SURFACE AND COLOR OPTIONS FOR UHPC

Endless possibilities for texture and colors

DESIGN POSSIBILITIES WITH ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Hi-Con's own material of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC), CRC i2, opens up a world of design and surface possibilities that challenge traditional choices and inspire experimentation. With UHPC, you can create striking, innovative, and functional buildings, as the material's formability and detail control allow you to achieve all imaginable surface textures and color nuances.

The formability, lightness, and strength of UHPC also make the material ideal for renovation projects, where there is a need to create a uniform expression with previous constructions. You will achieve this in a thinner, lighter, and more durable way, providing you with improved aesthetics and functionality.

A UNIQUE AND ORGANIC MATERIAL

CRC i2 is a unique cement-based material, and like traditional concrete and other natural materials, one should expect variations in color and texture that develop over time. This contributes to the visual appeal of concrete, as it creates a lively and varied expression.

Like other cement-based materials, CRC i2 is a heterogeneous and porous material, though with less variation and very low porosity due to its special composition. When CRC i2 elements are produced, variations in color and texture may occur, including possible efflorescence and shade differences.

You can read more about this in our article on surface aesthetics

CREATE UNIQUE SURFACES WITH UHPC

With UHPC, you have exceptional opportunities to create surfaces with the precise aesthetics and functionality you desire. We typically use rubber molds to create various patterns and textures in concrete slabs, but we can also use other methods and materials like wood to add a raw, natural, and organic aesthetic to your buildings.

We offer 9 standard surfaces as a starting point, but only your creativity sets the limits. Thousands of unique surfaces can be created to meet your project’s needs and give your buildings character. We can also add reliefs and create unique imprints and patterns in the concrete, bringing life and depth to your design.

Besides the aesthetic aspects, surface treatment can also consider safety. For example, we can add anti-slip coatings to balconies and stairs to ensure safety and comfort.

You can find our selection of standard surfaces here

COLOR OPTIONS WITH UHPC

Although UHPC typically has a natural gray color, the concrete can be customized with various pigments to achieve the desired color shade. At Hi-Con, we primarily use a light gray or gray concrete base. If you prefer a natural color, a gray concrete base works well, but for brighter colors, a light concrete base is the best solution. Colored concrete gives you greater design flexibility and the ability to create harmony and coherence with the surrounding constructions and environment. The result is visually impressive buildings that leave a lasting impression.

When it comes to coloring the concrete, there are some important factors to consider. Firstly, efflorescence is more visible on dark surfaces than on light surfaces. It is also better to choose earth tones over signal colors, as they are easier to achieve. Additionally, shade differences may occur due to material properties and the production process.

It is also important to be aware that coloring can fade over time due to weather and wind. If you desire a specific and uniform color tone on the concrete, it is recommended to choose a painted surface. However, it should be noted that a painted surface will affect the texture of the concrete surface and requires ongoing maintenance.

OPTIONS FOR INCORPORATING BRICK

In addition to creating different textures and colors on concrete elements, UHPC also gives you the opportunity to incorporate other materials like brick, monolith, tiles, and similar elements to add an architectural dimension to the facades or to seamlessly blend balconies with the rest of the building. This combination of materials creates a visually interesting and textured expression that adds depth and character to the construction. The incorporation of brick or similar elements typically occurs after the casting of the concrete elements, providing a flexible approach to the design process.

A good example of this application can be seen in the Musikhuskvarteret in Aalborg, where brick was used to create a modern, eye-catching, and stylish facade. This design choice gave the building a unique identity and created a harmonious connection with the surrounding buildings.

Explore our brick balconies at Musikhuskvarteret