Healthpeak Properties is an innovative company at the forefront of providing premium real estate to the dynamic healthcare industry and is committed to delivering value to their shareholders, customers, and employees. Their tenancy at the amazing 50 FIFTY DTC comes as no surprise considering the Class AAA 12-story office tower boasts elegance and sophistication with beautiful lines and amazing architectural features. The complex offers office spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass, lightwells that provide natural light in every office and core space, breathtaking views, and luxury amenities.
Curated Partnerships Equate to Design Success with Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems
Looking to create an impressive office space for their Denver based location, Healthpeak Properties partnered with Acquilano Interior Architecture to develop finish plans for the interior spaces. Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes was brought in to work with Acquilano and general contractor Boots Construction to discuss options for installing the polished concrete flooring in a substantial section of the overall space.
Healthpeak Properties wanted to achieve the minimalistic look of an architectural polished flooring surface but with uniform aggregate exposure. Since polished concrete does not guarantee uniformity, and because there was existing flooring to work with, Colorado Hardscapes proposed to place 5,597 SF of gray Bomanite Modena Monolithic, one of Bomanite’s revolutionary Custom Polishing Systems. Modena Monolithic by Bomanite is an engineered interior cementitious topping that is blended with selected aggregates, in this case 1/4” to 3/4” in size, and then ground and polished to the desired gloss level.
As Complications are Conquered, Design Dreams are Delivered
Although a simple mix, this office space had a few complications to work around. First, this space exists on the 8th floor, meaning all materials and equipment had to be moved to the 8th level. Additionally, the elevator lobby and bathroom were recessed for tile requiring Colorado Hardscapes to fill in the recesses with an inch of repair mortar before installing the Bomanite Modena Monolithic. Finally, the flooring would be placed before Boots Construction built any of the walls. Due to this technicality, Colorado Hardscapes had to form everywhere besides the elevator room and bathroom and widen the Bomanite Modena Monolithic an extra 4-8 inches next to where each wall would be placed.
These added steps are not something that would normally be encountered during the process, but the resulting flooring surface is nothing but spectacular, measuring up to any Modena installation by Colorado Hardscapes. To honor the existing joints, several sections of aluminum strip inlays were placed, and the floors were polished to an 800-grit, level 3 finish to achieve a slight reflection without being overly slippery. Colorado Hardscapes provided the perfect solution using Bomanite’s systems and products while accommodating the client’s needs and creating the dream office Healthpeak Properties desired.
The RYE SoBo apartment complex in Denver’s South Broadway Park neighborhood offers relaxed, sophisticated living with distinctive design and uniquely personal features. RYE SoBo is a community of convenience, and a residency here includes modern amenities and contemporary conveniences like a beer garden, resort-inspired pool, athletic training center, electric car charging stations, a rooftop dog park and pet spa, and a co-working venue.
RYE SoBo is perfectly located for urban adventure and provides a communal environment where active lifestyles blend together seamlessly – eclectic dives and shops, unique cafes and restaurants, bookstores, live music venues, and much more are at your fingertips. The distinct aesthetic and inspired vibes carry throughout the complex and neighborhood with thoughtful design and modern architectural features.
Bomanite Systems Equate to Installation Success
The RYE SoBo apartment complex incorporates 2,800 SF of decorative flatwork and 8,400 SF of uncolored sidewalks that were installed by Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes. Included in these installations were Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and Bomanite Toppings Systems. Working with Price Design Group as the general contractor and BrightView as the landscape architect, Colorado Hardscapes integrated a specialty scoring pattern into the Bomanite Sandscape Texture sidewalks around the building and achieved the different colors using Bomanite Con-Color in Cobblestone and French Gray. Bomanite Sandscape Texture decorative concrete was an optimal application for this installation to provide added durability while inserting a decorative element that blends well with the artistic nature of Broadway Park.
