Tag Archives: Concrete Walkways

Musselman & Hall Modifies Front Walkway at Stowers Institute with Two-Toned Sandscape Texture Paving

May 31, 2022

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research was founded by Jim and Virginia Stowers, who sought to create a highly collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment where scientists could freely share their ideas and create a synergy that would spur great discoveries.

Jim trained as a physician and Virginia had a career as a registered nurse, giving the couple a profound understanding of the medical field and the role that medical research plays in the treatment and prevention of diseases. They both had personal experiences with cancer as well, which solidified their decision to dedicate their personal fortune toward creating one of the world’s most influential centers for foundational research. Jim Stowers said “Virginia and I are both cancer survivors and we know firsthand the fear and loneliness that come with the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease. So, it was natural to think about how we might offer help and hope to others facing cancer and other diseases.”

Durability and Beauty by Design

The Stowers Institute research campus officially opened in November 2000 after five years of construction. Almost 21 years later, the facility grounds needed a few upgrades, one of which was replacing the entry walkways. Musselman and Hall Contractors worked with local landscape architecture firm Confluence to develop the site improvement plan. Utilizing samples and mock-up design, Musselman and Hall presented the Stowers Institute with a plan to renovate the entry using Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems. Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems provide innovative systems, longer-lasting products, and a variety of mix designs that combine needed durability with desired beauty.

Bomanite Sandscape Texture was the product of choice to create the decorative concrete paving surface at the Stowers Institute. Sandscape Texture by Bomanite is designed for outdoor applications where an alternate to conventional concrete finishes is desired. The finished product resembles sand blasted concrete and is used in combination with a variety of color and staining options, creating consistent texture and durability.

The Stowers Institute needed to restore the paving under the covered front walkway and the design provided by Musselman and Hall included demolition of the old surface and replacement of the entry sidewalks with a two-toned, integrally colored Sandscape Texture paving pattern. This 7,400 square foot installation was broken into two phases to accommodate operations at the Stowers Institute.

Additionally, Musselman and Hall commissioned a very detailed sandblast stencil through Floormaps to represent the logo of the Stowers Institute. The sandblasted logo was an extremely important detail and had to reflect the Stowers logo accurately. Musselman and Hall provided a mock-up design, and the client was blown away by the detail and accuracy. This successful execution resulted in a long-lasting tribute to the couple that started it all – Jim and Virginia Stowers.

Lasting Legacies

With more than a century of construction heritage dating back to the late 1800’s, Musselman & Hall Contractors is known as one of the mid-west’s longest-standing general contractors. They have been building the surrounding communities over the last century, while simultaneously building and establishing long-lasting relationships for the past 100 years.

The Stowers founded the Stowers Institute with a vision of providing cutting edge research to help stamp out diseases and their 2-billion-dollar investment in the Institute has allowed it to continue its mission to aid humanity. Even as the second of the founders passed away recently, their legacy stands firm and their desire and mission to give people hope for a better life is being carried forward.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Musselman and Hall Contractors values long-term customer relationships, creating true connections with their customers and clients. This attention to detail and personalization of design at the Stowers Institute earned them the 2021 Silver Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project. Their skillful execution and the stunning sandscape finish complements the surrounding gardens and will provide a long-lasting concrete paving surface as well as an enduring tribute to Jim and Virginia Stowers.

Colorado Hardscapes Installs Award Winning Bomanite Decorative Concrete Details for The Charles Schwab Conference Center at Ridgegate

June 16, 2021

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.

Musselman & Hall Contractors Create Custom Stamped Concrete Boardwalk for Branson Missouri Aquarium

May 19, 2021

The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is one of the latest adventures in Branson, Missouri that focuses on fun for all. Branson’s developing entertainment complex begins with some features that visitors can expect to enjoy at the Aquarium; more than 250 different animal species, an original 5D submarine adventure to the bottom of the sea, a 24-foot high Kelp Forest climbing structure for kids, stingrays, a beautiful 16-foot view of a coral reef, two mirrored art installations that give the sense of infinite ocean life, lionfish, and more than 7,200 individual sea animals! Visitors will also meet the Aquarium’s characters Aquarius, the wise and helpful Giant Pacific Octopus, and Finn, the adventurous Golden Puffer. Not only will these animals be the first they see on the Boardwalk, Aquarius is represented in numerous ways throughout the experience.

This first phase and 21-month build was designed by PGAV Destinations, a leading master planner and designer with major attractions including theme parks, aquariums, museums, zoos, heritage sites, lodging, and branded destinations. Before stepping inside the aquarium, guests are mesmerized by the exterior of the building— Aquarius, a striking 55-foot tall reflective stainless-steel sculpture of a giant Pacific octopus. The 46,000 square-foot home for saltwater species of all kinds, collectively supports an impressive 400,000 gallons of aquatic life. This grand entrance needed a remarkable outdoor paving plan that would accentuate the sculpture and lead visitors to the main park attraction. PGAV Destinations having worked with Bomanite Licensee, Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC previously on the St. Louis Aquarium project, called upon them again for their decorative concrete expertise.

