Design Focus – Concrete

Concrete has been used to build with for thousands of years. 2000 years ago one of the most impressive structures made by man was created out of concrete: the Pantheon. This incredible structure used architectural elements far ahead of its time, and to this day remains the largest un-reinforced concrete dome in existence.

The Brutalist Movement in architecture, flourishing between the 50’s and 70’s, saw a huge resurgence in the use of concrete. Huge, domineering structures, made of concrete and brick emerged. Typically used by governments and universities they represent unyielding power and a flash of materialism. Large and unapologetic. brutalist architecture does not attempt to hide its use of concrete, as concrete itself is a representation of the unpretentious and honest aspect to brutalism.

More lately though, as part of the industrial chic design movement, concrete has found its way into the home. Most commonly used as flooring it somehow combines a cold and hard appearance while still being warm and inviting. One reason for this could be due to the way concrete in perceived as having human like qualities. Brandon Gore, of the Gore Design Co, who work almost exclusively with concrete, says:

‘It is a story within a material. Concrete combines the bounty the world gives us, with a human and moving meditation that allows its manufacture. Concrete is honest. When it is made well, a virtuous process makes it. It has flaws to be sure. It will change with use and age.’

The surface appearance of concrete is imperfect, with flecks of colour changes and swirls and patterns not instantly noticeable. Once warm, concrete will hold heat incredibly well, making it very welcoming.

Different types and grades of concrete have different hues and colours. Typically when we think of concrete we imagine it grey, but it can hues of blue, orange, white, brown and reds. Different surface finishes can be achieved by brushing or embossing it, mixing salt in with the mixture leaves a slightly pock marked surface and the aggregate can be exposed by sandblasting the surface cement.

Concrete is not solely found of floors however. It can work fantastically as work surfaces, sinks and other utilitarian areas. It is also finding its way into other areas, such as decoration and furniture. It can be combined with wood and metal to wonderful effect. There are design agencies who solely use concrete as a material to build with.

See our new Pinterest board dedicated to the design and use of concrete in the home – www.pinterest.com/interiorgoods/concrete-jungle/