Bomanite Micro Top-XT is one of Bomanite’s Toppings System applications and has extraordinary adhesion properties and the ability to withstand prolonged pedestrian and vehicular traffic, while also providing a tough, water-retardant coating that made it perfect for this installation. On the northeast side of the RYE SoBo Apartments, Colorado Hardscapes placed 300 SF of custom colored Bomanite Micro-Top XT in a pattern created by prominent Colorado artist, Clark Richert. Known primarily for his large, geometrically patterned paintings, Richert derived his work through investigation of five-fold symmetry and quasi-crystal patterns found both in nature and theoretical mathematics. With 15 different colors in the design, placing each color was laborious and tedious, but perfectly executed by the Colorado Hardscapes team. Each color is surrounded by a saw cut to accentuate the crisp lines and enhance the dimensionality of the art piece.
You can see this beautiful work of art in person off Alameda in the alleyway between Bannock Street and Cherokee Street in Denver’s South Broadway neighborhood. Richert originally wanted to use embedded mosaic tiles in concrete to create his piece, but once he saw how vivid and solid Bomanite MicroTop-XT could make each section, it was absolute that Colorado Hardscapes would employ this application instead. Projects like this are where Bomanite products really shine, allowing the RYE SoBo apartment complex to showcase Richert’s iconic art while enhancing the iconic energy and inspired vibes of the area.
Award Winning Decorative Concrete
Colored, stamped, etched, or sandblasted, today’s architectural concrete is limited only by the imagination. Colorado Hardscapes is a national leader in decorative concrete innovation, offering premium quality and lifelong durability in their finished products. Their collaboration with late artist, Clark Richert led them to create a work of art for the RYE SoBo apartment complex, earning them the 2021 Best Bomanite Toppings Project Gold Award for their Bomanite Micro-Top XT installation.Superior service, successful execution, and unbeatable results time and time again are what make Colorado Hardscapes the Front Range’s premier decorative concrete contractor.
Market Station is downtown Denver’s newest development and includes the entire city block bounded by 16th, 17th, Market, and Blake Streets. This revitalization project combined 80,000 SF of retail, 95,000 SF of office space, 225 residences, and below grade parking. To create additional indoor/outdoor space, the Market Station Basecamp was created by activating the alley way area. This paseo features design details that celebrate the outdoor recreation culture of Colorado and offers an active space for the public to enjoy food, drink, art, and interaction.
Project developer Continuum Partners contracted with landscape architecture firm, Dig Studio, to figure out the hardscape design on the decks, along the streets, and throughout the paseo. Having successfully worked with both firms in addition to Kiewit, the general contractor, Colorado Hardscapes was selected to perform the concrete installations. Colorado Hardscapes worked with Dig Studio to develop the colors, the scoring layout, and construction details, becoming a partner in the process, rather than just an installation contractor.
Form and Function Fulfilled
Multiple Bomanite systems were chosen for this project, including Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and Bomanite Toppings Systems. Dig Studio chose Bomanite Sandscape Texture with alternately stained panels. The initial design called for a more pointed saw cut design that resembled a chevron pattern, but Colorado Hardscapes recommended a reduction in the pattern angle to prevent cracking. Determining the darker color on alternate panels of the Bomanite Sandscape Texture concrete required several rounds of samples, including a 150 SF mockup at the Colorado Hardscapes yard, which led to the use of Bomanite Paténe Artectura featuring Bomanite Ebony Chemical Stain.
The entire scope of work included approximately 18,753 SF of Bomanite Sandscape Texture flatwork. Used in combination with a variety of color and staining options, Bomanite Sandscape Texture creates consistent texture and durability, making it ideal for this application at Market Station. Furthermore, broom finished sidewalks, various walls, benches, trench drains, planter walls, planter curbs, truncated domes, curb and gutter, storm inlets, specialty sawcuts, staining, and Bomanite Micro-Top walls were also completed by Colorado Hardscapes.
Challenges and Achievements
Project challenges included developing a thickness and reinforcement that would qualify the pavement for emergency equipment access. Additionally, due to construction scheduling, the pavement could not be continuously placed, but had to be poured in a manner that allowed it to look as if all concrete was completed in one pour.
These challenges were on top of having to coordinate the snow melt system, which required an extra layer of mesh and proper placement of chairs for all the reinforcement and snowmelt tubing so that the concrete could be sawcut without cutting through the radiant tubing. The layout of the scoring also needed to meet both the crack control concerns as well as the decorative scoring needs. Despite the many technical challenges that came with this project, the uniqueness of the paseo has created a memorable spot for those living in the area or visiting Denver for the first time.