Sam Kroesen, Musselman & Hall Project Manager worked with PGAV Destinations to help develop the best system and products to showcase the architectural specifications for the walkway and entrance to the Aquarium. Reviewing samples and coloring methods to create a realistic looking boardwalk while showcasing the entrance was the goal. The Bomanite Imprint Systems stamped concrete with custom patterns to fit the winding pathway was the material of choice.

Creating a custom unique large hexagon stamp provided dimension and an artisanal element for the field around Aquarius. Leading up to and twisting around the large mirrored octopus was a custom 8’ radiused plank board pattern, creating that beach boardwalk feel. Bomanite Imprint Systems are available in over 400 differing patterns that can resemble real wood, stone or natural textures. Custom stamped concrete patterns are endless and provide the flexibility, strength and durability that other paving materials lack.

A total of 18,000 square feet of imprinted concrete custom patterns were installed using Bomanite Autumn Brown Integral Color for the boardwalk path and a 1:1 mix of Bomanite Moccasin Integral Color and Bomanite Sand Integral Color for the Hexagon paving. Initially the clients had chosen a Color Hardener sample, with the need to cut costs and stay within budget, Kroesen was instrumental in solving the dilemma by mixing onsite Integral Colors to match the color selected. A final touch of Mirrored glass was hand broadcast into the boardwalk path to provide sparkle and complement Aquarius.

This thematic installation of Bomanite Decorative Concrete offers versatility in design, long-term durability, low-maintenance, weather-resistant features and environmentally friendly attributes earning Musselman & Hall Contractors the GOLD Award for the Best Bomanite Imprint Systems Project.

Visit the Aquarium At The Boardwalk: https://www.aquariumattheboardwalk.com/

View the Buildout Time-Lapse Video: https://youtu.be/7TEMGSqxnIE

Edwards Concrete Installs Bomanite Decorative Concrete for Race Track Beach Themed Tanger Outlets Daytona

February 5, 2020

The future of physical shopping is about creating a compelling destination and a location specific experience to engage the public to generate return visitation. Tanger Outlets Daytona, working with project designer, EDSA and decorative concrete craftsmen, Edwards Concrete Company provided just that! Bomanite Licensee, Edwards Concrete, with their expertise in the decorative concrete field helped to create an ultimate shopping experience that provided the guests with the feeling of spending the day at the racetrack with a beachy vibe. Working for four months building out walkways, major thorough fares, plazas, outdoor living areas and a splash pad playground along with thousands of feet of decorative concrete curbing, Edwards Concrete pulled out all the stops to transform the 38-acre site design into a contemporary social gathering mega shopping mall.

The project designer EDSA has a winning track record for planning, landscape architecture, themed environment design and urban design. Breaking the mold of a traditional outlet mall, Tanger Outlets Daytona was designed to provide a fresh and unique appeal to their customers. The aesthetic styling is a combination of beach-industrial and mid-century modern theme with brand name stores located in the interior space that are connected by the outdoor walkways and plaza spaces inspired by the Daytona International Speedway that lies just a few short miles away.

With a circular racetrack pattern on the outside perimeter there are four standout entry plazas of ocean, beach, industrial and Floridian forest themes showcasing unique decorative concrete paving installed by Edwards Concrete, with planters and lighting that lead into an interior checkerboard pattern of sponge finished two tone colored concrete walkways resembling the racetrack infield.

A Bomanite Exposed Aggregate step plaza with light box seating and handicap ramp was created with embedded seashells to provide a reflective nature of light. Common gathering spaces, “pit stops”, create points of convergence; media lounge, two outdoor living rooms, three cabanas, lighted sitting swings, and shading trellis contribute to the social shopping experience. To facilitate the beach theme Bomanite imprinted concrete in a Bomacron Boardwalk pattern was incorporated into several of the lounge areas as well as common walking areas along the front of retail shops. In addition, a kid worthy splash pad playground and central water fountain support the family-focused atmosphere. Edwards Concrete used several ocean inspired blues of concrete colorant for the surface area of the splash pad and sandblasted the defining bands in beige to mimic the water and sandy beach vibe.

Decorative concrete paving and flooring are becoming more and more commonplace in commercial and retail facilities such as this themed shopping mall for its versatility in design, long-term durability, low-maintenance, weather-resistant features and environmentally friendly attributes. Not only did Edwards Concrete display their craftsmanship with Bomanite Decorative Concrete for multiple applications within the scope of the project, they met the grand opening deadline of this beachy racetrack theme inspired mall even through Hurricane Matthew that hit during the installation. Tanger Outlets 44^th center in Daytona Beach was up and running on their targeted date offering a world-class shopping themed experience for local, national and international visitors.

