The Coloradan Builds Hi-End Sandscape Finishes with Bomanite Toppings Systems Micro-Top ST

Built by Coloradans, for Coloradans. The Coloradan, a mixed-use luxury condominium development at Denver Union Station sits in a prime location. It offers a place for residents to live, work, and play.  The layout of the outdoor spaces reflects the idea that the Coloradan is built for people who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle but do not want to give up the quality of urban living. The project features restaurants and retail at the ground floor as well as three amenity decks for the residents. Landscape Architect, Dig Studio designed the ground level streetscape to integrate and enhance the existing rail terminal. The 5th-floor amenity deck serves private terraces as well as a community garden, which features a harvest table, sink, and serving area alongside an orchard of fruit bearing trees. The 18th floor houses the community fire pit and pool deck; the heated lap pool and spa allow residents to enjoy Colorado’s weather all year long.

Long-term success depends on providing value that extends beyond merely doing on time/on budget work. When the general contractor, GE Johnson, began subcontracting the 19-story Coloradan, Bomanite Licensee, Colorado Hardscapes proposed an achievable price and schedule on the decorative concrete scope of work, however they lost to a lower bidder.

Months later, GE Johnson, called to inquire about Colorado Hardscape’s ability to take on the project for The Coloradan planters and seat walls that would be placed in three separate rooftop lounges because the low bidder backed out of the obligation. Assessing the contractors already advancing critical path schedule, Colorado Hardscapes determined that they simply wouldn’t be able to complete the specified decorative concrete scope in the time available that would meet everyone’s satisfaction. Never willing to simply walk away from a great opportunity to build better relationships, Colorado Hardscapes proposed an achievable alternative that worked with the schedule and corresponded with the architectural intent proposed by Dig Studio.

The general contractor poured the uncolored, form-finished concrete walls using their own forces. Thirty days later, Colorado Hardscapes crew applied Bomanite Topping System Micro-Top ST as an overlay. At just 20 mils-thick, the Bomanite Micro-Top ST coating would be negatively affected by any imperfections in the substrate material, consequently, grinding and patching the form-finished concrete walls until they were completely smooth was imperative. Bomanite Micro-Top ST has excellent adhesion and weather resistance that is perfect for applying over almost any clean, correctly prepared and primed surface including concrete, cement block, tile, metal and wood. Using hopper-applied products, Colorado Hardscapes delivered a sand-finished surface that appears nearly identical to the original specification. Colorado Hardscapes was able to think outside of the box with solutions that met the builder, owner and project designer needs and exceeded their expectations.

AWARDS: 2018 Best Bomanite Toppings Project – Gold Award

Outdoor Rooms and Stylized Bomanite Concrete Systems make for a Welcoming Space.

The homeowners of this large backyard lot recognized the possibilities that could provide them with outdoor spaces for dining, entertaining, and relaxing using multiple Bomanite Concrete Systems throughout this welcoming resort like space.

Bomanite Licensee, Concrete Arts, Inc. being the homeowner, wanted a place for his family that showed the creativity and beauty of concrete and its endless possibilities. Working with Landscape designer Mark Huri early on helped with the transformation. From his experience, Huri knew that with the right layout and a small bit of terracing, it could provide an opportunity to stylize a very special retreat. The design incorporated a full-size pool deck, cabana, courtyard and waterfall feature.

As you step out the back of the house, you have a BBQ and dining area to catch some great sunsets. At the next level you are greeted with an infinity water feature that cascades down to the main entertaining area creating a beautiful waterfall, providing that serenity of being in the great outdoors. The steps and landing leading to the main area are cast-in-place concrete treated with the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Revealed System that is also used throughout the courtyard and pool deck.

The steps are encompassed by unique hand carved, embossed cast-in-place concrete retaining walls that are 12-14” thick with top caps done with the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Antico Process System that is seeded with fine glass to add a bit of sparkle. The Antico Process works well with lighter colors that are often used for pool decks and other areas where light reflectivity is desired and is comparable in appearance to natural travertine or manufactured cast stone, a perfect complement to the retaining walls. The wall stone sizes and coloration were chosen to resemble European Castles and provide an old-world charm backdrop for the complete space.

As you step down into the courtyard, slabs of White Bomanite Revealed were cast and surrounded with planting pockets and inlays of grass. The strips of grass help with drainage and break up the expanse of concrete, while providing warmth to an outdoor living space, to enjoy a rushing waterfall and cozy fire pit, for full relaxation.

Designing so that each area has a different function maximizes space and use. The Cabana offers a place of protection from inclement weather and brings the feeling of family gathering in the kitchen. It includes a fridge, gas fireplace and flat screen TV. Perfect elements for a perfect cozy getaway or summertime party. The cast-in-place concrete countertop was created with a 4” edge and overhang. The surface was hand applied with Bomanite Color Hardeners for additional strength and durability while picking up the hue of the retaining walls. It was then textured to resemble natural stone with real stone pieces embedded on the corners for a decorative element.

The Interior Cabana floor was created with the Bomanite Imprinted Concrete System using an Integral gray color, stamped with the Bomacron Slate Texture pattern and then antiqued and color washed in a darker gray. The Cabana walls consisted of the Bomanite Topping Systems Overlay – Bomanite Thin-Set, which was vertically embossed and textured to resemble wood plank using the Bomacron 11 ½” Boardwalk pattern. The apex of the walls utilized a carved plaster and created relief of over 3” in some areas and embossed to resemble a cleft stone, all done in a natural gray to compliment the flooring. Family and friends can enjoy conversation, food, a book or a swim in the great pool.

The pool deck and its coping utilized the Bomanite Revealed System to provide increased surface and slip resistance, a benefit when using the Exposed Aggregate System.  A White Base, hand seeded with Georgia white marble in two sizes and then exposed, produced the surrounding deck that brings light and coolness on a very hot 100 degree summer day. Bomanite Revealed is available in light-reflective formulations reducing heat island effect, making the pool deck walkable and not hot to the touch.

This backyard resort has something for everyone, whether a pool party, family celebrations, intimate gatherings or just relaxing in the great outdoors. Bomanite Decorative Concrete can create the look and feel you imagined, welcoming one or all.

Awards: 2018 Best Bomanite Specialty Project – Bronze Award