were retained to redesign the plaza, addressing structural and functional concerns. Design professionals provided conceptual design development, schematic design, contract documents, and construction administration services for a full plaza and pedestrian bridge reconstruction, from waterproofing and paving to lighting and seating.

Connecticut Bomanite Systems installed the Bomanite decorative concrete with 31,450 square feet of the Bomanite Basketweave Brick pattern with an individual stone size of 4” x 8” that established the majority of the plaza area design. The Bomanite Basketweave Brick pattern has a smooth surface and is a great replacement for worn out paving and masonry units.

6,468 square feet of the Bomacron Medium Ashlar Slate Pattern was incorporated into the overall plaza surface design along with an integrally colored gray band surrounding the Ashlar Slate pattern. The Medium Ashlar Slate pattern was also used within the Pedestrian Bridge and wheelchair access ramps. An additional 8,656 square feet of of saw- cuts were performed as well. Several areas contain the new drainage system that works smartly with the overall design.

Connecticut Bomanite Systems earned the 2018 Bomanite Imprint Systems Bronze Award for their laboring and detailed work for this plaza renovation using Bomanite Decorative Concrete.

Concrete Arts, Inc. Wins Award for Backyard Resort Designed with Multiple Bomanite Concrete Systems

May 10, 2019

The homeowners of this large backyard lot recognized the possibilities that could provide them with outdoor spaces for dining, entertaining, and relaxing using multiple Bomanite Concrete Systems throughout this welcoming resort like space.

Bomanite Licensee, Concrete Arts, Inc. being the homeowner, wanted a place for his family that showed the creativity and beauty of concrete and its endless possibilities. Working with Landscape designer Mark Huri early on helped with the transformation. From his experience, Huri knew that with the right layout and a small bit of terracing, it could provide an opportunity to stylize a very special retreat. The design incorporated a full-size pool deck, cabana, courtyard and waterfall feature.

Backyard Landscaped and Designed with Bomanite Concrete Systems, Exposed Aggregate, Bomanite Revealed, Bomanite Antico Process, Bomanite Imprinted Concrete, Bomanite Thin-Set Overlay creating entertaining spaces, courtyards, pool decks and cabanas

As you step out the back of the house, you have a BBQ and dining area to catch some great sunsets. At the next level you are greeted with an infinity water feature that cascades down to the main entertaining area creating a beautiful waterfall, providing that serenity of being in the great outdoors. The steps and landing leading to the main area are cast-in-place concrete treated with the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Revealed System that is also used throughout the courtyard and pool deck.

The steps are encompassed by unique hand carved, embossed cast-in-place concrete retaining walls that are 12-14” thick with top caps done with the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Antico Process System that is seeded with fine glass to add a bit of sparkle. The Antico Process works well with lighter colors that are often used for pool decks and other areas where light reflectivity is desired and is comparable in appearance to natural travertine or manufactured cast stone, a perfect complement to the retaining walls. The wall stone sizes and coloration were chosen to resemble European Castles and provide an old-world charm backdrop for the complete space.

As you step down into the courtyard, slabs of White Bomanite Revealed were cast and surrounded with planting pockets and inlays of grass. The strips of grass help with drainage and break up the expanse of concrete, while providing warmth to an outdoor living space, to enjoy a rushing waterfall and cozy fire pit, for full relaxation.

Designing so that each area has a different function maximizes space and use. The Cabana offers a place of protection from inclement weather and brings the feeling of family gathering in the kitchen. It includes a fridge, gas fireplace and flat screen TV. Perfect elements for a perfect cozy getaway or summertime party. The cast-in-place concrete countertop was created with a 4” edge and overhang. The surface was hand applied with Bomanite Color Hardeners for additional strength and durability while picking up the hue of the retaining walls. It was then textured to resemble natural stone with real stone pieces embedded on the corners for a decorative element.

The Interior Cabana floor was created with the Bomanite Imprinted Concrete System using an Integral gray color, stamped with the Bomacron Slate Texture pattern and then antiqued and color washed in a darker gray. The Cabana walls consisted of the Bomanite Topping Systems Overlay – Bomanite Thin-Set, which was vertically embossed and textured to resemble wood plank using the Bomacron 11 ½” Boardwalk pattern. The apex of the walls utilized a carved plaster and created relief of over 3” in some areas and embossed to resemble a cleft stone, all done in a natural gray to compliment the flooring. Family and friends can enjoy conversation, food, a book or a swim in the great pool.

