Bomanite Licensees Get in the Mix to Learn New Techniques at Annual Training

Bomanite is a name synonymous with the innovation and development of decorative, imprinted concrete.  Over the last 50 years, Bomanite has developed new systems for various toppings, concrete overlays, coloration systems, stains, concrete dyes, exposed aggregates, and polished concrete.  These systems of products complement the proven imprinted concrete techniques and pervious concrete system, Grasscrete®, that put the Bomanite brand on the map over sixty years ago.  The Bomanite Company and its licensed group of contractors continue to distinguish themselves as the best in the industry.  To guarantee consistently high standards, Bomanite offers training, marketing, technical services, and support to its contractors and to the design community.

As part of the offered training, each year Bomanite holds a technical workshop where Bomanite Licensees congregate together to learn about new Bomanite product offerings, get their hands dirty learning new trade techniques, and exchange ideas and tips with fellow Bomanite Licensees.  This on-going commitment to learning provides Bomanite Licensees with the knowledge and expertise to install a superior product with continual technical training on the latest processes, systems, and techniques that puts Bomanite contractors ahead of the pack.

Bomanite’s Technical Director determines which new products will be demonstrated and works closely with the host to choose projects that will be beneficial additions at the host facility.  This year our annual assembly was hosted by Bomanite Licensee Bomanite Houston in Houston, Texas and included installations of Bomanite Micro-Stone, Micro-Metel, Modena TG and SL, and Grasscrete.  Various other applications were included in the training as well, highlighting and showcasing installation methods and techniques for 19 different Bomanite products.

Bomanite Technical Workshop Distinguishes Bomanite Licensees as Best in Industry

Bomanite Licensees are encouraged to take part in the training and many of our seasoned concrete craftsmen help out with the demonstrations.  The annual technical workshop facilitates communication and collaboration within the network of licensed Bomanite contractors, providing a space where ideas, advice, and industry knowledge can be shared and applied.

Innovative systems in the hands of highly creative, skilled craftsmen translates to extraordinary architectural concrete paving and flooring solutions.  This is why Bomanite provides exclusive training to our network of concrete professionals who are dedicated to the highest standards of quality and service.  These specialists and Bomanite form an unbeatable, unique team, offering the experience, consistency, training, service, and support that results in extraordinary architectural concrete paving and flooring solutions.

Bomanite VitraFlor Conveys Unique Design Theme at Colbern Road Library Center

The Colbern Road Library Center in Lee’s Summit, Missouri is one of over 30 library service outlets in the Mid-Continent Public Library district.  Originally opening in 1993 and after many years of use by its beloved patrons, the Colbern Road branch was due for a revamp, including an addition to accommodate new programming and technological features. 

The new Colbern Road Library Center offers a significantly larger children’s section, additional meeting rooms and seating, co-working and collaboration spaces, an extensive community room, and an area that presents small business services to entrepreneurs and people exploring different careers.

Imagination to Realization

Imagining what the new library could be, project designers at Sapp Design Architects reminisced about passing notes as children, which ultimately led to the idea of paper airplanes.  This theme resonated with the owner and played into the programs slated for the new library center.  All facets of design relate back to the folded paper airplane, including the large screen wall façade that greets patrons as they enter and the multi-colored airplanes that offer way-finding clues throughout the library. 

To further embellish the design theme, Bomanite Licensee Musselman and Hall Contractors was selected to employ Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems by installing Bomanite VitraFlor.  Bomanite VitraFlor is the standard system that all other Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems are based on.  Utilizing select un-colored concrete that is placed and finished to the standards required for decorative polished concrete, ground to expose the desired amount of aggregate, and then polished to the required gloss level, Bomanite VitraFlor was the optimal choice to create a paste polish finish on the slab placed by the concrete contractor.

Delivering the Bomanite Promise

To further emphasize the library’s theme after the concrete finishing process was completed, Musselman and Hall engraved a host of paper airplane outlines into the surface.  These intricate engravings mimic the acrylic paper planes that fly overhead throughout the library and add distinct detail that is not only eye-catching but further enhances the architectural design and embellishments.

