In Lee’s Summit, MO, Lee’s Summit High School underwent an $80 million dollar renovation.  The 60,000 SF expansion featured a new centralized media center, outdoor learning spaces, and an extensive transformation of the façade as well as the existing classrooms and public spaces.  The total duration of project construction took approximately two years to complete.  JE Dunn was chosen as the main contractor and Multistudio was chosen as the Project Designer.  Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC was selected to execute the architectural vision of decorative concrete which consisted of an expansive installation of Bomanite Belcolore system throughout the public spaces and thoroughfares.  The project also utilized precast stair elements with monolithic tread and riser matching the flooring.  The stakeholders chose Bomanite Charcoal Gray color hardened polished floors and precast treads.  Installing the Belcolore finish on a large scale as well as in the precast treads were both charting in new territory not just for Musselman & Hall, but seemingly anywhere.

The treads were doubly challenging with the monolithic battered riser.  They were poured upside down into the forms by first spraying a ¼” thick coat of concentrated color hardener mixed with water and other admixtures using a hopper gun.  Then back built with a lightweight aggregate concrete mix. The floors were poured as a 3″ thick topping slab.  Musselman & Hall placed a standard floor mix and roughly floated.  Then once the slab had set enough to allow their concrete craftsmen to get on it without sinking, they spread a pound and a half of color hardener per square foot.  When the hardener had soaked through, from the slab moisture, they worked it to a cream with 4-foot pan walk behind power trowels.  Eventually they switched to combo blades to get the final finish desired.  After the slabs were cured out and phasing allowed, they gave the floors a fairly standard paste polish with only minor accommodations made for the color hardened surface.  The project was in numerous phases and stretched from Nov 2021 to July 2023.  Some of the stair treads were cast and stored for over a year before installed.

Bomanite Belcolore Bold Breakthrough in Concrete Coloring

The Bomanite Belcolore system, part of the Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems, is revolutionizing the way decorative concrete surfaces are finished and maintained in both new constructions and major renovations. This innovative system utilizes Bomanite Color Hardener, which is applied directly onto the surface of freshly placed concrete.  The Color Hardener is evenly distributed over the surface and then expertly troweled, akin to the traditional finishing of concrete.  This method not only ensures a uniform color distribution but also enhances the surface’s durability.  Once the concrete has cured, it undergoes a paste polishing process to achieve the desired gloss level, followed by treatment according to the standard Bomanite VitraFlor System. This approach eliminates the need for topically applied dyes or stains, offering a more robust and long-lasting finish.  The final product is a high-gloss, abrasion-resistant surface that is distinguished for its beauty and durability.

One of the standout features of the Bomanite Belcolore system is its superior abrasion resistance, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas where longevity is key.  The range of color options available with the Bomanite Color Hardener is significantly broader than those offered by integrally colored concrete, allowing for customization and versatility in design.  This vast variety ensures that each project can achieve a unique aesthetic without sacrificing the structural integrity of the concrete.  Furthermore, the Bomanite Belcolore system is specifically designed for environments undergoing significant transformations, such as new buildings or extensive refurbishments, where a reliable and effective flooring solution is critical.  By integrating the color during the concrete’s initial placement and finishing stages, the system also streamlines the construction process, reducing additional steps and materials typically involved in achieving such high-quality results.

The application of the Bomanite Belcolore system offers numerous advantages for architects and builders looking to incorporate durable, architecturally pleasing decorative concrete surfaces in their projects.  Not only does the system provide a wide array of vibrant, intense color choices, but it also contributes to a more sustainable construction practice by eliminating the need for frequent repairs or replacements.  This method aligns with modern construction standards that prioritize both aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability.  The ease of maintenance and the enduring quality of the finishes ensure that the installations remain attractive and functional for years to come.  As more construction and renovation projects seek innovative solutions that combine form and function, the Bomanite Belcolore system stands out as a leading choice for achieving superior, polished decorative concrete surfaces.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC was awarded the 2023 Best Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems Project GOLD Award.  The project planners and architects collaborated closely with Musselman & Hall, experts in decorative concrete applications, to ensure the material’s optimal use throughout the school’s hardscape, where durability meets design.  This partnership has facilitated a tailored approach, adapting the unique properties of Bomanite Belcolore to meet the specific needs of Lee’s Summit High School.  The installation process itself was a painstaking operation, focusing on achieving high-quality finishes that are both functional and visually appealing.  Musselman & Hall’s meticulous attention to detail guarantees that the renovated areas will stand the test of time while enhancing the overall educational experience.