Colorado Hardscapes values the back-and-forth discussion with their clients because it allows for a better understanding of the project, reduces the chances of unexpected outcomes, and better establishes expectations. Colorado Hardscapes was specifically chosen for this project to provide a premier Bomanite Sandscape Texture finish with precise staining and complex, detailed sawcuts and rightfully so as they earned the 2021 Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project Gold Award for their spectacular execution. Their accuracy and expertise in the installation of Bomanite Sandscape Texture decorative concrete at Market Station aided in transforming the heart of LoDo, providing a paseo with a unique, urban aesthetic, and creating an extraordinary alternative destination.
McGregor Square is the new 17,000 square foot urban use facility in the heart of Lower Downtown Denver. Bringing the best of Denver to you, McGregor Square spans an entire block adjacent to Coors Field and offers various restaurants, retail outlets, an expansive food-hall, and a stadium-sized LED screen. The center of the square is the outdoor plaza, which was built to provide a pre- and post-game gathering place for Colorado Rockies fans, as well as a year-round destination for concerts, festivals, and movie nights.
Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes worked with general contractor Hensel Phelps to install several components on the project, including polished concrete benches with a form-finished face, uncolored and colored Sandscape®, gray broomed concrete, custom trench drains, stairs, and a few ADA ramps.
Bomanite Systems Provide Stunning Results
Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems offer a revolutionary approach to designing with architectural concrete, providing long-lasting durability and exceptional abrasion resistance. Bomanite VitraFlor is the standard on which all other Bomanite systems are based, providing cost efficiency, functionality, and superior style and was the product of choice to create the polished concrete benches in the outdoor plaza.
In collaboration with project designer Stantec, Colorado Hardscapes went through three generations of mockup polished benches to provide a shape that was both aesthetically pleasing as well as structurally sound and through this development created exactly what the client was looking for. The biggest challenges on-site were forming the benches and setting the grades in relation to the plaza.
Colorado Hardscapes also utilized Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems for this project. Bomanite Sandscape Texture was installed to provide a modernized, long lasting, and durable paving surface over the splashpad area at McGregor Square and was an optimal choice as it is known for the sand texture on its surface and is an appropriate finish for wet areas due to its anti-slip yet walkable nature. The diamond sawcut pattern and alternating integral colored concrete was perfect to add an extra decorative touch, connecting the two sections of polished concrete benches.
Award Winning Decorative Concrete
Colorado Hardscapes takes special pride in being the concrete contractor of choice for many of Colorado’s largest General Contractors. They are dedicated to installing top-quality decorative concrete and incorporating premium products installed by committed craftsmen, which results in long lasting, innovative, and beautifully intricate concrete.
The 2021 Honorable Mention Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project was earned by Colorado Hardscapes for their exceptional quality Sandscape Texture installation at McGregor Square. Par for the course, their superior craftsmanship resulted in durable and distinctive feature pieces that will be well utilized and will stand the test of time. Colorado Hardscapes leads by example, installing exceptional quality work on every job, going above and beyond to meet client needs and exceed expectations on every project.
A resounding round of applause greeted these talented Bomanite decorative concrete craftsmen. Bomanite proudly presents the Annual Decorative Concrete Project Award winners! The Bomanite Annual Conference was held in Snohomish, WA, in March which culminated with the Annual Banquet Dinner where the awards were presented. It was wonderful for everyone involved to meet in person once again, to see maskless smiling faces, and to get jeans and hands covered with concrete. If you want to create phenomenal decorative concrete, you have to create muscle memory by getting your hands involved. The concrete craftsmen gather annually to learn hands on new trade techniques, business strategies and exchange ideas with Bomanite Licensees from around the world.
With a 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, and improvements, and everything in between.
Texas Bomanite received the Best Bomanite Patène Artectura Project – GRAND AWARD for their stunningly gorgeous work on the Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, TX. Using our Bomanite Coloration Systems Patène Artectura and Bomanite Modena SL with Chemical Stain, Texas Bomanite was able to achieve a consistent and beautiful look throughout the many diverse architectural areas of the hotel. They provided decorative concrete flooring in the hotel lobby, levels 1 & 2 of the offices, levels 2-6, the event barn bar area, outside the event barn restrooms, and stained concrete columns in the event barn.
