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.

Maravillosa Senior Living Showcases Stunning Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Decorative Concrete

Maravillosa at Campus Pointe is a luxury senior apartment community in Fresno, California.  This breathtaking retirement community is located in the heart of the city with nearby shopping, amazing restaurants, a movie theater, coffee shops, and the local farmer’s market.  The pet-friendly apartment community is also close to local parks for both dog and owner to enjoy.

Maravillosa is an active adult community with conveniences that are curated for the residents including a community garden, game room, library, and an outdoor pool area for swimming and lounging.  Heritage Bomanite was enlisted to carry out the owner’s vision for the outdoor pool deck and patio and provide a relaxed, elegant space for the residents to enjoy year-round, utilizing Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems for the installation.

Safety Features and Stylish Design

Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems offer a variety of modernized mixes and an unlimited palette of colors, textures, and aggregate options to choose from.  Bomanite Sandscape® Texture decorative concrete was installed to create the pool deck and patio and was specifically picked in place of flagstone pavers to create a consistent paving surface while providing cost savings and a high-quality finish.  Sandscape® Texture by Bomanite is designed for outdoor applications, making it the ideal choice for the pool deck area at Maravillosa because it will provide increased surface and slip resistance for pool-side patrons and their guests.

Design Collaboration Equates to Design Success

Heritage Bomanite worked closely with Wallace & Smith General Contractors and project designer Broussard Associates Landscape Architects to create a superior hardscape surface that would be cost-effective while providing extreme durability and safety for the residents.  Bomanite Sandscape® Texture is a tried-and-true favorite for both Heritage Bomanite and the project designer and to take the design to the next level, intricate sawcuts were incorporated into the flatwork design.  This feature perfectly enhances the stylish, sophisticated aesthetic across the Maravillosa grounds, adding decorative detail and providing another elegant element of design.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Heritage Bomanite has developed a reputation for high quality, excellent customer service and superior product design and installation.  They strive to provide the very highest level of quality installation, which is beautifully showcased at Maravillosa Senior Living, and earned them the 2021 Honorable Mention Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project.  Their top-quality service and support combined with their detailed installation resulted in a stunning pool deck and patio that complements the exterior aesthetic and will provide safety and sophisticated style for the Maravillosa residents.

Sky Column Sculpture Spotlighting Bomanite Revealed

For over forty years Arlington County, VA, has prided itself in its commitment to public art which is now a distinctive aspect of the visual landscape.  Sky Column Sculpture, an integrated work of public art, is a shining example of the county’s success.  The sculpture, designed by renowned artist Douglas W. Hollis, was commissioned and approved by the Arlington County Board with a budget of over half-a-million-dollars.  Sky Column is situated nearby to the new Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center, and close to Capital Bikeshare.  Arlington County Board selected Coakley & Williams Construction as the Main Contractor for the 47 million dollar Aquatics & Fitness Center, and Bomanite licensee Beyond Concrete was chosen to implement the public art in decorative concrete using the vision of Project Designer, Douglas W. Hollis. The initial task for Beyond Concrete, the fabrication of the stainless-steel framework, proved to be one of the most difficult and challenging specs for Beyond Concrete’s portion of the project.

Installed at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Beyond Concrete completed the entire intricate project with a limited crew of 4, on time, and within budget.  That alone is a testament to their expertise and resilience.  Working with the artist, Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems was selected and Bomanite Revealed™ was chosen.  The stainless-steel frame was fabricated and mounted over a structural concrete base. Four inches of infilled concrete was placed into the stainless-steel framework. Bomanite high performance epoxy and epoxy sand was installed for the Bomanite Revealed™ ½-inch bonded topping. The Bomanite Revealed™ topping was installed, as designed, with concentric bands of Bomanite Revealed™, starting from almost black in the center and continuing with lighter gray bands in the outer bands. Each Bomanite Revealed™ section had a custom mixture of aggregate that coordinated with the color of the band installed. After the aggregate was exposed all the exposed stainless steel had to be delicately hand ground on both edges to define the Bomanite Revealed™ infill.

