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- Combining Decorative Elements with Exposed Aggregate
- Ideas for Enhancing Exposed Aggregate Concrete
- Exposed Aggregate Concrete Leads to an Ocean of Discovery
- Protecting and Maintaining Exposed Aggregate
- Exposed Aggregate Sealers
The New Look of Exposed Aggregate
Architectural concrete paving offers an upscale alternative to traditional exposed aggregateA close-up of Lithocrete architectural concrete paving installed at Radiant Park, Fort Collins, Colo.
Imagine exposed-aggregate designs painted onto concrete with the brush of an artist, and you’ll get an idea of what can be achieved with architectural concrete paving - a new trend that’s becoming popular for theme parks, plazas, public walkways, and other commercial and municipal applications.
Architectural concrete paving systems, such as Lithocrete and Sandscape Texture, are patented finishes that combine structural concrete with surface-seeded decorative aggregates. Almost any type of durable aggregate can be used including crushed granite, colored glass, seashells, beach pebbles, gems and minerals, and mica dust, resulting in an endless variety of texture and color combinations. The aggregate is fully embedded during the concrete pour so it won’t delaminate or wear away, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Because of the complexity of these systems, they can only be installed by licensed and trained contractors. Their mastery of the process has resulted in stunning work, with many projects receiving accolades for creativity and attention to detail. Here are examples of three architectural concrete paving projects that recently won top awards from the Decorative Concrete Council.
SeaWorld San Diego, Calif.
Installer: T.B. Penick & Sons, San Diego
2015 DCC award: Multiple applications over 5,000 square feet (second place)
Radiant Park, Fort Collins, Colo.
Installer: Colorado Hardscapes, Denver
2015 DCC award: Cast-in-place special finishes under 5,000 square feet (first place)
Tongva Park, Santa Monica, Calif.
Installer: Shaw & Sons, Costa Mesa, Calif.
2015 DCC award: Multiple applications over 5,000 square feet (first place)