As demonstrated here with Bomanite VitraFlor, even the results on gray concrete are stunning.  Bomanite promises that all concrete can be functional and stylish and Musselman and Hall’s stellar installation and craftsmanship delivered that promise.  Musselman and Hall Contractors want to help you achieve the exact look you imagine using the most exceptional products and techniques.  They did exactly that at Colbern Road Library Center by executing a polished concrete installation featuring eye-catching paper airplane engravings that fully enhance and complement the library’s theme.

Bomanite Imprint Improves Sidewalks at BCBS Birmingham

Ironically, Blue Cross Blue Shield in Birmingham, AL, needs to be just as concerned about the health and well-being of their buildings’ aesthetics as they do to the rest of their business model.  Their sidewalks were beyond the point of repair and seriously needed to be replaced.  They contracted the architectural design team at Birchfield, Penuel & Associates, LLC, to create their vision of durable, easily maintained, yet strikingly beautiful sidewalks.  The bid was awarded to Murray Construction as the main contractor.  Bomanite Licensee, Jeffco Concrete, was chosen to install the decorative concrete sidewalks because of their sterling reputation in the area and their expertise in artisanship and installation. 

Accept No Substitutes for Bomanite Imprint Systems

The chosen pattern for this project was Bomanite Running Bond Belgian Block with Used Brick Border, all part of the Bomanite Imprint Systems, a cast-in-place decorative concrete flooring and paving solution that adds a distinctive architectural touch to  any project.  With more than 400 patterns and custom tooling options, for over six decades Bomanite Imprint Systems has provided design professionals a virtually limitless palette of textures, and patterns.  The texture choices are from many natural textures including slate, granite, limestone, sandstone, cobblestone, and used brick.  The patterns and textures are limited only by your imagination because custom patterns, tooling, and textures can be created and are also available through the Bomanite Licensees network.

Bomanite Concrete Craftsmen Construct Stunning Sidewalks

Since 1986, Bomanite Licensee Jeffco Concrete and its Bomanite trained team of decorative concrete craftsmen has been performing Bomanite Imprint Systems installations for residential and commercial customers in the Southeast.  They routinely meet and exceed their clients’ expectations and have won 50+ awards for their work.  They turn deadlines and project specs into works of art that are delivered on time and within budget.  This project is no exception, and all stakeholders were pleasantly excited about the results.

In this project the Bomanite Color Hardener used was French Gray and the Bomanite Release Agent was Cobblestone Gray creating a realistic depth of color and design.  The 5,681 square feet of sidewalks were formed and finished at a 4” depth with a full imprint.  This completed project has the durability to stand up to the toughest traffic loads and environmental conditions. These Bomanite Imprint sidewalks draw the eye to their design detail, add to the aesthetics of the buildings and the landscape, and will provide a beautiful walk for all visitors for years to come.

Healthpeak Properties Office Boasts Beautiful Flooring with Bomanite Modena Monolithic

Healthpeak Properties is an innovative company at the forefront of providing premium real estate to the dynamic healthcare industry and is committed to delivering value to their shareholders, customers, and employees.  Their tenancy at the amazing 50 FIFTY DTC comes as no surprise considering the Class AAA 12-story office tower boasts elegance and sophistication with beautiful lines and amazing architectural features.  The complex offers office spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass, lightwells that provide natural light in every office and core space, breathtaking views, and luxury amenities.

Curated Partnerships Equate to Design Success with Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems

Looking to create an impressive office space for their Denver based location, Healthpeak Properties partnered with Acquilano Interior Architecture to develop finish plans for the interior spaces.  Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes was brought in to work with Acquilano and general contractor Boots Construction to discuss options for installing the polished concrete flooring in a substantial section of the overall space.

Healthpeak Properties wanted to achieve the minimalistic look of an architectural polished flooring surface but with uniform aggregate exposure.  Since polished concrete does not guarantee uniformity, and because there was existing flooring to work with, Colorado Hardscapes proposed to place 5,597 SF of gray Bomanite Modena Monolithic, one of Bomanite’s revolutionary Custom Polishing Systems.  Modena Monolithic by Bomanite is an engineered interior cementitious topping that is blended with selected aggregates, in this case 1/4” to 3/4” in size, and then ground and polished to the desired gloss level.