Bomanite Revealed™ Creates Captivating Concrete

Bomanite Revealed™ is an architectural exposed concrete designed for outdoor applications with varying exposure depths using decorative aggregates that are bound in a unique binder and applied to primed concrete.  The Bomanite Revealed™ System utilizes preblended binders, light fast pigments, specialized admixtures, topical treatments and advanced application procedures to produce a finished product that showcases the seeded aggregate.  Unlike most surface seeded installations, Bomanite Revealed™ provides 100% exposure of the decorative aggregate with no native sands detracting from the finished appearance.  The final product is unique alternate to other decorative concrete finishes while producing a monolithic concrete slab with a low life cycle cost due to the pre-aged nature of the surface.  Bomanite Revealed™ is suited for exterior applications—anywhere that improved wear resistance for light to moderate-duty vehicular or foot traffic combined with an architectural finish is necessary.  Due to the use of the Bomanite Revealed™ binder, these highly durable surfaces are available in a multitude of standard and custom options, including cost effective light-reflective formulations that reduce heat island effect, hard to achieve colors for concrete like white, blues and greens along with water resistant formulations for wet areas and other specialty applications.

Bomanite Licensees Define Decorative Concrete Craftsmanship

As a Bomanite licensee, licensed in all five Bomanite Systems, quality craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence in architectural decorative concrete have defined Beyond Concrete for more than 30 years.  Established in 1984, Beyond Concrete serves a diverse range of clients across all of New Jersey, the five boroughs of New York, Long Island, eastern Pennsylvania and down to northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.  It is a family-owned business now in its second generation of leadership.  Owners, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, and general contractors have all come to appreciate Beyond Concrete’s commitment to being a creative solutions provider through in-depth project analysis.  All those years of expertise helped Beyond Concrete achieve and exceed the expectations of this project’s stakeholders.  Contractor selection is the most important aspect of ensuring the job is done right and choosing Bomanite licensees is the right choice.

Night Winds Make Sky Column Mesmerizing

At night, up-lights at the base of the artwork are programed to brighten and dim in response to real-time variations of the wind.  Tapered masts of stainless-steel tubing in the formation of a column project fifty feet high from the ground, appear to become one with the sky, and quiver with the wind.  Viewed from a distance, Sky Column acts as a beacon, drawing people to the park while creating a gathering place for visitors to the adjacent aquatic center. It can be seen as a reminder of the fragility and interconnectedness of life and our ability to support and nurture it when we work together as a community, especially when faced with challenges such as a pandemic or climate change.

Remarkable Renovation of Residence with Bomanite Sandscape Refined

Every homeowner seeks that special WOW factor that says elegant, opulent, and posh when it comes to curb appeal.  These Toronto, CA, homeowners achieved it by contracting Bomanite Licensee, Bomanite Toronto, to complete a full home decorative concrete project which included the front driveway, back patio, pool deck and stairs.  The project was a total 2,200 sq. ft. of concrete using Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems including two of those systems, Bomanite Sandscape® Texture and Bomanite Sandscape Refined.  The front driveway was completed in a natural exposed aggregate using Bomanite Sandscape® Texture which is designed for outdoor applications creating consistent texture and durable hardscapes.  Utilizing specialized mix designs, additives, topical treatments and advanced application procedures, Bomanite Sandscape® Texture resembles sand blasted concrete.  The final product is a monolithic concrete slab with a low life cycle cost due to the pre-aged nature of the surface and is a unique and beautiful alternate to other decorative concrete finishes.

On the back patio, pool deck and stairs, Bomanite Toronto installed Bomanite Sandscape Refined to emulate Indiana Limestone. The effect is nothing less than stunning!  Beyond the aesthetic appeal, this extremely light color creates a light-reflecting surface which helps eliminate the heat island effect of normal concrete and keeps the concrete temperature low and walkable for bare feet. The finished Bomanite Sandscape Refined product resembles fine textured stone or etched limestone block with light sand exposure throughout the surface. The resulting texture is known as “sugar cube finish”, meaning the feel of the concrete mimics the texture of formed sugar cubes.  Bomanite Sandscape Refined is an architectural exposed concrete with a very fine exposure depth and longer lasting than paved stone.  With the additional desirable attributes of a more durable abrasion-resistant surface that is more cost effective than natural materials, Bomanite Sandscape Refined is the perfect solution for this project.