Carolina Bomanite Corporation, Mt. Holly, NC, received the Best Bomanite Imprint Systems Project GOLD AWARD for their pretty and professional craftsmanship at Courtyard Marriott, Greenville, SC. Using the Bomanite Imprint Systems Bomanite Bomacron Patterns Running Bond Belgian Block, 10” Boardwalk, and Slate Texture, Carolina Bomanite created decorative concrete for multiple amenity and entry areas. This project was underway prior to COVID and was delayed during construction for approximately one year. The diversity, yet cohesion, of the installation of the patterns is literally enchanting and breathtaking.
Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes received the Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project GOLD AWARD for their distinctive decorative concrete work at the Market Station, Denver, CO. Using Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems with Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, Colorado Hardscapes achieved an unforgettable eye-catching decorative concrete pattern on the paseo that draws the eye directly to the chevron pattern. The paseo is located where one would normally find the alley. There were innumerable technical challenges that came with this project including having to coordinate the snow melt system so that decorative sawcuts didn’t cut through the tubing that ran beneath.
Colorado Hardscapes also captured the Best Bomanite Toppings Systems Project GOLD AWARD for their unbelievable achievement at RYE SoBo Apartments, Denver, CO, of creating the Clark Richert Abstract Art in decorative concrete titled: Four Color Intertwine – 2021. Using Bomanite Toppings Systems with Bomanite Micro-Top XT, the art piece was brought to life with fifteen different colors, and each color is surrounded by a saw cut to add to the crisp lines and enhance the dimensional look. Richert originally wanted to use embedded mosaic tiles in concrete to create his piece, but once he saw how vivid and solid Micro-Top XT could make each section, it was absolute that Colorado Hardscapes utilize that product instead.
Bomanite Licensee Premier Concrete Construction took home the Best Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems GOLD AWARD for their dazzling decorative concrete work at Colonial Theater Keene, Keene, NH. Using Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems with Bomanite Modena TG Epoxy Terrazzo they were able to achieve stunning results on the flooring, pre-cast cove base, and pre-cast stairs and risers. All included two colors and a diamond strip pattern. Supply chain issues that would have delayed the project for five months after the scheduled to begin forced Premier Concrete Construction to set up their own shop to pre-cast 300LF of cove base and the full set of stairs and risers per spec.
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.
2021 List of Bomanite Award Winners
Bomanite Imprint Systems
HONORABLE MENTION: Carolina Bomanite Corporation – The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery – Charlotte, NC – Bomacron Pattern: Running Bond Belgian Block
HONORABLE MENTON: Connecticut Bomanite Systems – Branford Route 1 and 2 Roundabout – Branford, CT – Bomacron Pattern: Ashlar Slate and Herringbone Brick
BRONZE: Connecticut Bomanite Systems – Downtown Danbury Transit Oriented Development – Danbury, CT – Bomacron Pattern: Medium Ashlar Slate, Soldier Course Belgian Block
SILVER: Beyond Concrete – Dennis Collins Park – Bayonne, NJ – Bomacron Pattern: Circular Cobblestone/Granite Texture, 11-inch/6-inch Boardwalk
HONORABLE MENTION: Colorado Hardscapes – McGregor Square – Denver, CO – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System
HONORABLE MENTION: Heritage Bomanite — Maravillosa Senior Living – Fresno, CA – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System
BRONZE: Bomanite Toronto – Sunset Drive Private Residence – Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System and Bomanite Sandscape Refined Exposed Aggregate System
SILVER: Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC – Stowers Institute for Medical Research – Kansas City, MO – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System
GOLD: Colorado Hardscapes – Market Station – Denver, CO – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System
Bomanite Toppings Systems
GOLD: Colorado Hardscapes – RYE SoBo Apartments – Clark Richert Abstract Art – Denver, CO – Bomanite Toppings System Micro-Top XT
Bomanite Specialty Project
HONORABLE MENTION: Bomanite Artistic Concrete – WestStar Tower at Hunt Plaza – El Paso, TX – Bomanite Specialty Project – Specialty Walls
Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems
BRONZE: Premier Concrete Construction – Laflamme Residence – Etna, NH – Bomanite Belcolore Custom Polishing System and Bomanite Modena SL Custom Polishing System
SILVER: Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC – Westview Elementary – Excelsior Springs, MO – Bomanite VitraFlor Custom Polishing System
GOLD: Premier Concrete Construction – Colonial Theater Keene – Keene, NH – Bomanite Modena TG Epoxy Terrazzo Custom Polishing System
Bomanite Patène Artectura Project – GRAND AWARD
GRAND AWARD: Texas Bomanite – Hotel Drover – Fort Worth, TX – Bomanite Coloration Systems Patène Artectura with Bomanite Modena SL with Chemical Stain
The Campus at Waterview is a building portfolio in the Denver Tech Center that consists of three Class-A LEED Certified office buildings. Each building has stunning views of the mountains and offers a variety of amenities, including proximity to shopping, restaurants, and public transportation. The Waterview buildings were constructed between 1999 and 2001 with various remodels taking place since 2014.