As Complications are Conquered, Design Dreams are Delivered

Although a simple mix, this office space had a few complications to work around.  First, this space exists on the 8^th floor, meaning all materials and equipment had to be moved to the 8^th level.  Additionally, the elevator lobby and bathroom were recessed for tile requiring Colorado Hardscapes to fill in the recesses with an inch of repair mortar before installing the Bomanite Modena Monolithic.  Finally, the flooring would be placed before Boots Construction built any of the walls.  Due to this technicality, Colorado Hardscapes had to form everywhere besides the elevator room and bathroom and widen the Bomanite Modena Monolithic an extra 4-8 inches next to where each wall would be placed.

These added steps are not something that would normally be encountered during the process, but the resulting flooring surface is nothing but spectacular, measuring up to any Modena installation by Colorado Hardscapes.  To honor the existing joints, several sections of aluminum strip inlays were placed, and the floors were polished to an 800-grit, level 3 finish to achieve a slight reflection without being overly slippery.  Colorado Hardscapes provided the perfect solution using Bomanite’s systems and products while accommodating the client’s needs and creating the dream office Healthpeak Properties desired.

Beautiful Bomanite VitraFlor at Dallas Theological Seminary

What does a Leap of Faith look like?  It begins with a situation like Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) faced in April 2020.  A $14 million building had been three years in the making and was yet to be built.  With donations earmarked and targeted to cover the construction already in the bucket, the project was pending the issuance of city permits.  The permitting process had been delayed because of incredibly significant growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  The COVID pandemic struck March 15, 2020, and three weeks later the final permits from the city of Dallas were issued.  Not knowing when things would get back to normal, the only logical conclusion was a Leap of Faith by DTS, and the building project started in May.

Dallas Theological Seminary is a highly esteemed and recognized seminary with locations all over the country and in Europe.  Texas Bomanite was asked by the main contractor, Hill & Wilkinson, to provide Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems decorative concrete flooring throughout DTS’s new chapel and student center. Bomanite Polished concrete was selected so that it would remain both beautiful and durable against the high foot traffic the chapel and student building anticipated on a daily basis.

Beautiful Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems Define Durable Decorative Concrete

The patented technology of the Bomanite Custom Polishing System chemically reacts with the concrete to lock in the color, and the mechanical application closes the surface to keep out contaminants.  One application, permanent results.  Lustrous color, protected by a tight, beautiful sheen.  The Bomanite Custom Polishing System offers exceptional resistance to slipping, abrasion and impact.  Available in finishes from satin to gloss, finished surfaces also repel water and oil and are dust-proof.  This finish does not require replacement, recoating, or waxing and thus is superior to limited-life coatings.  The non-toxic, non-flammable and odorless application is environmentally friendly.  And surface care is user-friendly as routine cleaning will maintain luster.

The Bomanite Custom Polishing VitraFlor System was chosen for this project.  Texas Bomanite installed over 13,000 SF of (Class D – Large Aggregate Exposed) Bomanite Polished Concrete at an 800-Grit finish.  Bomanite VitraFlor is ground to expose the desired amount of aggregate, then polished to the required gloss level and treated with Bomanite VitraFinish for protection.  The primary benefit of Bomanite VitraFlor is the simplicity of installation and durability of the finished floor, lending to low-maintenance and long-term sustainable features.  VitraFlor by Bomanite is intended primarily for new construction or major renovation projects.  Now even ordinary concrete can live up to Bomanite’s promise that all concrete can be functional and stylish.