Expertise Meets Customers’ Needs

Bomanite Toronto Ltd. operates under three guarantees: top quality, unbeatable value, and professional service.  They only work with a network of licensed concrete contractors with the specific skills and necessary resources to maintain its high standard of quality and provide the expected caliber of decorative concrete services. This highly skilled network of concrete craftsmen has access to the manufacturing and technical support from Bomanite.  Bomanite Toronto prides itself in corporate responsibility and a vast quantity of projects that showcase their abilities to provide spectacular solutions and solve specific project specifications.

A visit to Bomanite Toronto’s extensive showroom stimulates your imagination and allows you to realize the possibilities.  Bomanite Toronto is proud of providing customers with outstanding outcomes.  Through hard work and quality performance, they have been able to complete beautiful results for over 40 years.  They excel at decorative outdoor living spaces.  At Bomanite Toronto Ltd. you will find and explore concrete flooring and paving that is innovative enough to capture and complement the beauty of the surrounding environment, yet durable and easy to maintain.  It’s a fun experience seeing possibilities in decorative concrete you haven’t even imagined yet.

A visit to Bomanite Toronto’s extensive showroom stimulates your imagination and allows you to realize the possibilities.  Bomanite Toronto is proud of providing customers with outstanding outcomes.  Through hard work and quality performance, they have been able to complete beautiful results for over 40 years.  They excel at decorative outdoor living spaces.  At Bomanite Toronto Ltd. you will find and explore concrete flooring and paving that is innovative enough to capture and complement the beauty of the surrounding environment, yet durable and easy to maintain.  It’s a fun experience seeing possibilities in decorative concrete you haven’t even imagined yet.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Bomanite Toronto earned the 2021 Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project Bronze Award for this project by making Bomanite Sandscape Refined the star of the show.  This project is another example of their enduring and established concrete craftsmanship.  The homeowners will enjoy the pristine beauty of their backyard and appreciate the low maintenance, walkability, and durability qualities built into the design and choice of their decorative concrete.  The finished project is sure to be the eye-catching envy of the neighborhood for many years to come.

Stowers Institute Front Entry Showcases Bomanite Sandscape Texture

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research was founded by Jim and Virginia Stowers, who sought to create a highly collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment where scientists could freely share their ideas and create a synergy that would spur great discoveries.

Jim trained as a physician and Virginia had a career as a registered nurse, giving the couple a profound understanding of the medical field and the role that medical research plays in the treatment and prevention of diseases.  They both had personal experiences with cancer as well, which solidified their decision to dedicate their personal fortune toward creating one of the world’s most influential centers for foundational research.  Jim Stowers said “Virginia and I are both cancer survivors and we know firsthand the fear and loneliness that come with the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease.  So, it was natural to think about how we might offer help and hope to others facing cancer and other diseases.”

Durability and Beauty by Design

The Stowers Institute research campus officially opened in November 2000 after five years of construction.  Almost 21 years later, the facility grounds needed a few upgrades, one of which was replacing the entry walkways.  Musselman and Hall Contractors worked with local landscape architecture firm Confluence to develop the site improvement plan.  Utilizing samples and mock-up design, Musselman and Hall presented the Stowers Institute with a plan to renovate the entry using Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems.  Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems provide innovative systems, longer-lasting products, and a variety of mix designs that combine needed durability with desired beauty.

Bomanite Sandscape Texture was the product of choice to create the decorative concrete paving surface at the Stowers Institute.   Sandscape Texture by Bomanite is designed for outdoor applications where an alternate to conventional concrete finishes is desired.  The finished product resembles sand blasted concrete and is used in combination with a variety of color and staining options, creating consistent texture and durability.

The Stowers Institute needed to restore the paving under the covered front walkway and the design provided by Musselman and Hall included demolition of the old surface and replacement of the entry sidewalks with a two-toned, integrally colored Sandscape Texture paving pattern.  This 7,400 square foot installation was broken into two phases to accommodate operations at the Stowers Institute.

