Category Archives: Grasscrete

Bomanite of Wisconsin Builds Bellin Health’s Grasscrete

July 15, 2024

Bellin Health, founded in 1908, Bellin Health has grown to become a comprehensive healthcare system, offering a wide range of medical services and specialties. With a mission to improve the health and well-being of the community, Bellin Health has consistently embraced innovation and advanced medical practices. The latest project, focusing on installing an emergency vehicle access area around one of their buildings, is a testament to their commitment to safety and preparedness. For this crucial project, Bellin Health partnered with Miron Construction as the General Contractor, HGA as the Project Designer, and Bomanite of Wisconsin for the installation of the Bomanite Pervious Concrete Systems – Grasscrete®.

Complex Challenges: Curb, Climb, and Coordination

The project was not without its complexities. Multiple slopes resulting from the curb layout presented a significant challenge. Additionally, scheduling conflicts with other trades working simultaneously on-site complicated access and coordination. Educating the contractor on the specific uses and benefits of the Grasscrete® system was another crucial step. Despite these hurdles, the Bomanite of Wisconsin creative concrete skilled team remained focused and dedicated. Detailed planning and proactive communication were key to overcoming these obstacles. The result was a seamless integration of Grasscrete® into the emergency access design.

Grasscrete® Green and Groundbreaking

Grasscrete®, a Bomanite Pervious Concrete System, offers numerous benefits that make it an ideal choice for such projects. It is a cast-in-place, monolithic, pervious concrete pavement that is continuously reinforced, providing superior structural integrity. Grasscrete® serves as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete, offering various landscape solutions while maintaining a sustainable green product design. It is versatile, suitable for emergency access lanes, delivery routes, overflow parking, and drainage channels that prevent erosion. Grasscrete® has been a trusted Bomanite Pervious Concrete System for over two decades, performing well in diverse climates across North America. Its design prevents freeze-thaw and clogging issues, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Tools and Techniques

The installation of Grasscrete® utilizes two distinct techniques and three types of formers. The first technique employs a reusable tool to create voids by placing concrete around the tool formers, which are then removed from the slab. The second technique, used in this project, involves single-use formers, which are placed on the subgrade, covered with concrete, and removed once the concrete hardens. These single-use formers come in ABS plastic, or a biodegradable version made from post-consumer recycled materials. These innovative techniques allow for a versatile application of Grasscrete®, ensuring it can be adapted to various project requirements and environmental conditions.

Structural Integrity and Sustainability

Grasscrete® offers a sustainable solution that does not compromise structural integrity. The system supports heavy vehicles, making it ideal for emergency access routes and other high-traffic areas. Its pervious nature helps mitigate drainage issues, reducing the risk of erosion and water accumulation. Grasscrete® can be used as an exposed surface or concealed with vegetation, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. This adaptability ensures that Grasscrete® meets both functional and aesthetic needs, providing year-round access without sacrificing the exterior’s visual appeal.

Prompt Preparation and Pouring

The execution of the Grasscrete® installation was remarkably swift and efficient. The team managed to complete the preparation and pouring of the system in just three days, followed by two additional days for grinding and polishing. This rapid progress was made possible through meticulous planning and a series of consultations with Bomanite LLC Corporate Headquarters and another Bomanite Licensee. These discussions provided valuable insights and techniques that ensured a smooth installation process. Despite being their first Grasscrete® project, Bomanite of Wisconsin demonstrated exceptional skill and precision. The project’s success is a testament to their expertise and commitment to excellence.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

The outstanding work of Bomanite of Wisconsin did not go unnoticed. Their excellent execution of the Grasscrete® project earned them the prestigious 2023 Bomanite Pervious Concrete Systems – Grasscrete® Gold Award. This accolade recognizes their innovative approach, attention to detail, and dedication to quality. The award is a significant achievement, highlighting the team’s ability to overcome challenges and deliver a superior product. It also underscores the potential of Grasscrete® as a sustainable and practical solution for emergency access and other applications. Bellin Health continues to lead by example, demonstrating the importance of safety, preparedness, and sustainability in healthcare infrastructure.

Bomanite Unveils Annual Decorative Concrete Awards Winners

March 13, 2024

Lights, camera, action! Bomanite proudly presents the Annual Decorative Concrete Project Award winners! The Bomanite Annual Conference was held in Orlando, FL, at Universal Studios, the last week in February which culminated with the Annual Banquet Dinner where the awards were presented. Arguably one of the industry’s most coveted sets of awards, each year the Best-of-the-Best, the concrete craftsmen of the Bomanite Licensees, compete against each other for these awards. Leading up to the awards evening, the week is filled with hands-on training in new techniques and products, and the exchange of ideas.

