Every building, regardless of its purpose, is created with functionality, aesthetics and durability in mind. Equally important is the outdoor space surrounding it.
Surfaces around buildings play a key role, both practically and visually. Modern landscaping solutions make it possible to create original and stylish spaces that blend perfectly with the surrounding environment. One such solution is DECO STONE, which is concrete with exposed aggregate, which stands out not only for its unique appearance, but also for its durability and functionality.
Aesthetics and functionality
DECO STONE concrete pavements are characterized by exposed aggregate on its surface. The aggregate, or fine-grained rock mass, can be of various types, such as pebble gravel, light gray granite, black basalt, gray-brown dolomite. These natural ingredients add a unique character to the pavement, giving it an aesthetic appearance and a beautiful natural color.
DECO STONE's greatest assets are its unique appearance and large format. This original paving is an eye-catcher and adds a unique character to any environment. Thanks to a wide range of colors and a variety of aggregate types, it is possible to create a pavement that blends perfectly with the architecture of the building and the natural surroundings. Expansion joints, which concrete technology requires, are made every few meters and are sometimes barely visible thanks to the use of filling compounds in a color similar to the concrete used. As a result, the large-format pavement gives the impression of a uniform, continuous surface.
The building of the City and Municipality of Konstancin-Jeziorna is an example of a perfect composition of the pavement with the facade. Architectural expansion joints, made of basalt stone, create lines in the gray, coarse-grained pavement that lead directly to the main entrance. The contraction expansion joints, cut into the pavement, are almost invisible, and the whole works well with the noble brick facade of the building.
City Hall in Konstancin
© CEMEX
Durability that will stand the test of time
Aesthetics is one thing, but durability and resistance of the pavement to weathering and intensive use is another. DECO STONE meets these requirements by being an extremely durable and damage-resistant material.
Concrete with exposed aggregate has high mechanical resistance, which is especially important in areas with heavy pedestrian or vehicle traffic. In addition, it is resistant to harsh weather conditions, which means that the concrete can withstand repeated freezing and thawing, as well as de-icing salts. As a result, DECO STONE retains its unique appearance for years to come.
Exposing the aggregate can be done in two ways: the first is rinsing, in which the top layer of slurry is removed just after the concrete mixture is placed - usually the next day. The second method involves mechanical treatment of hard, mature concrete - so-called hammering or milling involves removing the top layer of cement slurry and exposing the aggregate grains. Both of these treatments have a twofold purpose - first, they give the pavement an extraordinary appearance, and second - which is equally important - they have a very good effect on the durability of the concrete; by removing the top layer of grout, we get rid of the most sensitive and perishable layer, bringing to the surface the most durable and resistant mature aggregate concrete structure.
Application of DECO STONE
DECO STONE is a material with versatile applications. It can be used both in public spaces such as squares, alleys or sidewalks, and in private gardens, driveways or terraces. Surfaces made of this type of concrete are also perfect for high-traffic areas, such as parking lots, pedestrian areas or playgrounds.
It is worth mentioning that DECO STONE does not limit the imagination of designers and landscape architects. The ability to customize the color and type of aggregate makes it possible to create unique patterns, layouts or mosaics that will not only be visually spectacular, but also thoughtfully designed in terms of functionality. The effect of exposed aggregate can also be achieved on vertical surfaces - walls or columns - an example of such an implementation is the Warsaw Insurgents' Memorial Chamber in Wola, where the effect of layered graded exposure of aggregate was achieved.
Memorial Chamber
© CEMEX
DECO STONE and ecology
Paved surfaces and such a versatile and universal material as concrete have had a bad press recently. The colloquial notion of concreting, which increasingly appears in the public debate and which, from the point of view of vocabulary, refers directly to concrete, while in practice it boils down to mistakes in land development, sometimes causes reluctance to use it. However, we should remember that concrete is a relatively cheap, versatile and essential material needed for the sustainable development of societies. DECO STONE pavements are designed with reason, so that users of the space are provided with a paved and durable road, while leaving enough space for greenery. The lack of curbs in this technology allows the establishment of lawns and greens on a level with the pavement. The lack of greenery overgrowth eliminates the need for harmful chemicals to remove weeds. And the durability of DECO STONE concrete ensures use for decades, helping to reduce the carbon footprint over the pavement's life cycle, comparing it to fine-mix or asphalt technologies. An additional advantage is the light color of the concrete, which reflects more of the sun's radiation and thus heats up less than black asphalt or stone pavements.
An unusual type of white concrete with exposed aggregate has been used on the streets and sidewalks of the Warsaw Breweries quarter - this is hammered concrete, in which the aggregate is exposed by mechanical processing with special machines. This technology was used to refer to the historic industrial character of the district. At the same time, to ensure that there is enough urban greenery, special drainage and ground relief systems were used so that the vegetation of trees and shrubs growing almost directly on the street will proceed without hindrance.
Warsaw Breweries
© CEMEX
The DECO STONE paving in front of the Nowy Theater in Warsaw's Mokotow district is of a similar nature. The early 20th century building once served as a streetcar depot. The concrete pavement is meant to refer to the industrial original function. Lighting is spanned by steel cables, reminiscent of streetcar traction. The plaza in front of the theater is spacious, but serves multiple functions - as a parking lot, a cafe-restaurant area, a recreation and relaxation area with a fountain, as well as transportation - it is an access road for heavy trucks transporting sound systems or scenery to the theater building. In order to enliven this space, a number of special shaped holes have been left in the pavement for self-sowing greenery every year. In this way, the facility supports biodiversity, providing space for birds, insects and other organisms in the concrete plaza.
New Theater
© CEMEX
Character and uniqueness
Surfacing around buildings is not only a practical element of landscaping, but also an important element of artistic expression. DECO STONE, which is concrete with exposed aggregate, perfectly combines functionality with remarkable design. Its aesthetic appearance, durability and customizability make it an excellent choice for both commercial and private developments.
DECO STONE is a material that not only decorates the surroundings of buildings, but also adds character and uniqueness. At the same time, its durability and resistance to weathering guarantee that it will please the eyes for many years. For those who are looking for innovative and unconventional landscaping solutions, DECO STONE will certainly be the right choice.
Learn more at: www.cemex.pl/deco-stone.aspx
Contact: Marek Dmochowski, tel: 691 393 125
The development and implementation of CEMEX building materials technology is part of the global research and development network, headed by the CEMEX Research Center based in Switzerland.
Copyright © 2023 / CEMEX Innovation Holding Ltd., Switzerland; All rights reserved.
New Theater
© CEMEX