Additionally, Musselman and Hall commissioned a very detailed sandblast stencil through Floormaps to represent the logo of the Stowers Institute.  The sandblasted logo was an extremely important detail and had to reflect the Stowers logo accurately.  Musselman and Hall provided a mock-up design, and the client was blown away by the detail and accuracy.  This successful execution resulted in a long-lasting tribute to the couple that started it all – Jim and Virginia Stowers.

Lasting Legacies

With more than a century of construction heritage dating back to the late 1800’s, Musselman & Hall Contractors is known as one of the mid-west’s longest-standing general contractors.  They have been building the surrounding communities over the last century, while simultaneously building and establishing long-lasting relationships for the past 100 years.

The Stowers founded the Stowers Institute with a vision of providing cutting edge research to help stamp out diseases and their 2-billion-dollar investment in the Institute has allowed it to continue its mission to aid humanity.  Even as the second of the founders passed away recently, their legacy stands firm and their desire and mission to give people hope for a better life is being carried forward.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Musselman and Hall Contractors values long-term customer relationships, creating true connections with their customers and clients.  This attention to detail and personalization of design at the Stowers Institute earned them the 2021 Silver Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project.  Their skillful execution and the stunning sandscape finish complements the surrounding gardens and will provide a long-lasting concrete paving surface as well as an enduring tribute to Jim and Virginia Stowers.

Decorative Concrete Craftsman Receive Bomanite 2021 Annual Awards

A resounding round of applause greeted these talented Bomanite decorative concrete craftsmen.  Bomanite proudly presents the Annual Decorative Concrete Project Award winners!  The Bomanite Annual Conference was held in Snohomish, WA, in March which culminated with the Annual Banquet Dinner where the awards were presented.  It was wonderful for everyone involved to meet in person once again, to see maskless smiling faces, and to get jeans and hands covered with concrete.  If you want to create phenomenal decorative concrete, you have to create muscle memory by getting your hands involved.  The concrete craftsmen gather annually to learn hands on new trade techniques, business strategies and exchange ideas with Bomanite Licensees from around the world.

With a vast knowledge and years of experience, these Bomanite Craftsmen define decorative concrete. Strong.  Durable.  Artistic.  Creative.  Bomanite Licensees work on anywhere from multimillion-dollar commercial projects to affordable residential housing, new builds, and improvements, and everything in between.

Texas Bomanite received the Best Bomanite Patène Artectura Project – GRAND AWARD for their stunningly gorgeous work on the Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, TX.  Using our Bomanite Coloration Systems Patène Artectura and Bomanite Modena SL with Chemical Stain, Texas Bomanite was able to achieve a consistent and beautiful look throughout the many diverse architectural areas of the hotel.  They provided decorative concrete flooring in the hotel lobby, levels 1 & 2 of the offices, levels 2-6, the event barn bar area, outside the event barn restrooms, and stained concrete columns in the event barn.

Carolina Bomanite Corporation, Mt. Holly, NC, received the Best Bomanite Imprint Systems Project GOLD AWARD for their pretty and professional craftsmanship at Courtyard Marriott, Greenville, SC.  Using the Bomanite Imprint Systems Bomanite Bomacron Patterns Running Bond Belgian Block, 10” Boardwalk, and Slate Texture, Carolina Bomanite created decorative concrete for multiple amenity and entry areas.  This project was underway prior to COVID and was delayed during construction for approximately one year.  The diversity, yet cohesion, of the installation of the patterns is literally enchanting and breathtaking.

Bomanite Licensee Colorado Hardscapes received the Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project GOLD AWARD for their distinctive decorative concrete work at the Market Station, Denver, CO.  Using Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems with Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, Colorado Hardscapes achieved an unforgettable eye-catching decorative concrete pattern on the paseo that draws the eye directly to the chevron pattern.  The paseo is located where one would normally find the alley.  There were innumerable technical challenges that came with this project including having to coordinate the snow melt system so that decorative sawcuts didn’t cut through the tubing that ran beneath.