Bomanite Licensee Delivers During Difficult COVID Pandemic

Texas Bomanite, part of the distinguished Bomanite Licensee network, was established in 1987 and has since grown to become one of Texas’ largest and most respected architectural concrete contractors with offices in Dallas and Central Texas.  They are renowned for their team of dedicated, talented, and professional concrete craftsman who collaborate closely with owners and designers to tailor an architectural concrete plan to budget and to specs.  They complete projects especially during difficult construction scenarios.  For Dallas Theological Seminary, it may have been a Leap of Faith to begin such a large construction project during the height of COVID, but the choice of Texas Bomanite to deliver the vision of the project was a certainty. Chafer Chapel and Student Life Center Live Cam

Yume Spa Specifies Smooth, Serene Finish and Bomanite of Tulsa Delivers

The newly remodeled Yume Spa in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a holistic natural spa that is dedicated to helping people look and feel their best.  They look at the mind, body, and skin as one entity, believing healthy skin reflects a healthy body and mind.  The spa experience they offer was created to inspire individuals to reset, renew, and maintain healthier habits while emphasizing relaxation in a naturally infused environment.

Bomanite Toppings Systems Provide Durable Design and Serene Aesthetic

As part of the remodel process, new flooring was at the top of the list to fulfill the owner’s desire to further develop a tranquil environment for spa patrons.  Bomanite Licensee Bomanite of Tulsa was enlisted to create a flooring surface with a continuous, smooth finish that would hold up to foot traffic while enhancing the serene, peaceful atmosphere within the spa.

Bomanite Toppings Systems can refurbish old, worn-out surfaces and turn them into new and exciting expanses of color, pattern, and texture and this product line was chosen for Yume Spa because installation can be completed at a fraction of the time and cost normally associated with elaborate forming and design work.  For this application, Bomanite Micro-Top was the optimal choice to provide the continuous, smooth finish that was requested while also providing durability, exceptional bond strength, and high abrasion resistance.

Micro-Top by Bomanite is a state-of-the-art system that utilizes a troweled-on cementitious topping that tenaciously bonds to virtually any substrate, including concrete, wood, metal, plastic, or asphalt.  When a laminate floor or carpet is removed, no costly, abrasive blasting is required before Bomanite Micro-Top is applied over the substrate, saving both time and money.  To achieve the owner’s desired look, Bomanite of Tulsa first removed the pre-existing laminate and ground the adhesive to ensure the flooring surface was properly prepared for the Bomanite Micro-Top application.  They then applied one coat of Micro-Top base coat and two coats of Micro-Top finish coat, followed by Bomanite Florthane WB, a two-component, water-clear urethane sealer.

Bomanite Licensee Provides High-Quality, Exceptional Results

Bomanite of Tulsa is well-known for their architectural concrete installations, providing numerous decorative options using only the highest quality products while working closely with their clientele to provide the highest quality concrete finishes available.  Their exceptional installation at the Yume Spa resulted in a continuous, smooth, and warm to the eye Micro-Top finish throughout the upscale medical spa facility.  The Yume Spa is dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best and this stunning flooring surface beautifully enhances the aesthetic and promotes a peaceful environment for patrons.

Primate Canopy Trails Makes Monkeys Happy

Primate Canopy Trails is a 35,000-square-foot outdoor expansion to the Primate House at the St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis, MO. The $13 million exhibit consists of new outdoor homes for primates and includes climbing structures that allow guests to explore the forest canopy next to the animals.  This new exhibit is like a jungle gym for all primates, both zoo animals and human visitors.  Creating a first-of-its-kind zoo experience, it is an outdoor playground that brings a sense of joy and freedom to all who venture there.

Decorative Concrete Conveys Story

Overhead mesh tunnels connected to the Primate House lead to tall, preexisting live trees and other outdoor habitats with spaces for the animals to climb and perch.  Four tunnels lead to the Primate House, and four lead to the Primate Care Center.  There is even a see-through tunnel that guests can walk through to get a panoramic view of the animals.  Inside the care center, windows provide the primates with a view to the outside, which they didn’t have at the original Primate House.  Two custom-built boxes in each habitat provide shelter from the rain or just a place to spend some alone time. In the winter, the caretakers can add a heating pad to transform the boxes into a warm zone. Each habitat also has custom shade sails and a cool mist fan for warm or hot days.  While down below the paving placed by Musselman & Hall allows guests to wander beneath the trees surrounded by jungle.  Bomanite Imprint Systems custom decorative concrete has the ability to tell a story as well as to enchant the eyes and stimulate the senses.