With vast knowledge and years of experience, these Bomanite craftsmen define decorative concrete. Strong. Durable. Artistic. Creative. Bomanite Licensees work on anywhere from multimillion-dollar commercial projects to affordable residential housing, new builds, improvements, and everything in between.

Colorado Hardscapes received the GRAND AWARD – Bomanite Multiple Systems for their strikingly beautiful and masterful installation at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO, which honors each branch of the services. Colorado Hardscapes’ dedication to excellence, innovation, and collaboration led to the creation of a truly unique and moving space that encompasses a range of decorative concrete products. From the realistic look of the USS Colorado battleship to the intricate design of the Story Wall, every element of this Memorial reflects Colorado Hardscapes’ unwavering commitment to remembering those who served our country. The multiple Bomanite Systems used were:

Bomanite Imprint Systems – Running Bond Belgian Block, 6” Boardwalk, Sandstone Texture
Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, Bomanite Sandscape Refined
Bomanite Toppings Systems – MicroTop XT

Jeffco Concrete Contractors, Inc., received the Best Bomanite Imprint Systems Project GOLD AWARD for their captivatingly classy craftsmanship of Bomanite Imprinted decorative concrete using the Bomanite Small Random Slate pattern at the Croatian American Society Cultural Center in Bell Chase, LA. The clients wanted an exterior space to host their numerous events. Using Bomanite Coquina integral color with a Bomanite Nickel Gray release really ties in well with the rustic wood and stone to create this inviting exterior dining/event space.

Bomanite of Wisconsin received the Best Bomanite Pervious Concrete Systems Project GOLD AWARD for their installation at Bellin Health in Green Bay, WI. This system is also known as Grasscrete. It allows for more usable hard surface while still allowing emergency access around the building and yet permitting the drain-in-place functionality of pervious concrete, one of the many green benefits of Grasscrete. Bomanite of Wisconsin took the extra step of polishing the finished concrete installation to provide the ultimate stakeholder satisfaction.

Jeffco Concrete Contractors, Inc., was also awarded the Best Bomanite Toppings Systems Project GOLD AWARD for an Aviation Logo installation at Fort Rucker Training Support Facility in Fort Rucker, AL. This 16′ logo was laid out by hand in a high traffic entry area in Ft. Rucker, AL, using a stencil and five Bomanite Micro-Top XT color matched colors. The logo was installed in the middle of August at nearly 100 degrees outside, a unique challenge unto itself. This installation gives the building’s entry court an added touch of vivid color that is destined to instill a sense of pride.

Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC, was awarded the Best Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems Project GOLD AWARD for a beautiful decorative concrete installation at Lee’s Summit High School in Lee’s Summit, MO. The project was completed in numerous phases and stretched from Nov 2021 to July 2023. Some of the stair treads were cast and stored for over a year before being installed. The project included an expansive installation of Bomanite Belcolore system throughout the public spaces and thoroughfares. This project also utilized precast stair elements with monolithic tread and riser matching the flooring. Installing the Belcolore finish on a large scale as well as in the precast treads were both charting in new territory not just for Musselman & Hall, but seemingly anywhere.

Heritage Bomanite captured the Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project GOLD AWARD for their decorative concrete installation at Valley Children’s Hospital – Phase 5, in Fresno, CA. This entire project is special to the owner and everyone who was involved. It provides visiting families with a place to relax and rest whilst dealing with in many cases a deeply stressful and difficult time. The new entrance has brought a new lease of life back to the front of the building, making it a much more welcoming place for small children to visit because of the cast in place decorative concrete hearts and flowers.

We’d like to thank all the Bomanite licensed contractors who submitted entries for this year’s award contest. The Bomanite Decorative Concrete Annual Project Awards has been a tradition for more than 50 years for Bomanite Licensed Contractors to submit their outstanding projects. Bomanite Licensees compete among the best of the best to be recognized for their hard work and creative talents. The winners are announced at the Bomanite Annual Conference, held in various cities from year to year. This is a taste of artwork and craftsmanship in the decorative concrete market that can be achieved by the Bomanite network of decorative concrete craftsmen. Additional awards were given for Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention categories. Please take a look at the award-winning projects.

