A K-5 school that enrolls 83% economically disadvantaged students, Chamberlain Elementary in New Britain, CT, has completed a stunning $55 million renovation that has the students exited to go to school every day. It’s not just about the curriculum, nor the quality of the teaching staff, but the overall ambiance and esthetics of a school can create a conducive atmosphere to make young minds more eager to learn. Connecticut Bomanite Systems, as part of the renovation, was contracted by the main contractor, Mather Construction, to build two front entries, three patios, and a stepped seating area, all in decorative concrete.
Planks Lead to Learning
The architect at Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc., had a firm idea of what he wanted as the final outcome. He wanted a “plank” layout, and based on that, Connecticut Bomanite guided him towards Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems using Bomanite Sandscape® Texture. To achieve the plank layout, Connecticut Bomanite made the control sawcut layout 10’ by 10’ and the remainder of the sawcuts were decorative. The “planks” were colored with Walnut Bomanite ConColor. The surrounding decorative concrete used Bomanite Integral color Travertine Beige. A consistent and very eye-pleasing look and feel was achieved throughout the entire installation.
Bomanite Sandscape® Solution Satisfies Specs
Where an alternate to a conventional concrete finish is required, Bomanite Sandscape® Texture is designed for outdoor applications. Bomanite Sandscape Texture resembles very evenly sand blasted concrete and can incorporate specialized colored sands and/or aggregates exceeding 3/8” diameter, utilizing specialized mix designs, additives, topical treatments, and advanced application procedures. The finish is an economical alternate to other decorative concrete finishes while producing a monolithic concrete slab at low life-cycle cost due to the pre-aged nature of the surface. Used in combination with a variety of color and staining options, Bomanite Sandscape Texture creates consistent texture and durable hardscapes ideal for plazas, walkways, shopping centers, schools and more—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. The architectural decorative concrete design possibilities are endless, and only limited by your imagination.
Bomanite Sandscape Texture is also available in the “Refined” Series. Similar in design to conventional Sandscape, the Refined Series is based on the exposure of fine quartz aggregates bound in Bomanite Color Hardener. The resulting texture is known as “sugar cube finish”, the feel of the concrete mimics the texture of formed sugar cubes. Due to the use of Bomanite Color Hardener, the Bomanite Sandscape Texture Refined Series is available in a multitude of standard and custom options, including cost effective light-reflective formulations that do not require the use of white cement to reduce heat island effect.
Award Winning Decorative Concrete
For this project, Connecticut Bomanite Systems received the 2022 Honorable Mention Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project. Stakeholders, community leaders, community families and their children were very pleased with the decorative concrete created by these innovative creative craftsmen. Connecticut Bomanite has long been known for its resolute commitment to quality and mastering the technical aspects of architectural concrete. Chamberlain Elementary School can enjoy the benefits of this project long after this current batch of students graduates and have children of their own.
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.
Maravillosa at Campus Pointe is a luxury senior apartment community in Fresno, California. This breathtaking retirement community is located in the heart of the city with nearby shopping, amazing restaurants, a movie theater, coffee shops, and the local farmer’s market. The pet-friendly apartment community is also close to local parks for both dog and owner to enjoy.
Maravillosa is an active adult community with conveniences that are curated for the residents including a community garden, game room, library, and an outdoor pool area for swimming and lounging. Heritage Bomanite was enlisted to carry out the owner’s vision for the outdoor pool deck and patio and provide a relaxed, elegant space for the residents to enjoy year-round, utilizing Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems for the installation.
Safety Features and Stylish Design
Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems offer a variety of modernized mixes and an unlimited palette of colors, textures, and aggregate options to choose from. Bomanite Sandscape® Texture decorative concrete was installed to create the pool deck and patio and was specifically picked in place of flagstone pavers to create a consistent paving surface while providing cost savings and a high-quality finish. Sandscape® Texture by Bomanite is designed for outdoor applications, making it the ideal choice for the pool deck area at Maravillosa because it will provide increased surface and slip resistance for pool-side patrons and their guests.
Design Collaboration Equates to Design Success
Heritage Bomanite worked closely with Wallace & Smith General Contractors and project designer Broussard Associates Landscape Architects to create a superior hardscape surface that would be cost-effective while providing extreme durability and safety for the residents. Bomanite Sandscape® Texture is a tried-and-true favorite for both Heritage Bomanite and the project designer and to take the design to the next level, intricate sawcuts were incorporated into the flatwork design. This feature perfectly enhances the stylish, sophisticated aesthetic across the Maravillosa grounds, adding decorative detail and providing another elegant element of design.