The entry terrace at Waterview III was remodeled and included renovation of the exterior entry paving. It was ultimately decided by the contractor, the landscape architect, and the project designer that Colorado Hardscapes would perform the decorative concrete work, even though the bidding process indicated another contractor. A two-decade long relationship between Solara Designs and Colorado Hardscapes heavily influenced this decision and all parties agreed that Colorado Hardscapes was the optimal choice and only firm capable of executing the desired design.
Customization at its Finest
The landscape architect visited the design center at Colorado Hardscapes and after extensive discussion with Project Manager John Buteyn and consideration of numerous samples, a custom color palate was requested. Colorado Hardscapes was more than happy to accommodate this request, from which the final design and materials were selected.
Colorado Hardscapes utilized Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems, including Bomanite Sandscape Texture and Sandscape Refined. Sandscape Texture with a custom dark brown color was selected for the field areas and two colors of Sandscape Refined, white and light gray, were used to create the accent banding.
Durable and Decorative Concrete
Bomanite Sandscape Texture is designed for outdoor applications where an alternate to conventional concrete finishes is required. Sandscape Texture, one of four Exposed Aggregate Systems offered by Bomanite for architectural concrete surfaces, utilizes specialized concrete mix designs, additives, topical treatments, and advanced application procedures. The finished Sandscape Texture product resembles sand blasted concrete and can incorporate specialized colored sands in the concrete and aggregates exceeding 3/8” in diameter. The final product is an economical alternate to other decorative finishes while producing a monolithic concrete slab with a low life cycle cost due to the pre-aged nature of the surface. Applications include plazas, shopping centers, schools, and exterior walkways—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.
Bomanite Sandscape Refined is a fine aggregate exposed aggregate concrete system engineered for outdoor applications. Sandscape Refined is another of the four Exposed Aggregate Systems offered by Bomanite for architectural concrete surfaces and utilizes specialized Bomanite Color Hardener blends, standard or decorative aggregates, and advanced application procedures. The finished Sandscape Refined product resembles fine textured stone or etched limestone block with light sand exposure throughout the surface. Due to the use of Bomanite Color Hardener, these highly durable surfaces are available in a multitude of standard and custom colors.
Design Changes Result in Design Wins
Additionally, the raised planters also feature a Sandscape Refined finish. The planter bed walls were originally going to be pre-cast, but after deliberations between the landscape architect and Colorado Hardscapes, it was decided to use Sandscape Refined. The planter walls were covered in a light color hardener and did not require the use of white cement. The use of Sandscape Refined provided an excellent alternative to the imported precast planters that had originally been considered.
The texture and colors of the Sandscape Texture and Sandscape Refined are a perfect complement to the precast concrete on the building and accentuate the building’s architecture and design aesthetic while adding durability and beautiful detail to the Waterview Campus. The superior decorative concrete installation by Colorado Hardscapes showcases their commitment to providing the highest quality decorative and architectural concrete and their willingness to go above and beyond on every single job.
Preparing for the winters is a must in Black Hawk Colorado. In wanting to make a safe transition area from the outdoor environment to the indoors is what Monarch Casino Resort & Spa was thinking when it came time for their renovation. After 5 years of construction, the Monarch Casino, opened to the public in November 2020. With the build out managed by PCL Construction, the casino doubled its size to provide expanded amenities to their customers including new luxury hotel space, new restaurants and a world class spa and pool facility. To help welcome their guests, the casino also built a new parking garage with an attached high-end Porte Cochere.