2023 List of Bomanite Award Winners

Bomanite Imprint Systems

GOLD: Jeffco Concrete Contractors, Inc. – Croatian American Society Cultural Center – Belle Chase, LA – Bomacron Pattern: Small Random Slate

Bomanite Pervious Concrete Systems

GOLD: Bomanite of Wisconsin – Bellin Health – Green Bay, WI – Bomanite Pervious Concrete Systems – Grasscrete®

Bomanite Toppings Systems

BRONZE: Heritage Bomanite – Ferguson Residence – Lemoore, CA – Thin-Set Overlay
SILVER: Carolina Bomanite Corporation – Statesville Christian School – Statesville, NC – Bomanite Micro-Top XT
GOLD: Jeffco Concrete Contractors, Inc. – Fort Rucker Training Support Facility – Aviation Logo – Fort Rucker, AL – Bomanite Micro-Top XT

Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems

HONORABLE MENTION: Musselman & Hall Contractors – Hallmark Corporate Offices – Kansas City, MO – Bomanite Modena SL
BRONZE: Texas Bomanite – Texas Bankers Association – Austin, TX – Bomanite Modena TG
SILVER: Musselman & Hall Contractors – John Diemer Elementary – Overland Park, KS – Bomanite Renaissance
GOLD: Musselman & Hall – Lee’s Summit High School – Lee’s Summit, MO – Bomanite Belcolore

Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems

HONORABLE MENTION: Connecticut Bomanite Systems – Yale Peabody Museum – New Haven, CT – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture
HONORABLE MENTION: Bomanite of Tulsa, Inc. – Murphy Residence – Tulsa, OK – Antico
BRONZE: Bomanite Toronto – Hanson Trail – Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture
SILVER: Musselman & Hall Contractors – Kansas City International Airport – North Plaza – Kansas City, MO – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture
GOLD: Heritage Bomanite – Valley Children’s Hospital – Phase 5 – Fresno, CA – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture / Bomanite Sandscape Refined / Bomanite Revealed

Bomanite Multiple Systems

GRAND AWARD: Colorado Hardscapes – Adams County Veterans Memorial – Brighton, CO – Bomanite Imprint Systems – Bomanite Running Bond Belgian Block, Bomanite 6” Boardwalk, Bomanite Sandstone Texture / Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, Bomanite Sandscape Refined / Bomanite Toppings Systems – Bomanite Micro-Top XT

Premier Concrete Construction Receives Awards for Bomanite Grasscrete and Bomanite Toppings Residential Project

August 23, 2019

The owners of this grand estate in Essex County, Massachusetts installed several Bomanite systems throughout their property. The estate contains an indoor swimming pool, BBQ house, several patios and courtyards, a Barn and two garages, plus a full indoor basketball court that doubles as a Hockey Rink.

Essex County Estate Installs Bomanite Grasscrete and Bomanite Toppings Systems by Premier Concrete Construction, LLC

Bomanite Licensee, Premier Concrete Construction, LLCwas contacted by the owner to provide a solution to a badly poured concrete garage foundation. Premier Concrete Construction remedied the garage issue, and then installed the Bomanite Broadcast Flake Toppings System in a salt and pepper finish for two separate garage units combining a total of approx. 2,700 sq. ft.

Essex County Estate places Bomanite Topping system Broadcast Flake in two large residential garages for low maintenance and design

The homeowner wanted a durable flooring surface for luxury as well as off-road vehicles. Bomanite Broadcast Flake floors are multi-colored flakes encapsulated in high performance, two-component primer, body and top coats that give an architectural design and at the same time create a protective flooring system for long term use wear and tear. The Bomanite Broadcast Flake System utilizes Bomanite Florspartic 100 to create a highly durable, low maintenance surface and provides superior chemical resistance including gasoline, oil and de-icing salts.

Essex County Estate places Bomanite Topping system Broadcast Flake for two large garages for low maintenance

The Bomanite Broadcast Flake System contains zero VOC’s and is a fast track flooring system that can be applied over prepared concrete and suitable cementitious toppings to form a seamless surface ideal for residential and light commercial applications such as garage floors, basements, indoor recreational facilities, schools and light manufacturing.

Various graphic designs or patterns, such as logos, family crests, homeowners’ initials, favorite sporting team emblems may be incorporated into a Bomanite Broadcast Flake System. Flake color blends are available in several sizes and custom flake colors such as metallic and fluorescent shades, glow in the dark and silver sparkle deliver unlimited creativity.