Award Winning Decorative Concrete
Heritage Bomanite has developed a reputation for high quality, excellent customer service and superior product design and installation. They strive to provide the very highest level of quality installation, which is beautifully showcased at Maravillosa Senior Living, and earned them the 2021 Honorable Mention Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project. Their top-quality service and support combined with their detailed installation resulted in a stunning pool deck and patio that complements the exterior aesthetic and will provide safety and sophisticated style for the Maravillosa residents.
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.
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.
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.
To meet specific flooring design requirements throughout the building, Licensee Texas Bomanite, worked with project designer Architect’s Inc. in the initial design phase for First Texas Honda. The result ended with four different flooring systems to accommodate the long-standing dealerships future expansion. Founded in 1964 as Continental Cars, First Texas Honda is a part of family-owned and operated Continental Automotive Group in Austin. In late 2012, they completed a state-of-the-art renovation to the Steck Avenue showroom making it the largest Honda dealership in the world at over 140,000 square feet.
Texas Bomanite installed 95,665 square feet of Bomanite Custom diamond polished concrete flooring in the service areas and service drive. The finishes ranged from 800 grit to 100 grit. In the showroom area and service building, 37,150 square feet of custom colored Bomanite Micro-Top was installed with over 40,000 linear feet of decorative scoring. The highlight of the showroom was the Honda logo. 270 square feet of the front entry features the Bomanite Broadcast Aggregate system, and the front entry walks and bridge deck features over 7,515 square feet of the Bomanite’s Sandscape Exposed Aggregate system.
Bomanite Exposed Aggregate System – Sandscape Texture
Bomanite Sandscape® Texture is designed for outdoor applications where an alternate to a conventional concrete finish is required. Utilizing specialized mix designs, additives, topical treatments and advanced application procedures, Bomanite Sandscape Texture resembles sand blasted concrete. First Texas Honda chose Sandscape Texture for the exterior walkways for its durability in all-weather situations, slip resistance for pedestrians and durability for car parking.
Bomanite Toppings System – Broadcast Aggregate
The Bomanite Broadcast Aggregate System is a multi-layered architectural and protective flooring system with a non-skid decorative surface. Bomanite Broadcast Aggregate uses a multitude of surface seeded fine aggregates such as colored quartz, silica carbide or other hard minerals that create a highly durable, minimal maintenance surface which is easy to clean and maintain in a wide variety of environments including the First Texas Honda entry way that was custom colored to complement the recognizable Honda Blue.
Bomanite Toppings Systems – Micro-Top
The Bomanite Micro-Top system utilizes a troweled-on cementitious topping that tenaciously bonds to virtually any substrate, including concrete, wood, metal, plastic or asphalt. Micro-Top can be installed as interior flooring, spotted as accent areas, continued up a wall, traversed up the side of a building or applied directly to a street section or used for logo creation. Micro-Top offers the unique ability to cover a variety of surfaces with a wide range of colors and graphics, while also providing a cost-effective method to achieve multiple colors without the excessive costs associated with elaborate forming and design work, making it the perfect selection for the Honda Logo and continuation of the Honda brand throughout the showroom and customer service areas.
Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems – VitraFlor
VitraFlor utilizes select un-colored concrete that is placed and finished to standards required for decorative polished concrete flooring. The concrete is ground to expose the desired amount of aggregate, then polished to the required gloss level and treated with a Bomanite stain resist. The primary benefit to Bomanite VitraFlor is the simplicity of installation, durability and low maintenance of the finished floor. With no topical dyes or products utilized to color the concrete, this makes Bomanite VitraFlor cost effective in comparison to other more labor and product intensive systems and an easy choice for First Texas Honda Service Bay areas.
The Hilton Anatole Hotel is a landmark that spans 45 lush acres in the Dallas Design District just north of downtown. The hotel was constructed in 1979. The hotel has over 1600 guest rooms, ballrooms, five dining venues, a spa and health club, outdoor pool and 7-acre private Sculpture Garden. The hotel is host to many events, conferences, and conventions.
In 2015, Hilton broke ground on Jade Waters, a $20 million seasonal resort pool complex, utilizing 4 of the 7 acres of garden space. Jade Waters features a lazy river, two 180’ water slides, a children’s area and activity pool, leisure pool, swim-up bar and full-service restaurant. Cabanas and day beds are available in addition to the ample lounge seating. Jade Waters is exclusively for the use of hotel guests and health club members.
