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A 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)

Waves of Lithocrete seeded with colored glass greet visitors as they enter the new front entrance of SeaWorld, which was installed to commemorate the theme park’s 50th anniversary. Quarry stone makes up the land and sand portions of the pavement. Because the crew had to create the waves in sections, they had to make sure everything lined up perfectly. All the work was completed while the park remained open.

Radiant Park, Fort Collins, Colo.

Installer: Colorado Hardscapes, Denver
2015 DCC award: Cast-in-place special finishes under 5,000 square feet (first place)

The theme of earth, wind and fire was envisioned for this new park plaza. Creating fire out of concrete took an artistic approach and innovative construction techniques. Colorado Hardscapes hand-seeded yellow, orange, blue, and red glass to create the flowing flame, using a combination of Sandscape and Lithocrete. The Lithocrete flames fade into the surrounding Sandscape plaza, so no harsh joints are visible.

Tongva Park, Santa Monica, Calif.

Installer: Shaw & Sons, Costa Mesa, Calif.
2015 DCC award: Multiple applications over 5,000 square feet (first place)

The design of this 6.2-acre park is based on an arroyo theme, with the site plan matching the veins of a spreading leaf and a series of hills lifting visitors high enough for views of the coastline. The City of Santa Monica insisted on the use of materials and finishes that would withstand exposure to the sun, marine air, and winds. Hardscape finishes include 117,000 square feet of flatwork created using Lithocrete quarried stone and original Lithocrete as well as over 4,000 lineal feet of custom texture walls. The park also features three concrete water features linked by a runnel flowing through the park. All the concrete was tinted with a custom integral color.


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