A K-5 school that enrolls 83% economically disadvantaged students, Chamberlain Elementary in New Britain, CT, has completed a stunning $55 million renovation that has the students exited to go to school every day. It’s not just about the curriculum, nor the quality of the teaching staff, but the overall ambiance and esthetics of a school can create a conducive atmosphere to make young minds more eager to learn. Connecticut Bomanite Systems, as part of the renovation, was contracted by the main contractor, Mather Construction, to build two front entries, three patios, and a stepped seating area, all in decorative concrete.
Planks Lead to Learning
The architect at Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc., had a firm idea of what he wanted as the final outcome. He wanted a “plank” layout, and based on that, Connecticut Bomanite guided him towards Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems using Bomanite Sandscape® Texture. To achieve the plank layout, Connecticut Bomanite made the control sawcut layout 10’ by 10’ and the remainder of the sawcuts were decorative. The “planks” were colored with Walnut Bomanite ConColor. The surrounding decorative concrete used Bomanite Integral color Travertine Beige. A consistent and very eye-pleasing look and feel was achieved throughout the entire installation.
Bomanite Sandscape® Solution Satisfies Specs
Where an alternate to a conventional concrete finish is required, Bomanite Sandscape® Texture is designed for outdoor applications. Bomanite Sandscape Texture resembles very evenly sand blasted concrete and can incorporate specialized colored sands and/or aggregates exceeding 3/8” diameter, utilizing specialized mix designs, additives, topical treatments, and advanced application procedures. The finish is an economical alternate to other decorative concrete finishes while producing a monolithic concrete slab at low life-cycle cost due to the pre-aged nature of the surface. Used in combination with a variety of color and staining options, Bomanite Sandscape Texture creates consistent texture and durable hardscapes ideal for plazas, walkways, shopping centers, schools and more—anywhere improved wear resistance for light-to-moderate-duty vehicular or foot traffic is necessary. These highly durable surfaces are available in a multitude of standard and custom options, including light-reflective formulations that reduce heat island effect. The architectural decorative concrete design possibilities are endless, and only limited by your imagination.
Bomanite Sandscape Texture is also available in the “Refined” Series. Similar in design to conventional Sandscape, the Refined Series is based on the exposure of fine quartz aggregates 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.
Award Winning Decorative Concrete
For this project, Connecticut Bomanite Systems received the 2022 Honorable Mention Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project. Stakeholders, community leaders, community families and their children were very pleased with the decorative concrete created by these innovative creative craftsmen. Connecticut Bomanite has long been known for its resolute commitment to quality and mastering the technical aspects of architectural concrete. Chamberlain Elementary School can enjoy the benefits of this project long after this current batch of students graduates and have children of their own.