Sam Kroesen of Bomanite licensee Musselman & Hall Contractors worked with the designers from PGAV Destinations to develop a hardscape that would not only impress guests but would also mimic the natural habitat of the animals. Musselman & Hall craftsmen placed integrally colored concrete with “Dried Mud” textures and then imprinted the surface with actual jungle leaves and anatomically correct footprints for several monkey species to accurately represent the gait pattern of each species.

All of the Musselman & Hall work was capped with the jewel of the project, a 17-foot diameter medallion that used stenciling and three colors of Bomanite Color Hardener before being imprinted with an “Embedded Stone” texture to create a large-scale graphic that would hold up to the heavy foot traffic.  Bomanite Imprint Systems are cast-in-place concrete flooring and paving that adds a distinctive architectural touch to any project, together with the durability to stand up to the toughest traffic loads and environmental conditions.

You Dream It, We Will Make It Happen

Bomanite Bomacron is a textured version of the original Bomanite Imprint decorative concrete, and is also cast-in-place, colored and imprinted, but provides the added dimension of texture and relief between the joint lines. The multitude of available patterns simulates a wide variety of natural materials including slate, granite, limestone, sandstone, wood, and cobblestone.  Of course, as in the case in this project, if none of the existing patterns fit your specifications, custom patterns are in reach of your imagination.  You dream it, and our network of Bomanite licensee’s will make it happen.

Bomanite Licensee Exceeds Expectations

Bomanite licensee Musselman & Hall Contractors is unsurpassed in the industry for their ability to handle difficult logistics and unusual specifications scenarios.  They are well known for delivering projects that far exceed the expectations of their clients, easily meeting the challenges of budgets and timelines, and providing innovative solutions that specify the best product for each application.  This project is an example of their highly qualified craftsmanship and ingenuity.  Visitors of all ages to the St. Louis Zoo, and even many more yet-to-be-born generations, will be enchanted by their work of concrete art.

Courtyard by Marriott Features Bomanite Imprint Systems with Multifaceted Design Detail

The new state-of-the-art Courtyard by Marriott in Mauldin, SC, was developed by Touchstone Hospitality and offers inviting, flexible spaces, a well-equipped fitness center and outdoor pool, as well as small details and smart design that allow guests to be more productive while maintaining comfortability.

Having successfully worked with Touchstone Hospitality in the past, Carolina Bomanite Corporation was the developer’s top choice to create the decorative concrete hardscape surfaces.  The Carolina Bomanite team stepped up to the challenge to remedy another contractor’s poor workmanship on a previous project and brought the Bomanite family of products and expertise to the rescue.  Since then, the owner refuses to allow any other architectural concrete trade on its building sites.

Unsurpassed Selection and Superiority

The Mauldin Courtyard by Marriott highlights Bomanite Imprint Systems with multiple Bomacron patterns.  The selection and quality of Bomanite Imprinting Tools is unsurpassed in the industry with well over 400 distinct patterns and associated textures.  The hotel’s porte cochere features Bomanite Bomacron Running Bond Belgian Block, which resembles hand cut and tumbled basalt cobblestones, and adds distinct texture and design detail to the hardscape.  The Bomanite Bomacron 10” Boardwalk pattern was installed to create the front entrance as well as an extension at the back of the hotel leading into the enclosed amenity area, giving the lifelike look of real wood while providing the durability of concrete.  Additionally, the Bomanite Bomacron Slate Texture pattern was utilized to create the smoking area adjacent to the front entrance and in the enclosed amenity area at the back of the hotel.  The Slate Texture installation in the amenity area features a 3-4’ sawcut pattern that runs bias to the building, adding versatile texture and rustic, random veining that complements the hotel’s architecture and aesthetic.

To further accentuate the design, darkened float finish bands were incorporated around the salt textured fire table with the incorporation of a channel drain that will handle runoff water from the covered patio seating area.  Form and function come together seamlessly with this design and no details were spared, providing a beautifully stunning hardscape that is durable, distinct, and functional.