First impressions are everything
What better way to welcome people to the luxury casino than to provide a luxury drop off area. Bomanite Licensee, Colorado Hardscapes was contacted in mid-2018 by PCL Construction to install over 14,000 sq. ft. of decorative concrete in the new Porte Cochere area. Designed by MBA Architecture (One Studio D+A) Bomanite stamped and stained concrete systems were a part of the specification from day one. Working closely with the project’s designer, including providing multiple rounds of concrete sampling and a visit to Colorado Hardscapes’ design center, the architect honed in on two different coordinating colors for the Bomanite Imprinted Concrete System and two colors chosen for an added textural finish of Bomanite Exposed Aggregate System Sandscape Texture. The mix of colors and textures provided specific visual paths to keep cars in specific lanes and to designate curbs and pedestrian friendly areas.
The selected colors and texture of the Bomacron English Sidewalk Slate were picked to enhance the stone veneer and copper covered columns in the area. V cut joints were used throughout all the concrete for the control and decorative joints. A radiant heat system in the concrete keeps the entire area warm and free of snow during the winter months. The Bomanite Sandscape Texture Exposed Aggregate System adds an additional slip resistant benefit.
Every project has its challenges
In this case, the challenge was the snowmelt system. Coordination with the other sub-contractors, specifically the snowmelt subcontractor was a full-time job for the Colorado Hardscapes team. Claiming workspace for decent size daily pours while maintaining slopes and jointing layout took a lot of preplanning and quality control. Pouring 4 different concrete types through the radiant heat system was a forming challenge. In the end with their expertise and craftsmanship Colorado Hardscapes was able to provide a consistent looking concrete installation across the entire area.
Hardscape Satisfaction
After a year of fulfilling the punch list requirements, Colorado Hardscapes was very proud of the final outcome of the Bomanite Decorative Concrete products they installed for the Monarch Casino. The Bomanite Company awarded Colorado Hardscapes the 2020 Best Bomanite Imprint Systems Project Silver Award for creating a comfortable environment for customers with timeless architecture that provides highly detailed precise decorative concrete work for the Monarch Casino Resort & Spa.
Located in Lone Tree, Colorado, the Charles Schwab Lone Tree Campus phase #3 project started coming out of the ground in 2018 with a new 45,000 square foot retail space and 5 story parking structure. Mortenson Construction contracted with Bomanite Licensee, Colorado Hardscapes to install the specified Bomanite stamped concrete designed for the main entry into the retail and conference building and surrounding drive areas. Colorado Hardscapes worked with Schwab’s designers and Davis Partnership Architects to select the Bomacron English Sidewalk Slate pattern with natural gray colors.
Added to the design was a 17’ wide section walkway of Bomanite Exposed Aggregate System Sandscape Texture that utilizes specialized mix designs, additives and topical treatments that can incorporate unique colored sands or aggregates. The thoroughfare was encapsulated with a 6” perimeter band of broom finished concrete that leads from the sidewalk straight to the conference center’s door. Detail was taken to match the saw cut joints in the Sandscape installation to the building’s interior flooring tile layout for a continuous flow from the exterior to the interior space.
The exterior paving showcases a marked handicap parking lot and accommodates a fire lane access where the concrete was poured 7” thick with rebar reinforcement. In total, 9,625 sq. ft. of Bomanite stamped concrete and 1,740 sq. ft. of Bomanite Sandscape Texture Systems were installed for not only the distinct and stunning design detail but for long-term durability and low maintenance attributes. Using a combination of imprinted concrete and exposed aggregate creates a cohesive and complementary decorative concrete element to the exterior space and design of the building.
Through many discussions with Mortenson, Colorado Hardscapes became their go-to contractor to help with other parts of the project. Along with the installation of the exterior hardscape, Colorado Hardscapes was contracted to install decorative saw cuts at two parking garage levels and asked to help remedy two board formed walls that when poured (by others) did not pass Mortenson’s standards.
