Tag Archives: Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Premier Concrete Construction Modernizes Driveway with Bomanite Decorative Concrete

February 28, 2022

Perpetual maintenance of an existing asphalt driveway finally became too much for this homeowner. The asphalt detracted from the curb appeal of the residence. The driveway looked old and outdated. The freezing and snowy Concord, NH, winters meant that maintenance had become a headache and the driveway was not durable. The homeowner reached out to Bomanite Licensee Premier Concrete Construction LLC for recommendations and guidance. Premier Concrete Construction recommended Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems using Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, and Bomanite Imprint Systems using Concrete Graphics with a Celtic Braid border and decorative sawcuts. The homeowner also wanted some “sparkle” in the mix of aggregates, so mirror was used to create that effect. Premier Concrete Construction worked closely with the homeowner and aided them with their color selection.

Bomanite Systems Mean Choices

Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems, with its variety of mix designs, offers unlimited palette colors, textures, and aggregate options to chose from. Durability and cost-effective solutions are the hallmark of the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate System. Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, using topical treatments and advanced application procedures, resembles sand blasted concrete and is an economical and durable hardscape. The aggregates used in this installation, including the mirror, gave this driveway some pop to draw the eye in and created a perfect canvas for additional decorative concrete techniques.

Bomanite Imprint Systems using Bomanite Concrete Graphics with a Celtic Braid border and decorative sawcuts give this driveway just the right curb appeal. Bomanite Concrete Graphics provides unlimited combinations of geometric patterns and colors. Your imagination is the only boundary to the creative freedom of design. In this installation the Celtic Braid border and decorative sawcuts make the driveway look wider. This is a design statement that is modern and appealing.

From Heavy Maintenance Asphalt to Pride of Ownership

Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and Bomanite Imprint Systems are installed by a network of highly skilled, specially trained Licensees. Premier Concrete Construction prides themselves in meeting the installation specifications and exceeding expectations of the client for every installation. For years into the future, it will be the low maintenance part of their property they longed for. This driveway has reignited the pride of ownership for this homeowner.

Colorado Hardscapes Transforms Entry Terrace with Bomanite Decorative Concrete

February 15, 2022

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.

Musselman and Hall Solves Slick Paving Problem with Bomanite Sandscape® Texture

December 29, 2021

The Parkway Condominium Buildings are a premier luxury condo development in a very nice area of Overland Park, KS. The existing paving at the entry and on the drives down to their garages were in disrepair and were very slick in the winter. The Condominium’s Board reached out to Bomanite licensee Musselman & Hall Contractors for a proposal because Musselman & Hall’s reputation for excellence, and their ability to solve complex problems, is recognized throughout the region. The decorative concrete solution chosen was not only beautiful, but durable and practical.

Decorative and Durable Concrete

Musselman & Hall installed Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems using Bomanite Sandscape® Texture with Autumn Brown integral color and decorative ribbons of broomed Autumn Brown to accent the area. Designed for outdoor applications, Bomanite Sandscape® Texture utilizes specialized mix designs, topical treatments, and advanced application procedures. The textured effect of Bomanite Sandscape® Texture resembles sand blasted concrete with a hard, slip-resistant surface, without the dangerous release of respirable byproducts of sandblasting.

Natural, regionally selected, and qualified sands are the common aggregates of choice for Bomanite Sandscape® Texture installations. In this installation, Missouri aggregates were used. The natural non-skid properties and abrasion resistant aggregates make Bomanite Sandscape® Texture the perfect choice this project. The exposure of the fine aggregates resulted in a robust decorative concrete that has an excellent life cycle with reduced maintenance requirements.

Additional Amenities

Musselman & Hall installed in slab heating for the ramps down to the garages so the ramps wouldn’t have issues with cars sliding. On a freezing cold blustery snowy day there is no better winter weather amenity than a heated driveway ramp. It is the best and the least of amenities the residents of this luxury condo complex deserve and expect. The saw cut joints added a detail of design that is complimentary to the architecture of the complex. The decorative bands of broomed Autumn Brown concrete draws the eye to the beautiful details of the installation.

Existing Mature Landscaping Untouched

An important aspect of any installation of decorative concrete in an already constructed and existing site with mature established landscaping is maintaining the aesthetics of that landscaping. That proved to be no problem for this trained team of expert concrete artisans. Nate Harris of Musselman & Hall Contractors said, “In the end, our teams were so careful that the sod didn’t need patching anywhere. We left them with a beautiful new parking and drive area with no extra touchups needed.”