The Partially Concealed Grasscrete system provides a cobblestone decorative designed driveway for this Essex County Estate

After working with Premier Concrete on the garage project and reviewing additional needs, the homeowner acquired Premier Concrete’s services for a Bomanite Pervious Concrete System. The homeowner wanted a pervious cobblestone driveway for the tradesmen estate entrance. The driveway needed to reflect the exterior design of the home and be able to handle storm water runoff.

Bomanite Grasscrete is the green alternative to standard concrete surfaces providing a variety of landscape solutions while maintaining a sustainable green product design used for emergency access lanes, delivery access routes, overflow parking areas, and for intermittent drainage channels that help prevent erosion.

Bomanite Pervious Concrete helps with Stormwater management for this Essex County Estate

Grasscrete has been used as an exposed utilitarian product for functional applications and as a concealed system with vegetation such as grass or native ground cover installed over the concrete allowing consumers to mitigate drainage issues while maintaining strong structural integrity for some of the heaviest vehicles to operate unencumbered. The Partially Concealed Grasscrete System provides the differential spacing you see with cobblestones giving the homeowner the look desired.

The Grasscrete single-use molded pulp formers were shaped and laid on the sub grade at approx. 1,300 sq. ft. to create the access for the service vehicles. Concrete was poured and placed over the formers and then voids were opened after the concrete hardened, allowing for grass to be planted. Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access for a variety of applications requiring structural paving surfaces without compromising the aesthetics of the exterior landscaping.

Premier Concrete Construction received Silver Awards for both the Best Bomanite Grasscrete Project and Best Bomanite Toppings Project.

Grasscrete System used for an Emergency Vehicle Access for Office Complex

August 14, 2019

The office complexes at 16845 Von Karman Ave, Irvine California received an emergency vehicle access area that uses the Bomanite Grasscrete System. Bomanite Licensed contractor, T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc. worked with Wolcott Architecture to select the sustainable pervious concrete system that would work best with the intended use for the commercial development property.

Bomanite Grasscrete Partially Concealed Pervious Concrete System is Installed by TB Penick as an Emergency Vehicle Access for Office Complex in Irvine California

The Partially Concealed Grasscrete System is engineered to provide long-term durability, low maintenance and structural strength. Access around or to buildings for fire trucks or other emergency vehicles are typically concealed with grass and defined with curbs, bollards or landscaping to complement the design of the structures and walkways. The Partially concealed Grasscrete emergency fire truck lane creates a walkway between buildings providing greenspace for employees.

Grasscrete, pervious concrete, constructed with one time use formers is time proven. Because of its structural integrity and continuous reinforcing, Grasscrete is not subject to the differential settlement that can occur with precast blocks and thin plastic products. The combination of concrete, steel and aggregate interlock ensures that Grasscrete can bear isolated loads; such as downriggers placed in an emergency situation with no support blocks. The robustness of the system minimizes the potential for failure during critical use.

The sustainable Grasscrete Molded Pulp Former System, used for the office complex project, has been engineered and field proven to bear the continuous weight of up to 114,000 pound vehicles along with such customized applications as military tank use or light speed rail track access– even when the sub-base becomes saturated making this ideal for this Emergency Access area.

Premier Concrete Construction Wins Gold for Backyard Grasscrete Pervious Concrete Solution

April 26, 2019

The residential backyard space, adjacent to an Artists/Musicians studio located in Massachusetts, required an access area to accommodate large delivery vehicles. More importantly, it required a permanent solution for stormwater management and yet still maintain landscape aesthetics necessary to help nurture the creative minds of the occupants.

Bomanite Licensee, Premier Concrete Construction worked with the homeowner in planning out the space for the Bomanite Pervious Concrete Grasscrete System. Grasscrete not only augmented the landscape architecture by handling the stormwater runoff but added benefit of a very long lifespan. Grasscrete has been a Bomanite System for over 40 years with installations throughout North America in all climate types. Grasscrete can handle the harsh New England winters and has zero potential for freeze-thaw or clogging issues. The Bomanite Grasscrete Molded Pulp Former System has been engineered to provide long-term durability, low maintenance and structural strength.

The backyard project incorporated 3,000 square feet of the Grasscrete System. A subbase was prepped to facilitate stormwater management via proper drainage and to create the outer forms of the project. Next, the Molded Pulp Formers were placed with rebar for continual reinforcement. The concrete then poured, leveled, broom finished, and allowed to dry. Voids were created to put the final finishing touches on the entire project. At the time of installation, the owner was contemplating having half of the Grasscrete fully Concealed and the half closer to the building Partially Concealed.