Challenges Faced

This project was underway prior to the onset of the pandemic and was thus temporarily delayed as the owner, along with others in the hospitality industry understood the future of travel.  Facing challenges like material shortages and labor inefficiencies in unprecedented scope and duration forced a delay during construction for approximately one year.  Despite the challenges that were faced, Carolina Bomanite was able to exceed the owner’s expectations with their successful completion of the architectural concrete installation.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Carolina Bomanite is experienced in all types of decorative concrete installation and for over 48 years they have set the standard for exceptional quality.  Their seamless installations at multiple Courtyard by Marriott locations have proven their commitment to excellence, resulting in a long-standing partnership with Touchstone Hospitality.  The 2021 Gold Award for Best Bomanite Imprint Systems Project was awarded to Carolina Bomanite for their stunning installation of Bomanite Bomacron Running Bond Belgian Block, 10” Boardwalk, and Slate Texture patterns to create a uniquely distinct decorative concrete hardscape around the Courtyard by Marriott in Mauldin, South Carolina, creating exceptional results and providing a product with superior durability and distinct character that will endure for decades to come.

Hotel Drover Deserves Bomanite Patène Artectura Award

The staff at Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, TX, pride themselves in guaranteeing your stay will be unique, as no two of the 200 luxurious guest rooms are alike.  This urban ranch oasis, an Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott, embodies a rustic-luxe design throughout. The hotel is the anchor of the award-winning Mule Alley, an entertainment destination transformed from beautifully restored 100-year-old horse and mule barns.  Offering an authentic glimpse of the American west, Mule Alley is part of the Stockyards Historic District featuring the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive on Exchange Ave., a carefully curated collection of restaurants, eateries, entertainment venues, shops, heritage brands, and creative workplaces.

Decorative Concrete Creates Unique Design

For Hotel Drover construction, Texas Bomanite, one of Texas’ largest and most respected architectural concrete contractors, was asked by Commerce Construction Co., LP to provide a decorative concrete floor throughout the hotel lobby, levels 1&2 of the offices, levels 2-6, the event barn area, outside the event barn restrooms, and stained concrete columns in the event barn.  These are six different architectural areas, with six different specifications, but required an overall cohesive design aesthetic specification – no small task and no small challenge in a state that prides itself in everything being bigger.

The hotel lobby included 3,610 SF of 7/8” Modena SL with Chemical Stain – Gray Concrete Overlay that was later Acid Stained with Bomanite – Ebony Stain.  The Ebony Acid Stain was diluted at two different percentages, 10% and 40%, to create the bands and fields as shown in the pictures.  The overlays were sealed with a two-part polyurethane sealing system in a matte finish.  The architect’s use of reclaimed wood to frame each of the decorative concrete flooring overlays adds another dimension of ambiance and intrigue to the outer bands of concrete surrounding the fields.

Levels 0, 2-6 consisted of 14,525 SF of sealed concrete flooring.  Office levels 1&2 consisted of 3,962 SF of Bomanite Ebony acid stain and two-part polyurethane sealing system also in a matte finish.  This compliments the chosen décor and creates a delightful work atmosphere.  The decorative concrete flooring is alluring and allows the eyes to almost flow seamlessly through the space, with just enough shine to brighten anyone’s mood and lighten the daily workload.

The event barn bar was a total of 797 SF consisting of the same 7/8” Modena SL with Chemical Stain – Gray Concrete Overlay that was later Acid Stained with Bomanite – Ebony Stain and sealed the two-part polyurethane sealing system in a matte finish.  Finally, 8 vertical columns in the event barn were stained to match the aesthetic of the rest of the space.  The stain helps to accentuate both the height of the ceiling and the lower stone portions of the columns, and to tie the other design elements in the space together.