General Contractors, T&G Constructors, contacted Bomanite Licensee, Texas Bomanite in the Design Development phase of the project to work with Landscape Architecture firm TBG’s design team to provide finish options and budgeting to T&G Constructors. The hardscape portion of the project contains 60,000 square feet. Texas Bomanite provided Sample Boards of concrete finishes to TBG prior to full-size mockups being constructed on-site. Two finishes from the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and three different colors were selected by TBG and Hilton from the jobsite mockups. The finishes were Bomanite Sandscape and Bomanite Sandscape Refined systems. The Bomanite Refined finish was also combined with a Bomanite Custom Imprint System to create a unique finish for the area of the project bounded by the Lazy River and referred to as the “Big Island”. This finish was also installed at the “Beach Entry” of the activity pool. The Imprint System combined with the Bomanite Sandscape finish simulates shifting sands on a beach.
Following approval of the mockups, the construction phase began. Due to unusually wet weather and soil conditions, the project had fallen behind schedule. T&G Constructors required an accelerated schedule to maintain the July opening date for the waterpark. This required crews to work six and seven day workweeks as well as holidays for several weeks. The congested site and wet soils presented another obstacle and required daily meetings with T&G Constructors Superintendents and their subcontractors for coordination of work areas as well as laydown areas. Texas Bomanite used recycled concrete fines in place of cushion sand to provide a better base on which to set forms and pour the concrete. Recycled concrete was also used to provide haul routes to get materials and equipment in and out of the site. The waterpark and garden opened in July of 2016 as scheduled.
The sustainable properties of Bomanite Sandscape Texture make it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious applications. Bomanite Sandscape Texture mix designs readily accept fly ash or slag or other supplementary cementitious materials, offsetting a portion of the ordinary portland cement. Urban heat island effect can be greatly reduced by thoughtfully designed installations. Third party independent testing has shown that Bomanite Sandscape Texture can exceed .29 solar reflectance without the use of white cement, allowing for the concrete to be cooler underfoot making it ideal for large urban plazas and pool deck applications.
Bomanite Licensee, Musselman & Hall Contractors (M&H) worked with local architecture firm Gould Evans during the design development phase of the Garmin Expansion project. M&H assisted with the project specifications and samples. The design team and owner’s representatives visited the M&H architectural concrete showroom multiple times to discuss project particulars and review samples until the team was able to fine tune the project finishes.
Musselman & Hall placed 40,800 SF pedestrian plaza as part of a building expansion project at the Garmin headquarters in Olathe, KS. Nearly 25,800 SF of the plaza was done utilizing the Bomanite Sandscape Texture Finish, Multiple planter beds, cast-in-place Sandscape finished concrete benches, a continuous 1’ x 8’ joint spacing, and the detailed stain pattern created unique challenges to this project.
The entire plaza was saw cut and v grooved, or bevel cut, on a 1’ x 8’ joint spacing, joint layout was extremely critical. The jointing was continuous throughout the 700’ long plaza. Any variance in joint layout would be obvious and would not be acceptable.
M&H used Bomanite Con-Color to stain the Sandscape Texture portion of the plaza. The stain pattern incorporated three Bomanite Con-Colors; Cobblestone Gray, Nickel Gray, and Natural Gray. The stained Sandscape was then sealed with BomaSeal C-18.
This is a beautiful project and exhibits the potential and beauty of quality architectural concrete. This project won the Gold Award for the Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Project.
Garmin Expansion – Bomanite Sandscape Texture with Bomanite Con-ColorGarmin Expansion – Bomanite Sandscape Texture with Bomanite Con-ColorGarmin Expansion – Bomanite Sandscape Texture with Bomanite Con-Color
A K-5 school that enrolls 83% economically disadvantaged students, Chamberlain Elementary in New Britain, CT, has completed a stunning $55 million renovation that has the students exited to go to school every day. It’s not just about the curriculum, nor the quality of the teaching staff, but the overall ambiance and esthetics of a school can create a conducive atmosphere to make young minds more eager to learn. Connecticut Bomanite Systems, as part of the renovation, was contracted by the main contractor, Mather Construction, to build two front entries, three patios, and a stepped seating area, all in decorative concrete.
The architect at Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc., had a firm idea of what he wanted as the final outcome. He wanted a “plank” layout, and based on that, Connecticut Bomanite guided him towards Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems using Bomanite Sandscape® Texture. To achieve the plank layout, Connecticut Bomanite made the control sawcut layout 10’ by 10’ and the remainder of the sawcuts were decorative. The “planks” were colored with Walnut Bomanite ConColor. The surrounding decorative concrete used Bomanite Integral color Travertine Beige. A consistent and very eye-pleasing look and feel was achieved throughout the entire installation.
For this project, Connecticut Bomanite Systems received the 2022 Honorable Mention Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project. Stakeholders, community leaders, community families and their children were very pleased with the decorative concrete created by these innovative creative craftsmen. Connecticut Bomanite has long been known for its resolute commitment to quality and mastering the technical aspects of architectural concrete. Chamberlain Elementary School can enjoy the benefits of this project long after this current batch of students graduates and have children of their own.
