Concrete is well known as a building material with its versatility. The possibilities for use and architectural design are almost inexhaustible. These properties and also its constructive training combine to form an ideal combination that makes it a popular medium and design element in the construction industry today and back then. The development of concrete architecture presents outstanding buildings that are made of exposed concrete both on the outside and inside. We present 11 projects below.
Concrete architecture and its face
Concrete facade as a visual design element
Concrete is the most commonly used andat the same time the most malleable tree materialin construction and because of its static capabilities, architects and planners have often preferred it for constructions and supporting elements. In retrospect, the visible concrete has become a design element that always expresses its form and preserves the moment of solidification.
Countless facets
Concrete as a visible element of interior or exterior architecture gives the surface and the building a distinctive character. Depending on the area of application, the material fulfills more than just a static, structural or optical function. It can be thermally insulating and soundproofing.
Concrete facadein pastel shades
*Yardhouse, London, UK
Assemblehave developed a flexible and visually particularly appealing facade design with concrete panels. They can be attached to any house facade and later easily removed and then installed somewhere else. In connection with mobility, these were used for the first time in a building that is made available for exhibitions and coworking offices.
monumentmade of concrete
However, the project is a contemporary memorial of SCG (Siam Cement Group), the largest manufacturer of building materials and construction materials in Thailand, for the company's 100th anniversary. It includes a total of three concrete structures, all located on the ocean coast: library, landscape pavilion and landscape pavilion.
Playful landscape pavilion in Thailand
However, the landscape pavilion is a labyrinth of steps that invites passers-by to enjoy the beautiful view from above. The playful facility consists exclusively of exposed concrete tinted in a natural terracotta color and aims to encourage people to exercise more.
Beton-Labyrinthin terracotta color
*a project by Supermachine Studio in Bangsaen, Cholburi, Thailand
Calculated that you burn around 10 calories if you climb all the steps at a normal pace.
OneConcrete facade fulfills several functions
The facade is the characteristic feature of a building, its face and its business card. It is both a constructive part of the building and an important design element. Concrete as a building material leaves a variety of creative design options open.
Concrete facadeas a design element
Thanks to the various options for mechanical processing of the material, such as grinding, washing, acidifying, sandblasting, almost any surface you can imagine can be produced. Structure matrices and tinting expand the variety of creative variants.
Concrete architectureandPrivacy protection with color
*Ocean Research Center and Observatory Building at Banyuls-sur-Mer, France by Atelier Fernandez & Serres
Concrete facades not only play an aesthetic role in the building concept. It is also particularly economical and can fulfill additional functions such as temperature regulation, privacy and sun protection or energy generation.
Minimalistin terracotta color
Underneath everything, concrete appears very neutral, rough and more or less bare. Through the correct editing or design, one or another effect can be conveyed. Minimalist concrete architecture in strong terracotta color accommodates historical exhibition and staging of the war between two kingdoms in present-day Portugal.
Coloredtinted exposed concrete
*Cultural Center in Fronteira, Portugal designed by Goncalo Byrne Architects
Medieval buildings typical of the region serve as a model for the shape of the elongated building with a flat roof. The rough structure resembles hand-made exposed concrete and the tint highlights clay plaster.
Concrete architecturerememberedon Corten steel
An old barn in Graubunden Scharans, Switzerland was rebuilt from concrete and converted into a workplace. The new building should have exactly the same volume as the old building, as the area is a historical world heritage site.
Ornaments
*a project by Valerio Olgiati Architect
Ultimately, the homeowner's actual workspace is only a third of the available space. In the inner center of the building there is an opening to the sky, which contrasts strongly with the monumental-looking structure and the surrounding architecture.
Cultural Centerin Sao Paolo, Brazil
In the economic city center of Sao Paulo, Brazil is the University of Music and Dramatic Arts building, which was recently renovated. The newly created concrete architecture accommodates a cinema, exhibition rooms, a concert and sports hall, as well as administrative rooms.
ContemporaryConcretearchitecture
*ein Projekt von Brasil Arquitetura
The new building consists exclusively of exposed concrete, which is tinted in natural ocher nuances. The minimalist design refers to the modern architecture in the area and to the purely functional aspect that the building is intended to fulfill.
Ina historic area
A single-family home in the historic center of Lisbon, Portugal was created as a result of the influence of different cultures that still populate the city today. In the background there is a medieval castle and other characteristic features of the region. Inspired by these, but at the same time interpreted in a modern way, Zè Haus was created.
Single family homemade of concrete
*Zé House, Palmela, Lisbon, a project by Paratelier
The concrete architecture of the house is modern, but still influenced by the traditional and in connection with it - tinted in ocher color. The living space is developed on three levels, adapted to the hilly terrain.
IfExtension to the castle
An extension to the medieval castle in Bielefeld, Germany was designed by the architect Max Dudler in 2014 and conceived as a visitor center. Within the historic fortress, the modern building creates a strong contrast and connection to the past at the same time.
Concretearchitecturein natural sand colors
*Sparrenburg, Bielefeld, Germany, a project by Max Dudler Architects
The building material for the extension building was processed to look true to the original and was given the color of the rough existing walls. The building is made of stamped concrete and is based on the scale of the buildings that have existed for centuries. In this way, the architect creates a relationship, a connection between new and old, present and history.
ModernSingle family home
The flat roof and large windows are undoubtedly characteristic of modern architecture. The exterior and interior of the house are designed to be minimalist and stylish. The impressive, velvet green color of the rough exposed concrete sets a distinctive accent.
InGreen
The house consists of several interconnected structures with comparable dimensions. The monochrome look is followed both inside and outside. The interior walls do not differ in appearance and feel from the exterior walls.
Withindividual appearance
The green tint of the concrete and the rough structure create an overall picture that is puristic but still completely natural. The living space develops on several levels, depending on the size of the room.
Minimalist concretearchitectureand interior design
*Ishikiri House in Osaka, Japan, like Projekt von Sugawaradaisuke
Concrete can be made into a wide range of shapes, textures and colors to fully meet the functional and aesthetic needs of a building and improve the quality of living. The targeted green pigmentation makes the outside and inside walls of the house look like they are covered in moss. However, the coloring is a primer that protects the building from moisture. Light, colors and implementation of the exposed concrete result in a play of shadows and create an atmosphere of security in a decidedly reduced way.
The minimalist building is a research center for the French Ministry of Culture's Museum of Civilizations of Europe in Marseille. It is monumental and very representative, designed to be the largest and most impressive structure in the area. It has two faces - one facing the public and one facing inside, towards a courtyard.
Concrete house
The concrete architecture aims to preserve and protect valuable historical objects, which is why it is more or less reminiscent of a contemporary fortress. The building consists of a structure made of concrete in two different looks. Apart from the outside, the 'concrete fortress' is colored in reddish tones, while the inside is white.
Large format concrete architectureinthe city area
*MuCEM Cultural Center in Marseille, a project by Corinne Vezzoni and Associès
The clear design language makes the architecture appear respectful and the dry concrete and compression layers create a reference to the purpose of the building.
In a modern apartment building
This apartment building is just one of several buildings in the highly modern, gated Nieuw Zuid district in Antwerp, Belgium. Residents have shops and public facilities on the first floors.
ConcreteandGlass – a harmonious overall picture
*Passport project by Atelier Kempe Thill,Hoogstraten, Belgium
An apartment building presents the contemporary idea of modern architecture made of glass and concrete, with a clear, simple design language. The building's glass facade faces the forecourt with a children's playground. This means parents can watch their children from a distance while they play.