Awards: Bomanite Imprint Systems Over 12,000 Sq. Ft – Gold Award 2017 and ASCC Decorative Concrete Council 2018 Award – Multiple Applications, Over 5,000 Square Feet, Second Place

Work completed by Edwards Concrete “BY THE NUMBERS”:

16,406 man hours and 119 workdays
187,638 square feet of hardscape concrete
4,367 lineal feet of decorative curbs and bands
41,798 square feet of gray paver bases
132,091 square feet of sponged finished walkways in a checkerboard pattern
7,011 square feet of Bomacron Boardwalk stamped concrete
2,890 square feet larger than life pattern of a scanner barcode
550 square feet exposed aggregate seashell step plaza with a handicap ramp
1,872 square feet of exposed aggregate seashell bands
3,838 lineal feet of planter curbs 399 lineal feet of tree pit curbs
1,426 square feet splash pad finished with 529 lineal feet of sandblasted bands

Bomanite Toronto Ltd Creates Extraordinary Durable Bomanite Imprinted Concrete Driveway for Homeowners

January 8, 2020

The Jones family was looking to update their driveway from the standard concrete that was installed throughout the neighborhood. Located in Burlington, Ontario the homeowners contacted local Canadian Bomanite Licensee, Bomanite Toronto Ltd to discuss details, options and colors for their exterior concrete project. Bomanite Toronto had 1,830 square feet to work with for the homeowners. Along with the driveway, the front porch design was to be incorporated for an overall cohesive look.

Canadian Homeowners Invest in Bomanite Decorative Concrete with an installation by Bomanite Toronto using the Yorkshire Stone Pattern for their Driveway and Patio in Burlington, Ontario Canada

After visiting Bomanite Toronto’s showroom and reviewing several samples, color combinations, different patterns and textures, the homeowners chose the Bomacron Yorkshire Stone imprint pattern set at a 45 Degree angle for an eye-catching design to enhance their driveway and front patio entrance. Yorkshire Stone is a pattern and texture from the Bomanite Imprint Systems collection that allows for a clean, traditional Ashlar look with a texture similar to English Slate, but with more striation giving an overall Sandstone-like appearance. Yorkshire Stone is appropriate for all applications where consistent depth of tool joints and texture are desired. Yorkshire Stone has a distinct, but light texture that is enough to have a good slip resistance with a light sealer application, that is durable enough and works with the Canadian winters, great for underfoot while taking in the groceries or for kids playing outside. The Yorkshire Stone Pattern is combination of Individual stones available in both a Horizontal and a 45-degree texture in sizes varying from 6” x 24”, 12” x 12”, 12” x 18”, 18” x 18”, 18” x 30”, 24” x 24”, 30” x 30” and 36” x 36” providing a custom pattern and custom fit to any design.

Bomanite Toronto had to work with and around the existing concrete walkway that traveled throughout the residential community in order to install the new driveway entrance. In doing so they collaborated with the homeowners to choose contrasting and complimentary colors that would be cohesive with the existing walk and the house colors. Bomanite Shale Gray Color Hardener and a Gray Release Agent were chosen for the driveway and patio steps. A border was created along the driveway and patio area using Bomanite Brownstone Color Hardener. The patio steps were shaped, textured and colored with the Brownstone Color Hardener giving it a popping edge detail and adding character to the home’s exterior, matching the house nicely.

Bomanite Imprinted Concrete surfaces are the most durable surfaces of their type on the marketplace. Correctly placed and finished concrete combined with Bomanite Color Hardener results in long lasting installations that will incur decades of use. The homeowner’s choice of using Bomanite Decorative Concrete as an innovative design is a smart investment that will outlast the plain concrete installed in their residential community.

Only Bomanite cast-in-place architectural concrete provides the beauty of natural paving with the durability and affordability of concrete. With more than 200 creative patterns and an endless palette of colors, Bomanite offers an unmatched range of innovative design options to turn ordinary concrete into something extraordinary.

AWARDS: Bomanite Toronto won the 2017 Best Bomanite Imprinted Project under 12,000 Sq. Ft – Silver Award for their extraordinary concrete work.

Bands of Texture and Color Provide Personality to Outdoor Spaces

August 1, 2016

Homes are original as the people that live in them and so is Bomanite Architectural Concrete. Whether your home is a Spanish bungalow or Victorian mansion you will always come home to the genuine quality of Bomanite. Bomanite integrates both personality and product, crafting solutions to bring your ideas to life.

Bomanite Architectural Concrete is not only for residential applications like pool decks, patios, walkways and entries… rugged, long-lasting Bomanite is also ideal for commercial and municipal applications. Not only does Bomanite hold up under heavy traffic, it can add extraordinary beauty to an ordinary public thoroughfare. Whether you’re planning a residential patio, a commercial driveway or a municipal sidewalk, you can always count on Bomanite’s enduring quality and craftsmanship.