Design often gets my blood pumping. Looking through interior design magazines and websites puts me in a dream world of creating something that is individually “mine.” If you work and live in the design world, maybe your reaction is similar.
For me, the same is true with concrete. Concrete is a medium that is indescribable because it begins its’ journey in liquid form. The best way I have found to describe it is the French word couleé. Translated, it means “to flow” and that is the great beauty of concrete. It takes on the aspect of whatever it comes in contact with, including the intricacies of leaves, metals, or wood. The design capabilities are limitless. Think of a river-themed reception piece, Zen lines, and textures, or even funky bar tops. Designing with concrete and integrating other materials is also key: too much concrete can be very cold and stark, but choose to integrate an earth-tone color, and combine it with reclaimed wood or a stainless steel base and the effect can be very harmonizing. Edge detailing and decorative inlays can help a concrete counter blend into more traditional environments.
The Environment
Fabrication plays a great part in the environmental factor. Concrete as a medium is not very environmental in its basic form, but how you fabricate it is. By including fly ash (fly ash is an inexpensive replacement for Portland cement) in the concrete mix, it provides a significant contribution to sustainable construction. The use of this material in concrete production consumes less energy and offers improved efficiency and building performance. This material can also be used to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points.
Get Creative
Concrete can be ground, polished, stamped, or stained. You can incorporate recycled materials into your design including glass or metals, and one can create artistic inlays using a multitude of products for that one-of-a-kind signature. Adding a drain board is a common custom element for kitchen countertops. Although each and every piece is truly a custom work of art, it also doubles with function.
Concrete is not for the person who is looking for perfection. True concrete will patina with age, much like we do, and that can be a very good thing if you can be comfortable with it.
Recycle
Fabricators can often recycle parts of the concrete mold for other jobs, sending less to landfills. Products we can’t reuse we take to local sources to reuse or recycle. In addition, there are ways to keep the leftover sediment out of our streams and byways. It is very satisfying to know that you are putting your best foot forward for the environment, while creating a really great product.
No matter what your style of preference, eclectic or conservative, concrete will work in any space. It is, of course, all in the design. While creating stellar spaces and choosing the right concrete fabricator, you will likely help the environment as well.
Janet Creasy co-owns Coulee Concrete Designs, and can reached at 503-895-2621. Or, check out www.couleeconcrete.com for more information and to view their portfolio.