Colorado Hardscapes also captured the Best Bomanite Toppings Systems Project GOLD AWARD for their unbelievable achievement at RYE SoBo Apartments, Denver, CO, of creating the Clark Richert Abstract Art in decorative concrete titled: Four Color Intertwine – 2021.  Using Bomanite Toppings Systems with Bomanite Micro-Top XT, the art piece was brought to life with fifteen different colors, and each color is surrounded by a saw cut to add to the crisp lines and enhance the dimensional look.  Richert originally wanted to use embedded mosaic tiles in concrete to create his piece, but once he saw how vivid and solid Micro-Top XT could make each section, it was absolute that Colorado Hardscapes utilize that product instead.

Bomanite Licensee Premier Concrete Construction took home the Best Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems GOLD AWARD for their dazzling decorative concrete work at Colonial Theater Keene, Keene, NH.  Using Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems with Bomanite Modena TG Epoxy Terrazzo they were able to achieve stunning results on the flooring, pre-cast cove base, and pre-cast stairs and risers.  All included two colors and a diamond strip pattern.  Supply chain issues that would have delayed the project for five months after the scheduled to begin forced Premier Concrete Construction to set up their own shop to pre-cast 300LF of cove base and the full set of stairs and risers per spec.

We’d like to thank all the Bomanite licensed contractors who submitted entries for this year’s award contest. The Bomanite Decorative Concrete Annual Project Awards has been a tradition for more than 50 years for Bomanite Licensed Contractors to submit their outstanding projects. Bomanite Licensees compete among the best of the best to be recognized for their hard work and creative talents. The winners are announced at the Bomanite Annual Conference, held in various cities from year to year. This is a taste of artwork and craftsmanship in the decorative concrete market that can be achieved by the Bomanite network of decorative concrete craftsmen.  Additional awards were given for Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention categories. Please take a look at the award-winning projects.

2021 List of Bomanite Award Winners

Bomanite Imprint Systems

• HONORABLE MENTION: Carolina Bomanite Corporation – The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery – Charlotte, NC – Bomacron Pattern: Running Bond Belgian Block
• HONORABLE MENTON: Connecticut Bomanite Systems – Branford Route 1 and 2 Roundabout –  Branford, CT – Bomacron Pattern: Ashlar Slate and Herringbone Brick
• BRONZE: Connecticut Bomanite Systems – Downtown Danbury Transit Oriented Development – Danbury, CT – Bomacron Pattern: Medium Ashlar Slate, Soldier Course Belgian Block
• SILVER:  Beyond Concrete – Dennis Collins Park – Bayonne, NJ – Bomacron Pattern: Circular Cobblestone/Granite Texture, 11-inch/6-inch Boardwalk
• GOLD:  Carolina Bomanite Corporation – Courtyard Marriott – Greenville, SC – Bomacron Pattern: Running Bond Belgian Block, 10” Boardwalk, Slate Texture

Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems

• HONORABLE MENTION: Colorado Hardscapes – McGregor Square – Denver, CO – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System
• HONORABLE MENTION: Heritage Bomanite — Maravillosa Senior Living – Fresno, CA – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System
• BRONZE: Bomanite Toronto – Sunset Drive Private Residence – Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System and Bomanite Sandscape Refined Exposed Aggregate System
• SILVER:  Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC – Stowers Institute for Medical Research – Kansas City, MO – Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System
• GOLD: Colorado Hardscapes – Market Station – Denver, CO ­­­– Bomanite Sandscape® Texture Exposed Aggregate System

Bomanite Toppings Systems

• GOLD: Colorado Hardscapes – RYE SoBo Apartments – Clark Richert Abstract Art – Denver, CO – Bomanite Toppings System Micro-Top XT

Bomanite Specialty Project

• HONORABLE MENTION: Bomanite Artistic Concrete – WestStar Tower at Hunt Plaza – El Paso, TX – Bomanite Specialty Project – Specialty Walls

Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems

• BRONZE: Premier Concrete Construction – Laflamme Residence – Etna, NH – Bomanite Belcolore Custom Polishing System and Bomanite Modena SL Custom Polishing System
• SILVER: Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC – Westview Elementary – Excelsior Springs, MO – Bomanite VitraFlor Custom Polishing System

Bomanite Patène Artectura Project – GRAND AWARD

• GRAND AWARD: Texas Bomanite – Hotel Drover – Fort Worth, TX – Bomanite Coloration Systems Patène Artectura with Bomanite Modena SL with Chemical Stain

