Located in the vibrant heart of the central business district between 16th and 17th Streets in downtown Denver, Republic Plaza is a 56-story iconic high-rise building. Built in 1984, Republic Plaza includes 1.2 million SF of office space and three retail levels and rising 717 feet currently holds the title of tallest building in the entire Rocky Mountain region.
Republic Plaza recently underwent renovations to the main lobby, lower-level concourse, and exterior plaza that leads to the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall. Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes was selected to create decorative concrete elements in the exterior plaza area. Originally, the plans called for precast benches and planter walls. Colorado Hardscapes asked general contractor The Weitz Company if they would consider a cast-in-place option instead. After looking at the numbers, Weitz was interested in seeing other cast-in-place benches installed by Colorado Hardscapes and following their portfolio review, approved moving forward with a mock-up of cast-in-place benches utilizing Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and featuring Bomanite Sandscape Refined.
One of the most difficult aspects of this project was the shape of the wall. Not only did it include a reverse batter, 2” bull nose, and channel for lighting, but it was also on a curve. Colorado Hardscapes knew that a mock-up was the best option for this project to establish expectations and to address any issues they might encounter. By utilizing custom CNC contoured foam, they were able to cast the desired shape at their design center. Colorado Hardscapes typically uses this method for their water feature basins, but it also worked out perfectly for the specialty benches.
Once everyone approved the mock-up, the Colorado Hardscapes crew started on site. In total, they installed 156 linear feet of Sandscape Refined curved benches and 189 linear feet of Sandscape Refined planter walls with a more conventional shape. The biggest challenges of this project were the difficult access and hot summer temperatures. Working right off 16th street, they were limited to only using Tremont Street for access in addition to the complications of downtown in general. This required them to place the benches in smaller loads. Despite placing multiple batches, the Sandscape Refined showcases a consistent finish and color from one side of a pour joint to the next.
Award Winning Decorative Concrete
With its superior structural capacities, faster production time, and cost-effectiveness, cast-in-place concrete offers an outstanding solution for various construction projects. Colorado Hardscapes discussed with the client how this method could benefit them in terms of visual appeal and utility features, and they were able to gain the client’s trust with their successful installation using cast-in place methods.
Colorado Hardscapes showcased confidence in their ability as a Bomanite Licensed Contractor and utilized previous successes by taking potential clients to past projects, proving their ability to create amazing results. The mock-ups they created were an invaluable resource, and moreover, by speaking up about cast-in-place concrete, they saved the owner a significant amount of money on the project while creating an end-product even more beautiful than the original precast option. The 2022 Silver Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project was awarded to Colorado Hardscapes for their superior effort on this project – not only did they go the extra mile to provide the client with resources that would gain their trust, but they also provided an exceptional product that will stand out and be a feature at Republic Plaza.
Lone Rock Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organization that supports the public non-profit education ecosystem throughout the United States. Lone Rock Retreat is their educational resort in Bailey, Colorado that was designed for the educational community. The Lone Rock Retreat campus offers a combination of educational training facilities, a wellness center, and a lodge that serves as the centerpiece of the property. These facilities are supported by 60 cabins on a 7-acre campus and a multitude of food options that are curated by their in-house culinary team. Lone Rock Retreat strives to allow individuals to reflect, reconnect, and reenergize. They provide an inspiring environment that nurtures and challenges leaders to have the imagination and stamina to transform public education and continue to make positive changes within the communities they serve.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Teaming up with Hyder Construction, OZ Architecture, and Confluence, Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes originally joined the Lone Rock Retreat project as a rammed-earth builder. They earned continued trust across an ever-expanding package of scopes as the project unfolded, making them the trade-partner of choice. Colorado Hardscapes performed almost every service they offer including walls, flatwork, pools, floors, staining, and caulking.
In all, Colorado Hardscapes placed 5,645 SF of uncolored Bomanite Sandscape, a premium sand-finish from the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems collection, a stained Bomanite Sandscape labyrinth, an 8-foot tall, specialized board-formed wall, 1,458 SF of deep-grind polished concrete floors, three spas, and a plunge pool. All flatwork installed on this project also incorporates radiant heat snowmelt systems.
Bomanite Sandscape is Product of Choice
Although Colorado Hardscapes was not originally called to install the pool deck, plazas, and sidewalks, it made sense for them to perform the work because they already had a presence on site and Hyder, OZ, and Confluence knew the high quality of work that would be performed. On areas specified as concrete pavers, Colorado Hardscapes asked the team to consider a Bomanite Sandscape finish with narrowly spaced, linear decorative sawcuts, which they quickly approved.
The labyrinth was originally specified to be installed by Colorado Hardscapes because of the intricate staining and outlining sawcuts. The execution of this project required a lot of effort to ensure the sawcut lines maintained a parallel and symmetrical shape and resulted in an impressive and beautiful final product.
Licensee Expertise Equates to Award Winning Decorative Concrete
Hyder, OZ, and especially Confluence deferred to Colorado Hardscapes many times for their expertise during the planning and execution of the hardscape portions of this project. Their confidence allowed Colorado Hardscapes to do what they do best. Moreover, as a Bomanite licensed contractor, Colorado Hardscapes had a recognized skillset and the confidence to suggest better hardscape options and technical solutions for the project.
According to Ron Pilcher with Lone Rock Foundation, “The Lone Rock Foundation enthusiastically endorses Colorado Hardscapes for their well-executed decorative hardscaping features, including decorative walls (Rammed Earth and Board Form), spa work, specialty flatwork, and an intricately stained labyrinth. It was a pleasure working with their team as they are experienced, professional, and responsive to all questions or concerns we had throughout the construction process. Moreover, their craftsmanship is extremely detailed – they take great care in making sure each project is completed with excellence. I highly recommend Colorado Hardscapes to anyone looking for a team of skilled professionals to bring their vision to life.”
Despite the extremely high-risk site, Colorado Hardscapes did not record any lost time, even when dealing with rocky, slippery terrain, mountain weather, high scaffolding, and of course, COVID-19. Ron said it best, Colorado Hardscapes takes great care in making sure each project is completed with excellence. Their diligence, attention to detail, and exceptional quality work helped set the stage for Lone Rock Foundation, providing an inspiring environment, and earning them the 2022 Bronze Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project. Lone Rock Retreat provides a space for community, one where inspiration, aspiration, and collaboration transpire so that generations of teachers can continue to make positive changes and enrich the education of children across America.
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.
Located in the vibrant heart of the central business district between 16th and 17th Streets in downtown Denver, Republic Plaza is a 56-story iconic high-rise building. Built in 1984, Republic Plaza includes 1.2 million SF of office space and three retail levels and rising 717 feet currently holds the title of tallest building in the entire Rocky Mountain region.
One of the most difficult aspects of this project was the shape of the wall. Not only did it include a reverse batter, 2” bull nose, and channel for lighting, but it was also on a curve. Colorado Hardscapes knew that a mock-up was the best option for this project to establish expectations and to address any issues they might encounter. By utilizing custom CNC contoured foam, they were able to cast the desired shape at their design center. Colorado Hardscapes typically uses this method for their water feature basins, but it also worked out perfectly for the specialty benches.
With its superior structural capacities, faster production time, and cost-effectiveness, cast-in-place concrete offers an outstanding solution for various construction projects. Colorado Hardscapes discussed with the client how this method could benefit them in terms of visual appeal and utility features, and they were able to gain the client’s trust with their successful installation using cast-in place methods.