Bomanite Topping Systems Micro-Top ST was selected to be the new finish on the walls. Bomanite Micro-Top ST is a two-part, polymer-modified cementitious coating that has excellent adhesion and weather resistance when applied to correctly prepared and primed surfaces. Colorado Hardscapes’ crews spent many hours grinding and patching the existing walls to get them smooth enough to apply the Bomanite Micro-Top ST. The two feature walls now accent the exterior finishes on the building and provide a smooth and sleek appearance.
The Bomanite stamped concrete, Bomanite Sandscape Texture, and Bomanite Micro-Top ST turned out beautiful and earned Colorado Hardscapes the 2020 Best Bomanite Toppings Systems Project Silver Award. Using readily available multiple Bomanite products to provide great solutions for the General Contractor, Architect and client is what makes Colorado Hardscapes an astounding partner for any design project.
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 Designsto 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.
50 Fifty DTC is a unique tower that contains a six-story office building above eight levels of parking (two underground) in the Denver Tech Center of Colorado. The area is known for its typical suburban office complex featuring buildings set among a sea of asphalt parking lots and expansive lawns. With the densification of the area the client wanted something different and design inspired by nautical nuances. The office building’s design was driven by a desire to express a strong sense of style on a highly visible property. Every material selected for the construction of 50 FIFTY was considered with only quality and performance in mind. From the handpicked granite to local artwork adorning the hallways, there were no short cuts taken, only design excellence.
The 50 Fifty DTC office building employs floor-to-ceiling performance glass, and strategically placed light wells to both maximize site effectiveness and promote workplace wellness and sustainable design. 100% covered, secured parking at 3.5 spaces per 1,000 SF, Common Conference Room, Collaborative Lounge and Work Space Areas, State-of-the-Art Fitness Center, Secure Bicycle Storage & Mechanics Station, all with expansive views and high-end finishes appeal to companies who want the amenities and style of an urban location.
Bomanite Licensee, Colorado Hardscapes’ scope of work was concentrated on the building’s grand porte-cochère. Tucked beneath a series of V-shaped structural members, the design creates a dramatic entry and is intricately articulated with lighting both above and below to resemble the motion of waves lapping against a vessel. Guests are greeted with a direct view into the marble-lined lobby through the elegant interior glass curtains. An adjacent terrace offers a semi-private garden level space.
The architects plan called for Bomanite’s Sandscape Refined Exposed Aggregate System, using a white Color Hardener and combining locally-sourced aggregates with crushed mirror glass to resemble the sun reflecting off the water for the curbs and walkways. The design called for a great deal of precision related to saw cuts both as joints and aesthetic elements. Saw-cut joints radiate toward the building in diverging rays and special, radius-cut joints were fit-out with illumination to mimic the undulating LED lights integrated overhead. Recognizing the difficulties with delivering a uniform finish with the Bomanite Sandscape Refined System on complex, curved, and multi-level surfaces, Colorado Hardscapes worked to address this challenge with additional technical training and multiple testing to produce the expected quality and hi-end result. The detailed walkways and curbs seamlessly match the interior décor which contrasts against the dark-grey Integrally Colored concrete broom finished drive lanes, creating a black-tie luxury experience.
Bomanite Sandscape Refined is an architectural exposed concrete with a very fine exposure depth. The Sandscape Refined System utilizes specialized concrete mix designs, dry shake color hardener and/or integral color, topical treatments and advanced application procedures to produce a finished product that showcases the fine aggregate. The final product is a unique alternate to other decorative concrete finishes that produces a monolithic concrete slab with a low life cycle cost due to the pre-aged nature of the surface. Bomanite Sandscape Refined is suited for exterior applications both new construction and major renovation projects. Bomanite Sandscape Refined is a perfect choice anywhere that improved wear resistance for light- to moderate-duty vehicular or foot traffic combined with an architectural finish is necessary. Due to the use of Bomanite Color Hardener, these highly durable surfaces are available in a multitude of colors, including cost effective light-reflective formulations that may not require the use of white cement to reduce heat island effect.
This Nautical themed office complex with its floor-to-ceiling glass, natural light that fills every office and core space, environmentally friendly products, water saving landscape design, creates an extremely energy efficient building. The sustainable design, materials and construction allow 50 Fifty to seek LEED Gold certification with this stunning sophisticated design.
AWARDS: 2018 Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate System Silver Award