Bomanite Sandscape® Texture and Bomanite Imprint Graphics Renovates Driveway with Decorative Concrete

Perpetual maintenance of an existing asphalt driveway finally became too much for this homeowner.  The asphalt detracted from the curb appeal of the residence.  The driveway looked old and outdated.  The freezing and snowy Concord, NH, winters meant that maintenance had become a headache and the driveway was not durable.  The homeowner reached out to Bomanite Licensee Premier Concrete Construction LLC for recommendations and guidance.  Premier Concrete Construction recommended Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems using Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, and Bomanite Imprint Systems using Concrete Graphics with a Celtic Braid border and decorative sawcuts.  The homeowner also wanted some “sparkle” in the mix of aggregates, so mirror was used to create that effect.  Premier Concrete Construction worked closely with the homeowner and aided them with their color selection.

Bomanite Systems Mean Choices

Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems, with its variety of mix designs, offers unlimited palette colors, textures, and aggregate options to chose from.  Durability and cost-effective solutions are the hallmark of the Bomanite Exposed Aggregate System.  Bomanite Sandscape® Texture, using topical treatments and advanced application procedures, resembles sand blasted concrete and is an economical and durable hardscape.  The aggregates used in this installation, including the mirror, gave this driveway some pop to draw the eye in and created a perfect canvas for additional decorative concrete techniques.

Bomanite Imprint Systems using Bomanite Concrete Graphics with a Celtic Braid border and decorative sawcuts give this driveway just the right curb appeal.  Bomanite Concrete Graphics provides unlimited combinations of geometric patterns and colors.  Your imagination is the only boundary to the creative freedom of design.  In this installation the Celtic Braid border and decorative sawcuts make the driveway look wider.  This is a design statement that is modern and appealing.

From Heavy Maintenance Asphalt to Pride of Ownership

Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and Bomanite Imprint Systems are installed by a network of highly skilled, specially trained Licensees.   Premier Concrete Construction prides themselves in meeting the installation specifications and exceeding expectations of the client for every installation.  For years into the future, it will be the low maintenance part of their property they longed for.  This driveway has reignited the pride of ownership for this homeowner.

Bomanite Sandscape and Sandscape Refined Provide Decorative and Durable Hardscape

The Campus at Waterview is a building portfolio in the Denver Tech Center that consists of three Class-A LEED Certified office buildings.  Each building has stunning views of the mountains and offers a variety of amenities, including proximity to shopping, restaurants, and public transportation.  The Waterview buildings were constructed between 1999 and 2001 with various remodels taking place since 2014.

The entry terrace at Waterview III was remodeled and included renovation of the exterior entry paving.  It was ultimately decided by the contractor, the landscape architect, and the project designer that Colorado Hardscapes would perform the decorative concrete work, even though the bidding process indicated another contractor.  A two-decade long relationship between Solara Designs and Colorado Hardscapes heavily influenced this decision and all parties agreed that Colorado Hardscapes was the optimal choice and only firm capable of executing the desired design.

Customization at its Finest

The landscape architect visited the design center at Colorado Hardscapes and after extensive discussion with Project Manager John Buteyn and consideration of numerous samples, a custom color palate was requested.  Colorado Hardscapes was more than happy to accommodate this request, from which the final design and materials were selected.

Colorado Hardscapes utilized Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems, including Bomanite Sandscape Texture and Sandscape Refined.  Sandscape Texture with a custom dark brown color was selected for the field areas and two colors of Sandscape Refined, white and light gray, were used to create the accent banding.

Durable and Decorative Concrete

Bomanite Sandscape Texture is designed for outdoor applications where an alternate to conventional concrete finishes is required.  Sandscape Texture, one of four Exposed Aggregate Systems offered by Bomanite for architectural concrete surfaces, utilizes specialized concrete mix designs, additives, topical treatments, and advanced application procedures.  The finished Sandscape Texture product resembles sand blasted concrete and can incorporate specialized colored sands in the concrete and aggregates exceeding 3/8” in diameter.  The final product is an economical alternate to other decorative finishes while producing a monolithic concrete slab with a low life cycle cost due to the pre-aged nature of the surface.  Applications include plazas, shopping centers, schools, and exterior walkways—anywhere improved wear resistance for light- to moderate-duty vehicular or foot traffic is necessary.  These highly durable surfaces are available in a multitude of standard and custom options, including light-reflective formulations that reduce heat island effect.