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Musselman & Hall Contractors earned the 2020 Best Bomanite Sandscape Texture Exposed Aggregate Systems Project Honorable Mention Award for this delightful decorative concrete solution. Musselman & Hall can take pride in a beautiful, practical, and low-maintenance installation that will enhance the lives of the residents and visitors of Parkway Condos both now and for many more years into the future.

Musselman and Hall Create Bomanite Con-Color Exposed Aggregate Splash Pad for Historic Foot District

August 4, 2021

Community Park, located in Jefferson City, MO is a 3.5-acre neighborhood park that children and adults alike are enjoying. Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department opened the much-needed renovated park before officially complete so that residents could start exploring the park features for family outings and outdoor getaways. Landworks Studio, LLC provided master planning and construction documentation services as part of a complete renovation to meet the needs of the nearby residents. The master plan showcases the history of the surrounding Historic Foot District and offers design elements to bring a diverse population together to participate in outdoor activities and gatherings.

A Place to Gather and Play

Community Park is unrecognizable from its former life as an empty grass plot, it has now been turned into a modern play area that includes a large climbing feature made of a complex web of ropes with a tall metal tube slide that takes center stage. Along one side runs a pair of zip lines, a unique style of teeter-totter, large net swings, interactive play sculptures, obstacle course-type with climbing bars and platforms, toddler’s play mounds and climbing logs are additional features found within the park. The full park is covered in turf, including a small hill with two built-in slides. The park has two pavilions on either side of the restroom buildings that provide shade for individuals or groups. Continuing with the decorative and fun design some of the tabletops under the shelter were given a checkerboard pattern treatment.

Colorful Splash pad Represents Historic Foot District

Closest to the parking lot is the cooling colorful splash pad with multiple jets of water shooting out of the ground. The water is on a minute-long timer to save water when it’s not being used, but nearby are three buttons on pedestals to turn them right back on when they’re in use. In order to complete the splash pad design and ready it for use, Bomanite Licensee, Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC were called in to put the finishing touches in place. Landworks Studio had specified a Bomanite exposed aggregate finish with several Bomanite concrete stains, the local winning bid contractor, Sircal Contracting, was unable to fulfill the Bomanite specification portion therefore they formed and installed the gray bands while Musselman & Hall finished up the 995 square foot pour with Bomanite Sandscape® Texture colored with seven different Bomanite Con-Color penetrating stains in Beech, Coal Gray, Mist Green, Paprika, Steel Blue, Travertine Beige and Sienna. Stencils were applied to create the historical representation of the foot district.

Slip Resistant Durable Hardscapes Create Safe Environments

When applied to concrete, Bomanite Con-Color will provide variegated and translucent coloring effects without creating a film or coating that can be worn away. Bomanite Con-Color is a viable alternative to traditional acid-based stains when a larger color palette or ease of installation is required. Preventing free-moisture migration and increased surface abrasion resistance along with no VOC/VOS content were just a few of the benefits that led Landworks Studio to specify the Bomanite product. Used in conjunction with the Bomanite Sandscape Texture Exposed Aggregate System, specifically designed for outdoor applications provided a palette of slip-resistant consistent texture and durable hardscape.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC earned the 2020 Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project Silver Award for this $2.5 Million Park Rehabilitation using the Bomanite Sandscape Texture Exposed Aggregate System with Bomanite Con-Color creating a colorful decorative concrete splash pad for everyone to enjoy now and into the future at the Community Park.

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.

Bomanite July Newsletter 2020

July 15, 2020

Bomanite July Newsletter 2020

FLIGHT AT TUSTIN LEGACY INSTALLS HIGH-STRENGTH BOMANITE REVEALED LANDSCAPES

Flight at Tustin Legacy, previously home to the Naval-Lighter-Than-Air-Station and the Marine Corps Helicopter Base, has been considered a first of a kind office development, that is the next generation of working living playing communities. The City of Tustin and Lincoln Property Company laid out a massive future plan to keep with the flight history, innovation in design, productivity and entrepreneurship. From vast commercial farming of orange groves in the 1900’s, to the military’s construction by hand of two massive blimp hangars that are the largest wood structures in the world, Flight aims to carry on this legacy of excellence of ingenuity…READ MORE