The pool deck and its coping utilized the Bomanite Revealed System to provide increased surface and slip resistance, a benefit when using the Exposed Aggregate System. A White Base, hand seeded with Georgia white marble in two sizes and then exposed, produced the surrounding deck that brings light and coolness on a very hot 100 degree summer day. Bomanite Revealed is available in light-reflective formulations reducing heat island effect, making the pool deck walkable and not hot to the touch.

This backyard resort has something for everyone, whether a pool party, family celebrations, intimate gatherings or just relaxing in the great outdoors. Bomanite Decorative Concrete can create the look and feel you imagined, welcoming one or all.

Awards: 2018 Best Bomanite Specialty Project – Bronze Award

Lenexa Creates Colorful Festival Plaza with Bomanite Decorative Concrete

October 29, 2018

Lenexa City has developed and opened a 300,000 plus-square-foot mixed-use campus, that includes a new City Hall, Park University, a Public Market, and a community Rec Center along with public gathering spaces. Bomanite Licensee, Musselman & Hall Contractors, had the opportunity to work with PGAV Architects and Plaid Collaborative on the design of the pedestrian plaza as part of the Civic Center.

PLAID collaborated worked with the City and PGAV to design outdoor spaces to express as they noted a “prairie deconstructed theme, which embodies the spirit and character of the native prairie (landform, geology, and vegetation) and the history of Lenexa in a contemporary, sustainable, and sophisticated motif.” The three primary outdoor spaces created were the Festival Plaza (a large plaza for public gatherings and celebrations), the Vista (a space for activities that support the adjacent community recreation center and farmers market), and the Strata (a collection of intimate spaces for City Hall and public market patrons). The idea was for each space to have different uses, different scale and configuration but a common pallet of materials, furnishings, and details were woven through the design to complement the building architecture, provide visual continuity, and reinforce an overall sense of place.

The Festival plaza incorporated 13,000 square feet of the Bomanite Sandscape Texture Exposed Aggregate System and then was stained with pops of vibrant and subtle colors of Bomanite Con-Color that were cohesive with the overall design. The detailed stain pattern created unique challenges and used four colors: Travertine Beige, Franciscan Red, French Gray, and Gunmetal Gray. Once the color was in place the plaza was sealed with Bomaseal C-18 to help withstand the outside elements of weather and human traffic.

The center piece of the project was the 700 square feet History Node. The Bomanite Alloy Exposed Aggregate System in Natural Gray was chosen for this portion of the plaza, installed, and then engraved with 23 significant names, dates, and events unique to the history of Lenexa. The text was of varying scale from 4” to 9” tall. Layout and execution was critical, and accuracy was of the utmost importance.

The project conception was citizen-led and has helped Lenexa visualize their dream of starting a new downtown. This is a beautiful project and exhibits the potential and beauty of quality Bomanite Decorative Concrete. To view more photos and project details check out the project video.

Category Archives: Courtyards

Architectural Concrete & Design’s Courtyard Creation at Utah State Board of Education

Two-Phase Pour Precision and Expertise

Durability Meets Design

Belarde Beautified Bank of America Plaza Courtyard

Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Transforms Terrains

Bomanite Licensees Leverage Training and Expertise

Colorado Hardscapes Executes Expert Installation of Bomanite Sandscape Refined

Bomanite Sandscape Refined Showcases Product Consistency

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Carolina Bomanite Creates Stunning Bomanite Stamped Concrete Hardscape at Mauldin Courtyard Marriott

Unsurpassed Selection and Superiority

Challenges Faced

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Colorado Hardscapes Earns Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Award for Outstanding Work on the CoLab LEED Gold Co-housing Community Development

Bomel Construction Receives Gold for their installation of Bomanite Revealed for the Flight at Tustin Legacy

Connecticut Bomanite Systems Earns Bomanite Imprint Award for Commerical Plaza Renovation

Concrete Arts, Inc. Wins Award for Backyard Resort Designed with Multiple Bomanite Concrete Systems

Lenexa Creates Colorful Festival Plaza with Bomanite Decorative Concrete

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