Bomanite Sandscape Refined is a fine aggregate exposed aggregate concrete system engineered for outdoor applications.  Sandscape Refined is another of the four Exposed Aggregate Systems offered by Bomanite for architectural concrete surfaces and utilizes specialized Bomanite Color Hardener blends, standard or decorative aggregates, and advanced application procedures.  The finished Sandscape Refined product resembles fine textured stone or etched limestone block with light sand exposure throughout the surface.  Due to the use of Bomanite Color Hardener, these highly durable surfaces are available in a multitude of standard and custom colors.

Design Changes Result in Design Wins

Additionally, the raised planters also feature a Sandscape Refined finish.  The planter bed walls were originally going to be pre-cast, but after deliberations between the landscape architect and Colorado Hardscapes, it was decided to use Sandscape Refined.  The planter walls were covered in a light color hardener and did not require the use of white cement.  The use of Sandscape Refined provided an excellent alternative to the imported precast planters that had originally been considered.

The texture and colors of the Sandscape Texture and Sandscape Refined are a perfect complement to the precast concrete on the building and accentuate the building’s architecture and design aesthetic while adding durability and beautiful detail to the Waterview Campus.  The superior decorative concrete installation by Colorado Hardscapes showcases their commitment to providing the highest quality decorative and architectural concrete and their willingness to go above and beyond on every single job.

Parkway Condos Upgrade Entry and Drives with Bomanite Sandscape® Texture

The Parkway Condominium Buildings are a premier luxury condo development in a very nice area of Overland Park, KS. The existing paving at the entry and on the drives down to their garages were in disrepair and were very slick in the winter.  The Condominium’s Board reached out to Bomanite licensee Musselman & Hall Contractors for a proposal because Musselman & Hall’s reputation for excellence, and their ability to solve complex problems, is recognized throughout the region.  The decorative concrete solution chosen was not only beautiful, but durable and practical.

Decorative and Durable Concrete

Musselman & Hall installed Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems using Bomanite Sandscape® Texture with Autumn Brown integral color and decorative ribbons of broomed Autumn Brown to accent the area.  Designed for outdoor applications, Bomanite Sandscape® Texture utilizes specialized mix designs, topical treatments, and advanced application procedures.  The textured effect of Bomanite Sandscape® Texture resembles sand blasted concrete with a hard, slip-resistant surface, without the dangerous release of respirable byproducts of sandblasting.

Natural, regionally selected, and qualified sands are the common aggregates of choice for Bomanite Sandscape® Texture installations.  In this installation, Missouri aggregates were used.  The natural non-skid properties and abrasion resistant aggregates make Bomanite Sandscape® Texture the perfect choice this project.  The exposure of the fine aggregates resulted in a robust decorative concrete that has an excellent life cycle with reduced maintenance requirements.

Additional Amenities

Musselman & Hall installed in slab heating for the ramps down to the garages so the ramps wouldn’t have issues with cars sliding.  On a freezing cold blustery snowy day there is no better winter weather amenity than a heated driveway ramp.  It is the best and the least of amenities the residents of this luxury condo complex deserve and expect.  The saw cut joints added a detail of design that is complimentary to the architecture of the complex.  The decorative bands of broomed Autumn Brown concrete draws the eye to the beautiful details of the installation.

Existing Mature Landscaping Untouched

An important aspect of any installation of decorative concrete in an already constructed and existing site with mature established landscaping is maintaining the aesthetics of that landscaping.  That proved to be no problem for this trained team of expert concrete artisans.  Nate Harris of Musselman & Hall Contractors said, “In the end, our teams were so careful that the sod didn’t need patching anywhere. We left them with a beautiful new parking and drive area with no extra touchups needed.”

