Adding value with Graphic Concrete
Concrete is a material with endless design possibilities. Working with Graphic Concrete will take the possibilities even one step further. The customers say that Graphic Concrete is enhancing the experience, the aesthetic quality, longevity as well as quality of the social environment. This aspect also matters when it comes to sustainability. A durable and aesthetically attractive concrete surface will remain for a long time before the need for transformation will occur. Graphic Concrete encourages people in the construction industry to see concrete as the primary material for the facades as well as for the interiors. Concrete can be much more than just a hidden structure. Concrete structures often have some type of surface treatment or cladding added, covering the concrete itself. This is not needed when using Graphic Concrete – which means the amount of materials is kept to a minimum.
The Graphic Concrete technology is based on partly or fully exposing the aggregates on a precast concrete surface. Exposed aggregate surfaces are traditionally made using liquid retarders, sandblasting, or acid etching. When working with Graphic Concrete, the dust inconvenience and use of hazardous materials is eliminated. The special Graphic Concrete paper used in the precast production is safe to work with and it does not emit any harmful substances. It is made of mostly Finnish wood, using 100% green energy.
The Graphic Concrete patterns have an exposure depth of only 1-2 mm. This means there is no need for structural changes, such as increased panel thickness. The amount of concrete is always kept to a minimum and the panels stay as light and slim as possible, even when patterned. High-quality precast concrete is potentially reusable. It is certain that an elaborated and aesthetically attractive precast concrete structure will motivate owners and users to maintain the building and the surfaces as well as possible. Good design is key when talking about sustainable solutions.