Grasscrete can be used as an exposed utilitarian product for functional applications or as a concealed system with vegetation such as grass or native ground cover installed over the concrete. This system allows you to mitigate drainage issues while maintaining strong structural integrity that allows for some of the heaviest vehicles to operate unencumbered. A perfect solution for this Artist Studio space.

Premier Concrete Construction won the 2018 Bomanite Gold Award for Best Grasscrete Project.

Hope Fellowship Renovates with Bomanite Colored Polished Concrete and Grasscrete Pervious Concrete

March 7, 2019

Bomanite Licensee, Texas Bomanite has worked with Hope Fellowship Church in Frisco, Texas for several years in different construction phases throughout the main areas of the building. Mycon General Contractors brought in Texas Bomanite for several architectural concrete applications that needed updating at the Frisco campus. Working with Small Architects, and Mycon, Texas Bomanite installed Bomanite polished colored concrete for the floors of the lobbies, stairs, hallways, auditorium and sanctuaries and upgraded the church parking lot to a pervious Grasscrete stone filled system to accommodate the need for pervious requirements and stormwater management.

Hope Fellowship Church Brings Color to it's Ministries with Bomanite Custom Polishing Patene Teres Interior Floors and Auditorium Seating

Hope Fellowship is a 3-campus Bible Church located in Frisco (East campus and West campus) and in McKinney, Texas with services in Prosper, TX. The Church broke ground with the Frisco East campus in April 2017 and completed the expansion late 2018 that included renovating all of the children’s areas, adding a 1,700-seat auditorium and adding more ministries, such as Hope Students, Adventure Kidz, a recovery ministry and a marriage ministry.

The concrete finishes that were installed included 31,890 square feet of Class B exposure with Level 3 gloss Bomanite Patène Teres polished concrete flooring throughout the campus interior, along with 4,850 square feet of Patène Artectura dyed and sealed concrete and 2,820 lineal feet of joints filled with polyurea joint filler. Two custom brown dye colors were selected by the architect to create a warm, earthy and inviting feel.

The main challenge in this project was working around the schedule of the parishioners and staff who utilize both the inside and outside of the building for classes, church services, and gatherings. The church asked that the work be completed with minimal daytime disruption. This required Texas Bomanite to work overnight on numerous occasions to remain on schedule. A crew of 5 worked through the evenings to complete the Bomanite Patène Teres polished concrete system on time.

In addition to the interior floors, the church was required to decrease the sites overall impervious percentage and to allow for stormwater drainage. By having Texas Bomanite install 1,800 square feet of Bomanite Grasscrete pervious concrete using the biodegradable Molded Pulp Former and filling the voids with crushed stone the criteria and requirements were met.

Hope Fellowship Installs Pervious Parking Lot with Bomanite Grasscrete Stone Filled System to Help with Stormwater Management

For more information about the project and systems used, please visit

https://bomanite.com/system_sub/patene-teres/, https://bomanite.com/system_parent/pervious-concrete-systems/, http://www.texasbomanite.com/product/polished, http://www.texasbomanite.com/product/grasscrete, hopefellowship.net and mycon.com.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Auxiliary Building Grasscrete Pervious Access Road

January 16, 2018

The Design-Build team for the memorial to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. consisted of McKissack and McKissack, Turner Construction, Tompkins Builders and Gilford Corporation known as (MTTG). The site is adjacent to the President Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial on the Tidal Basin and in a direct line between the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, and the Jefferson Memorial, symbol of liberty and democracy.

The memorial honors Dr. King’s contributions to world peace through non-violent social change. Natural elements such as water, stone, and trees underscore the themes of justice, democracy, and hope. Quotes from Dr. King’s sermons and speeches capture the essence of his message in the commanding tenants of the American Dream – Freedom, Democracy, and Opportunity for All. The centerpiece of the Memorial, the “Stone of Hope”, features a 30-foot likeness of Dr. King.

Grasscrete was installed and is used for access to the back of the auxiliary building which houses the Martin Luther King Jr. bookstore, restrooms and a ranger station. The area is approx 2,000 square feet with the voids being planted with grass. The Grasscrete pour used a Buff Integral Color to provide a cohesiveness to the surroundings. The Partially Concealed Grasscrete installation minimizes the non-pervious surfaces and includes a letdown between the sidewalk and street to allow daily access for the Park Ranger and maintenance vehicles.