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Musselman & Hall Contractors earned the 2020 Best Bomanite Sandscape Texture Exposed Aggregate Systems Project Honorable Mention Award for this delightful decorative concrete solution.  Musselman & Hall can take pride in a beautiful, practical, and low-maintenance installation that will enhance the lives of the residents and visitors of Parkway Condos both now and for many more years into the future.

Texas Bomanite Installs Award Winning Concrete at Lake Belton High School

Lake Belton High School is a 385,000 square-foot campus located in Temple, Texas and includes various community, teaching, and athletic spaces.  Known as the Home of the Broncos, this comprehensive high school was designed to support 2,500 students with key programming that includes science, athletics, performing and fine arts, an auditorium, and a core learning center.  With close coordination between the architect O’Connell Robertson and the contractor Bartlett Cocke General Contractors during the design phase, the client’s goals and budget were achieved.

Texas Bomanite was asked by Bartlett Cocke to provide 243,000 SF of polished concrete flooring, including 9,165 SF of flooring with large aggregate exposure and custom glass aggregates.  In the hallways, the Bomanite Micro-Top Toppings System was utilized to add a distinct decorative feature over the polished concrete flooring.  Additionally, Bomanite Alloy Exposed Aggregate decorative concrete was installed outside the building in the courtyard, near the athletic field, and near the concession stand.

Bomanite Systems in Action

Texas Bomanite utilized the Bomanite VitraFlor Custom Polishing System, which consisted of grinding, chemical hardening with Bomanite Stabilizer Pro, and honing and polishing with Bomanite VitraFinish.  Custom glass aggregates in the colors Cranberry & Red Chunk were incorporated into the flooring, reflecting the school colors, and adding a stunning point of interest.

The VitraFlor process utilizes select un-colored concrete that is placed and finished to standards required for decorative polished concrete flooring.  The concrete is ground to expose the desired amount of aggregate, then polished to the required gloss level and treated with a Bomanite stain resist.  The primary benefit to Bomanite VitraFlor is the simplicity of installation and durability of the finished floor, lending to its low-maintenance and long-term sustainable features.

To further embody school spirit, 22 horseshoe logos were installed over the polished floor using the Bomanite Micro-Top Toppings System.  Bomanite Micro-Top is a cutting-edge technology that uses a paper-thin concrete medium and provides a coloration system like no other.  Utilizing a troweled-on cementitious topping that tenaciously bonds to virtually any substrate, including concrete, wood, metal, plastic or asphalt, Micro-Top succeeds where other coloring methods have failed.  Micro-Top provides a canvas where works of art are graphically produced, utilizing custom logos, unlimited graphics, swirls of color, or marbleized hues to reach the perfect color combination.

Bomanite Alloy Exposed Aggregate is an architectural exposed concrete with varying exposure depths using non-native quartz and decorative aggregates that are surface seeded on concrete.  Bomanite Alloy is suited for exterior applications – anywhere that improved wear resistance for light- to moderate-duty vehicular or foot traffic combined with an architectural finish is necessary.  Due to the use of Bomanite Color Hardener, Bomanite Alloy is well known as a highly durable surface and is perfect to provide increased surface and slip resistance, making it an ideal product choice for the outdoor installations at Lake Belton High School.

Quality Design and Team Collaboration Result in a Spectacular Finish

Detailed collaborative efforts between the design and construction teams produced excellent results and the utilization of multiple Bomanite Systems provided the opportunity to enhance numerous spaces inside and outside of Lake Belton High School.  While each system offers unique decorative qualities, all three will provide long-term durability and strength for many years to come.

“The building represents what we want to see.  We want to see collaborative working; we want to see people working together.  And this building is made for that,” said Jill Ross, principal of Lake Belton High School.  The team of quality architects, engineers, and contractors on the Lake Belton High School project worked in collaboration, shared a vision and values, and produced a stunning and spectacular project.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Texas Bomanite installed multiple Bomanite Systems and provided beautiful decorative concrete finishes throughout the campus, earning the 2020 Best Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems Project Honorable Mention Award for their outstanding efforts.  Their expert execution and precision resulted in flooring finishes with unique and distinct detail that feature personalized elements of design and embody the Lake Belton Broncos school spirit.