Shotcrete is the method of applying concrete pneumatically through a high pressure nozzle. It can save both time and money over typical cast-in-place concrete since Shotcrete walls are constructed faster as they need less forming and use less material. Without tie holes (that need to be filled, leaving visible blemishes), it can be an aesthetically appealing alternative.
An exciting new field is developing that takes shotcrete to the next level. Talented shotcrete craftsmen are using sculpted shotcrete as a canvas to create artistic walls that have all of the same structural integrity of a standard shotcrete wall.
The application of sculpted shotcrete is only limited by the imagination. It is a great way to either highlight a structure or blend it into the local landscape with its ability to easily apply color, stains, and textures. Great looking projects are being done with shotcrete that is stained and textured to naturalize an area or to turn plain walls into beautiful murals.
Retaining walls are a great example of where shotcrete’s adaptability and wide range of finished surfaces are designing architectural solutions for stabilizing areas. Rock sculpting and texturing is used to take a functional project and turn it into something that is very artistic and attractive.
When the City of Burien, WA, which sits below the Cascade Mountain range, needed to build a parking garage, they didn’t want a structure made up of stark concrete walls. Their goal was to turn the building into a piece of art that highlighted the city’s most visible landmark, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding mountain ranges. Conco worked to create sculpted shotcrete murals that depicted views of the Cascades, Olympics, and Mount Rainier on all four sides of the building.
For over 50 years, Conco has been providing premium concrete services and is one of the most trusted concrete contractors in Seattle. We partner with clients on every project from the pre-construction stage right through to final completion to maximize efficiency and ensure goals and budgets are met. Our concrete services include commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects.