Category Archives: Pool Decks

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.

Bomanite of Tulsa Creates Bomanite Alloy Geometric Shaped Pool Deck Design for Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

November 20, 2019

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a four-diamond property, located in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area made waves with the opening of their new resort swimming pool. The latest addition, along with the opening of a luxury spa, provides hotel guests an opportunity to relax and refresh. At 100 feet long and more than 3,400 square feet, the adult pool features a Baja shelf that holds 20 in-pool lounge chairs coupled with a 20-person hot tub.

Hard Rock Casino located in Tulsa, OK makes waves with Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Alloy Finish for the Stylish, Architectural Concrete Pool Deck in two Bomanite Color Hardener and Integral Color Geometric shapes installed by Bomanite of Tulsa, Inc.

At poolside, guests have the opportunity to rent luxury cabanas and day beds and utilize loungers and fire pits. There is also a live entertainment area and a full-service bar offering a variety of frozen drinks and color-changing, bottoms-up centerpiece drink dispensers. The new pool area is a contemporary design created by Howell and Vancuren Landscape Architects, Allison Landscape & Pools and Bomanite Licensee, Bomanite of Tulsa, Inc. The almost 10,000 square feet of pool deck design is comprised of various geometric shapes installed by Bomanite of Tulsa, Inc. with two Bomanite Alloy Exposed Aggregate System Colors, Nickel Gray and Gobi Desert.

Bomanite Alloy is an architectural exposed concrete with varying exposure depths using non-native quartz and decorative aggregates that are surface seeded on concrete. With its’ low life cycle cost, Bomanite Alloy is a win for hotel casino pool decks, exterior walkways and access paths, providing improved wear resistance for light-to moderate-duty vehicular or foot traffic that comes with the daytime hard rock club goers, wedding venues or corporate events and concerts.

The Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Alloy finish specified, provided a perfect slip resistant, durable, low maintenance surface for the well-known gaming hotel, creating a cohesive deck area that sparkles with the nighttime glitz and glam of a casino with a look that is complimentary to the design vocabulary of the project. Bomanite Alloy is a suitable Bomanite Decorative Concrete choice for architectural luxury designs, posh, sleek and stylish!

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa joined the exclusive ranks of the best hospitality establishments in the country, earning the American Automobile Association’s most coveted distinction, the Four Diamond Rating. According to AAA, a Four Diamond property is one that is “refined, stylish with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities, and high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.” It’s no wonder that the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was recently voted Tulsa World’s Best in the World Hotel 2019!

ADDITIONAL AWARDS: Bomanite of Tulsa, Inc. won the 2017 Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Project Bronze Award

Colorado Hardscapes Earns Silver using Bomanite Imprint Systems for Impressive Gaylord Rockies Resort

November 6, 2019

With a convenient location on the edge of the Front Range, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center offers a welcome reprieve from the usual. The hotel showcases the state’s alpine charm through every nature-inspired detail of the property. The Gaylord Resort is Colorado’s largest hotel built to date and was the largest hotel project under construction in the US during 2018. It was also the largest project Bomanite Licensee, Colorado Hardscapes installed in 2018 with over 150,000 Square feet of architectural concrete imprint and flatwork placed.

Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center Creates Rustic Colorado Nature Inspired Environment with Bomanite Systems in Aurora, CO

The 1,501-room resort is joined by a 485,000 Square foot convention center and an extensive indoor/outdoor water park on a sprawling 85-acre site. Recreational facilities include a 800-foot lazy river, expansive event lawns, a resort style outdoor pool, 22,000-square-foot indoor pool venue with slides, tennis courts, pool bar, putting course and a basketball court. The outdoor space is planted with native vegetation and includes walking paths.

Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center builds rustic coloradan environment with Bomanite Imprint Systems of Stamped Slate and Stamped Brick patterns for interior Grand Lodge Restaurants and Walkways

Colorado Hardscapes’ scope for the architects flooring and hardscape plans included the incredible Grand Lodge atrium, decks for two pools and the lazy river, all hotel and convention center entrances, and the west event center lawn and convention center sidewalks. A variety of Bomanite products and techniques were integrated to create multi-dimensional surfaces for this highly-animated rustic environment. Defining the right combination of materials, finishes, imprints, colors, hardeners and many other variables was no small effort. Three rounds of product samples and pricing were considered in pre-construction before finally arriving at the specified package.

In the Grand Lodge, the Bomacron Small Random Slate imprint pattern created a textured, rock walkway. Careful placement, impression-by-impression, assured a deliberately, on-repetitive, natural-looking result. Conversely, incorporating the Bomacron Running Bond Belgian Block imprint required rigorous placement precision to achieve an intentionally consistent look. Both imprints required extensive layout preplanning, consideration of mix-design constraints related to accessing work areas, and coordination with other trades.

Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center builds nature inspired water park complex, interior flooring, entrances and walkways with Bomanite Exposed Aggregate System, Bomanite Sandscape Texture in Aurora, CO

Across the sprawling site, the Bomanite Sandscape Texture Exposed Aggregate System was mixed with three different integral colors to produce a high-profile hardscape surface that feels great under bare feet for the indoor/outdoor pool decks and compliments the natural surroundings for the installed hardscape. Because the dry, loose soil of the Colorado prairie is difficult to grade and doesn’t hold moisture well, the Colorado Hardscape crews took special care to compact and re-compact work areas during site preparation to confidently assure long-lasting work. Crews completed a massive 21,000 hours while working together in three to four different areas around the site at the same time. The biggest challenge of this project was that the vast site and the enormous building required a multitude of trades to be working almost everywhere simultaneously.

Setting it apart from other similarly-sized resorts, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center was designed to authentically capture a local sense of place. The resort’s interior design and décor is modeled after aspects iconic to Colorado – everything from cascading waterfalls over boulders and local nature artwork to native landscaping and elevators designed to look like old mine shafts. These planned elements carry over into guest rooms, with aspen tree-inspired carpets, lumberjack plaid print pillows and hiking and camping maps in the closets. The Convention Center includes charming Colorado details sprinkled throughout which represent ski tracks, snow drifts and snowflakes. The Bomanite Imprint Systems and Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Sandscape Texture were the perfect Bomanite Decorative Concrete aspects to add cohesion with the interior flooring and exterior hardscapes of this native Coloradan built resort.

Colorado Hardscapes dedication to serving clients, constant communication, and relentless commitment to high-quality set the stage for success on this once in a lifetime project. Colorado Hardscapes was awarded the Bomanite Imprint Systems 2018 Silver Award for their impressive natural looking precise installation at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center.

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

Residential Remodel; A Designer Backyard Entertainment Space

January 11, 2019

Dreaming of a place to lounge, entertain and relax? This is entertaining at its best. The Homeowners wanted an entertainment space that would work for friends, family and client gatherings. After a visit to the local Bomanite Licensees showroom, Heritage Bomanite, located in Fresno, Ca. to review samples, colors, and systems they knew they could bring their grand vision to life. In wanting to create a backyard oasis, they chose several different systems in complimenting colors that provided an enticing atmosphere for outdoor living year round.

Bomanite Designer Backyard Ideal for Enterntaining with Imprinted Concrete Pool Deck and Exposed Aggregate Antico Firepit Seating and Cabana Flooring

The expansive backyard pool deck and patio of 2,200 square feet were cast-in-place and stamped with the Bomacron Slate Texture for the majority of the space. Bomanite Sand Color Hardener with a Bomanite Light Brown Release Agent were used to provide a natural look for the Slate pattern. The textured concrete deck provides slip-resistance and durability. Two important benefits of the Bomanite Imprint System.

The Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Antico Process System was incorporated and used to separate the gathering areas, creating cozy niches. The stacked stone outdoor firepit visiting spot with seat walls and steps were given the decorative concrete treatment as well.

The Cabana houses a hi-end Top Chef’s kitchen with a polished concrete countertop, built in fireplace, four TV’s, hanging heaters and multiple places for dining, visiting and entertaining top-notch guests. The flooring for the seating area was proposed using the Antico Process in Bomanite Light Brown color with Sawcuts to provide that element of separation and design.

Comparable in appearance to natural travertine or manufactured cast stone, the Antico Process can emulate and compliment these types of higher end finishes in a cost-effective fashion, providing that designer feel and look. The Exposed Aggregate Antico Process is best suited for exterior applications and works well with the Bomanite Imprint Systems, stamped concrete in lighter colors that are often used for pool decks, patios and other areas where light reflectivity is desired.

The homeowner’s remodel also included a pool waterfall, a Bocce Ball court and outdoor restroom to complete the overall design; making entertaining a breeze and a dream a reality!

Bomanite Alloy Exposed Aggregate System Gives you The Edge on Design

May 8, 2018

The Edge at East Village Apartments, known as Hartford Commons, is a high end residential complex that offers everything one would need to live life to the fullest. Downtown Tulsa’s newest luxury apartments are within walking distance of the historic Brady Arts District, the Blue Dome District and Tulsa Performing Arts Center and offers amenities for an active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy a workout in the 24/7 state-of-the-art exercise facility, relax in the large swimming pool with a tanning ledge, plan social get-togethers or family outings in the outdoor kitchen and BBQ grill area.

The Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Alloy System is a perfect match for the luxury living at The Edge at East Village Apartments. Bomanite Licensee, Bomanite of Tulsa worked with the designers at Alaback Design Associates and after reviewing samples, they chose Bomanite Alloy for its highly architectural reflective properties and surface slip-resistance qualities for the apartment pool deck. The pool coping was placed using Bomanite Alloy as well. Radius saw cuts were incorporated into the design to continue the detail of the pool.

Bomanite Alloy is a unique alternative to other decorative concrete finishes. Its low life cycle cost is a bonus for multi-unit complex developers, providing improved wear resistance for light- to moderate-duty vehicular or foot traffic, assisting in low maintenance for the heavily used patio and pool deck areas of the The Edge Apartments. Due to the use of Bomanite Sand Color Hardener, these highly durable surfaces are available in a wide range of aggregates and permanent light fast colors to help reduce heat island effect. Bomanite Alloy is highly sustainable as well as a suitable choice for architectural luxury designs.

The Edge Luxury Apartments in Tulsa installed Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Alloy System Concrete Pool Deck — Hartford Commons The Edge Apartments – Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Alloy System Pool Deck

Bomanite Sandscape – an Environmentally Conscious Application for Waterparks

December 22, 2017

The Hilton Anatole Hotel is a landmark that spans 45 lush acres in the Dallas Design District just north of downtown. The hotel was constructed in 1979. The hotel has over 1600 guest rooms, ballrooms, five dining venues, a spa and health club, outdoor pool and 7-acre private Sculpture Garden. The hotel is host to many events, conferences, and conventions.
In 2015, Hilton broke ground on Jade Waters, a $20 million seasonal resort pool complex, utilizing 4 of the 7 acres of garden space. Jade Waters features a lazy river, two 180’ water slides, a children’s area and activity pool, leisure pool, swim-up bar and full-service restaurant. Cabanas and day beds are available in addition to the ample lounge seating. Jade Waters is exclusively for the use of hotel guests and health club members.

General Contractors, T&G Constructors, contacted Bomanite Licensee, Texas Bomanite in the Design Development phase of the project to work with Landscape Architecture firm TBG’s design team to provide finish options and budgeting to T&G Constructors. The hardscape portion of the project contains 60,000 square feet. Texas Bomanite provided Sample Boards of concrete finishes to TBG prior to full-size mockups being constructed on-site. Two finishes from the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and three different colors were selected by TBG and Hilton from the jobsite mockups. The finishes were Bomanite Sandscape and Bomanite Sandscape Refined systems. The Bomanite Refined finish was also combined with a Bomanite Custom Imprint System to create a unique finish for the area of the project bounded by the Lazy River and referred to as the “Big Island”. This finish was also installed at the “Beach Entry” of the activity pool. The Imprint System combined with the Bomanite Sandscape finish simulates shifting sands on a beach.

Following approval of the mockups, the construction phase began. Due to unusually wet weather and soil conditions, the project had fallen behind schedule. T&G Constructors required an accelerated schedule to maintain the July opening date for the waterpark. This required crews to work six and seven day workweeks as well as holidays for several weeks. The congested site and wet soils presented another obstacle and required daily meetings with T&G Constructors Superintendents and their subcontractors for coordination of work areas as well as laydown areas. Texas Bomanite used recycled concrete fines in place of cushion sand to provide a better base on which to set forms and pour the concrete. Recycled concrete was also used to provide haul routes to get materials and equipment in and out of the site. The waterpark and garden opened in July of 2016 as scheduled.

The sustainable properties of Bomanite Sandscape Texture make it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious applications. Bomanite Sandscape Texture mix designs readily accept fly ash or slag or other supplementary cementitious materials, offsetting a portion of the ordinary portland cement. Urban heat island effect can be greatly reduced by thoughtfully designed installations. Third party independent testing has shown that Bomanite Sandscape Texture can exceed .29 solar reflectance without the use of white cement, allowing for the concrete to be cooler underfoot making it ideal for large urban plazas and pool deck applications.

Refined Systems for Your Bomanite Concrete Exterior Designs

June 3, 2016

Bomanite Sandscape Refined, one of our Exposed Aggregate Systems, is an architectural exposed concrete system that showcases the fine aggregates. Specialized concrete mix designs, dry shake color hardener and/or integral color, topical treatments and advanced application procedures produce this low lifecycle cost system.

Bomanite Sandscape Refined is best suited for exterior applications offering improved wear resistance for light to moderate vehicular or foot traffic. Available in a multitude of standard and custom colors, including light-reflective formulations that can reduce heat island effect make this system an excellent environmentally friendly choice for walkways, pathways, pool decks, driveways to plazas, stadiums, and waterparks.

Featured Benefits
• Quartz Aggregate Exposure
• Durable for Sustainable Design
• Architectural Installations
• Increased Surface and Slip Resistance
• Permanent Lightfast Colors
• Wide Range of Color Options