Bomanite Systems Allow Artistic Inspiration

Bomanite Toppings Systems includes Bomanite Patène Artectura, a unique coloration system applied topically.  It turns your concrete into a “canvas” for creating an unlimited range of artistic possibilities that fit any budget, and any design criteria, from mild to wild.  Bomanite Patène Artectura achieves dazzling design options that create one-of-a-kind floors, paving or precast options limited only by your imagination.  As in this project, Bomanite Patène Artectura is also especially well-suited for both horizontal and vertical surfaces.  It’s more versatile than you expect, and more economical than you think.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Texas Bomanite is known for their craftsmanship and their ability to deliver and exceed expectations of all project stakeholders.  For this project they received the 2021 GRAND AWARD for Best Bomanite Patène Artectura Project.  Every bucket list will now include Hotel Drover, an aspirational destination hotel experience like no other.  The Hotel Drover exudes the Texas hospitality Fort Worth is known for.  The decorative concrete, installed by Texas Bomanite, exemplifies the quality work of their team of specially trained artisans, which is an award-winning example of the Bomanite licensee network.

Bomanite Micro-Top XT Portrays Stunning Design by Prominent Colorado Artist Clark Richert

The RYE SoBo apartment complex in Denver’s South Broadway Park neighborhood offers relaxed, sophisticated living with distinctive design and uniquely personal features.  RYE SoBo is a community of convenience, and a residency here includes modern amenities and contemporary conveniences like a beer garden, resort-inspired pool, athletic training center, electric car charging stations, a rooftop dog park and pet spa, and a co-working venue.

RYE SoBo is perfectly located for urban adventure and provides a communal environment where active lifestyles blend together seamlessly – eclectic dives and shops, unique cafes and restaurants, bookstores, live music venues, and much more are at your fingertips.  The distinct aesthetic and inspired vibes carry throughout the complex and neighborhood with thoughtful design and modern architectural features.

Bomanite Systems Equate to Installation Success

The RYE SoBo apartment complex incorporates 2,800 SF of decorative flatwork and 8,400 SF of uncolored sidewalks that were installed by Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes.  Included in these installations were Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and Bomanite Toppings Systems.  Working with Price Design Group as the general contractor and BrightView as the landscape architect, Colorado Hardscapes integrated a specialty scoring pattern into the Bomanite Sandscape Texture sidewalks around the building and achieved the different colors using Bomanite Con-Color in Cobblestone and French Gray.  Bomanite Sandscape Texture decorative concrete was an optimal application for this installation to provide added durability while inserting a decorative element that blends well with the artistic nature of Broadway Park.

Bomanite Micro Top-XT is one of Bomanite’s Toppings System applications and has extraordinary adhesion properties and the ability to withstand prolonged pedestrian and vehicular traffic, while also providing a tough, water-retardant coating that made it perfect for this installation.  On the northeast side of the RYE SoBo Apartments, Colorado Hardscapes placed 300 SF of custom colored Bomanite Micro-Top XT in a pattern created by prominent Colorado artist, Clark Richert.  Known primarily for his large, geometrically patterned paintings, Richert derived his work through investigation of five-fold symmetry and quasi-crystal patterns found both in nature and theoretical mathematics.  With 15 different colors in the design, placing each color was laborious and tedious, but perfectly executed by the Colorado Hardscapes team.  Each color is surrounded by a saw cut to accentuate the crisp lines and enhance the dimensionality of the art piece.

You can see this beautiful work of art in person off Alameda in the alleyway between Bannock Street and Cherokee Street in Denver’s South Broadway neighborhood.  Richert originally wanted to use embedded mosaic tiles in concrete to create his piece, but once he saw how vivid and solid Bomanite MicroTop-XT could make each section, it was absolute that Colorado Hardscapes would employ this application instead.  Projects like this are where Bomanite products really shine, allowing the RYE SoBo apartment complex to showcase Richert’s iconic art while enhancing the iconic energy and inspired vibes of the area.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Colored, stamped, etched, or sandblasted, today’s architectural concrete is limited only by the imagination.  Colorado Hardscapes is a national leader in decorative concrete innovation, offering premium quality and lifelong durability in their finished products.  Their collaboration with late artist, Clark Richert led them to create a work of art for the RYE SoBo apartment complex, earning them the 2021 Best Bomanite Toppings Project Gold Award for their Bomanite Micro-Top XT installation.  Superior service, successful execution, and unbeatable results time and time again are what make Colorado Hardscapes the Front Range’s premier decorative concrete contractor.