Decorative concrete surface design

Buildings are created as a result of the combination and interaction of various materials. The appearance, finish, and plasticity of materials are essential for providing a general impression. Each material has a special formal language to be used by the designer. The form of concrete/cast stone is determined by formwork. Plastic c´oncrete can take almost any shapes before solidification. Work with this material requires the architect to have high-level professional skills and imagination as well as self-control at the same time since this' versatile material has practically unlimited possibilities for use. The design of decorative concrete surfaces involves the exploitation of both the constructive (structural) features and the variations of shaping the material. Surface structures - shiny/dull, smooth/coarse, rough/fine, just to mention some of the endless line of variations - all depend on the material concerned. These structures result from the interaction of different materials or show certain components of the same type of material. Structures may strengthen or weaken the formal language of buildings, but they certainly interact with each other, determining the optical impression, which can be further refined by using various colours. Surface embossment endows façades with interesting light and shade effects. Surface structures can also be created by the extraordinary shaping of certain architectural details (e.g. joints). The selected component structure should always harmonize with the immediate surroundings of the building; and what is even more important, with the impact of urban design.