ST. LOUIS AQUARIUM HIGHLIGHTS RIVER CONFLUENCE WITH BOMANITE REVEALED EXPOSED AGGREGATE

St. Louis Union Station is an amazing collective adventure of a giant Ferris Wheel, fire and light shows, delicious dining establishments, an old time carousel, 18-hole mini golf, ropes course and the recently opened grand aquarium that features one-of-a-kind exhibits and marine environments for thousands of aquatic animals from the rivers and oceans of the world that is housed in 1.3 million gallons of water. The St. Louis Aquarium is a 120,000-sq-ft, two-story attraction built inside the footprint of a nearly 500,000-sq-ft 19th century iron umbrella train shed that is designated as a National Historic Landmark… READ MORE

Musselman & Hall Achieves Gold with Bomanite Revealed River Pavement Solution

July 8, 2020

St. Louis Union Station is an amazing collective adventure of a giant Ferris Wheel, fire and light shows, delicious dining establishments, an old time carousel, 18-hole mini golf, ropes course and the recently opened grand aquarium that features one-of-a-kind exhibits and marine environments for thousands of aquatic animals from the rivers and oceans of the world that is housed in 1.3 million gallons of water. The St. Louis Aquarium is a 120,000-sq-ft, two-story attraction built inside the footprint of a nearly 500,000-sq-ft 19th century iron umbrella train shed that is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

One of the most high-tech and hands-on built aquariums, Architect and designer PGAV Destinations train themed aquatic environment is the centerpiece of a $187 million St. Louis Union Station family entertainment complex. An immersive, virtual train ride on one of two full-size replica passenger rail cars takes guests inside the aquarium. The ride honors St. Louis Union Station’s railroad past with a multimedia experience that travels through a trip to the rivers and oceans of the world, narrated by actor and St. Louis native John Goodman. When the train doors open, visitors find themselves at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers where they can see the fish that inhabit America’s great rivers, such as alligator gar, paddlefish, sturgeon, catfish, and many more. Additional exhibits include playful North American River Otters, Shark Canyon and The Deep exhibit that is home to animals that include exotic and endangered Leafy Sea Dragons, jellyfish, a Giant Pacific Octopus and a coral reef. Throughout, hands-on opportunities allow guests interactive play while bringing together state-of-the-art technology, animal care, education, and conservation with the excitement of aquatic creatures.

PGAV Destinations, known for their design work on 50 fantastical aquariums around the world, had been searching for the right finish for the “River Pavement” they desired on the exterior plaza feature of the St. Louis Aquarium that represented the confluence. After discovering their original design of epoxy terrazzo was not recommended for exterior use, the search ended when the designer was attending a lunch and learn presented by Bomanite Licensee, Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC. Nate Harris, Business Development Manager for Musselman & Hall, shared pictures and samples of the Bomanite Revealed decorative concrete system and, as simple as that, the decision was made. That very afternoon PGAV notified McCarthy Building Companies (GC) to contact Musselman & Hall about installing the River Pavement design. Bomanite Revealed is an architectural exposed concrete with varying exposure depths using decorative aggregates that use advanced application procedures to produce a finished product that showcases the seeded aggregate. Musselman & Hall Contractors worked with PGAV to iron out the details of color and aggregates, samples were made for the final decorative concrete selection and installation of the 372 square foot feature proceeded.

To begin the installation Musselman & Hall first had to set the forms to the designed shape to emulate the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Additionally, blockouts had to be made for the “railroad bridges” to be installed later with pavers. A plain concrete base slab held down ½” from the finish elevation needed to be poured first. Once the base placed, the Bomanite Revealed was mixed on site adding the selected blue integral concrete color, a combination of 3 different colors of blue glass aggregates, and clear glass aggregate to the mix. This mixture was applied at a ½” thickness directly over the primed base concrete for a monolithic bond. Engraving of the river names completed the work.

Bomanite Revealed provides 100% exposure of the decorative aggregate with no native sands detracting from the finished appearance. The final product is a unique alternative to other decorative concrete finishes while producing a monolithic concrete slab with a low life cycle cost due to the pre-aged nature of the surface. Bomanite Revealed is suited for exterior applications—anywhere that improved wear resistance for light to moderate-duty vehicular or foot traffic combined with an architectural finish is desired. Although very challenging, the task was completed perfectly, resulting in a beautiful educational representation of the river confluence for the St. Louis hi-tech hands-on Aquarium.

Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC were recognized for their creative solution and intricate installation of Bomanite Revealed decorative concrete with the GOLD AWARD for the Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems under 6,000 Sq. Ft project for the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station.