Architectural concrete is a versatile and important design element in modern architecture. It can be used for almost any construction task, allowing for diverse shapes and qualities through appropriate formwork systems and formlining. The creation of architectural concrete is influenced by various factors such as the concrete mix, pigments, release agents, and subsequent surface treatments.
The development of new concrete types and fibre-reinforced concretes opens up further applications. While there are no binding regulations for the production of architectural concrete, the DBV "Architectural Concrete" pamphlet provides specific classes and criteria for good technical support. It is recommended to base tenders, contracts, and services on this pamphlet.
To achieve structures and components with unique concrete surfaces, collaboration among all parties involved is crucial. The planners and clients' expectations and requirements must align with what can be accomplished in reality. Creating an architectural concrete team is the ideal solution for a successful outcome.
Typically, the contract is not assigned during the planning phase, so consultation agreements with competent specialist companies or experienced engineering offices are necessary. The selected engineering office can then act as the architectural concrete coordinator in the team.
Modern formwork construction primarily uses system formwork or shuttering consisting of compatible system components. This has advantages such as increased chances of correct usage, multiplied possible uses, reduced amortization costs, and improved safety. For architectural concrete surfaces, the quality of the formwork must be considered.
Panel formwork is mainly used as rental formwork with varying utilisation rates and repaired areas, achieving only SB 1 and SB 2 architectural concrete classes. Higher classes such as SB3 and SB4 are not possible or limited with rental panel formwork, except for PERI MAXIMO.
Formlining selection determines the concrete surface structure and should be considered during planning. Knowledge of material properties, coatings, and interactions with release agents and fresh concrete is necessary for writing tender documents.
Well-defined specifications are necessary for the contractor to select the appropriate formlining and assess feasibility, tolerances, and fluctuations in results. Four factors affecting the concrete surface are absorbency, light/darkness, texture, and joints/fixing.
Today's structural designs and building methods allow the realisation of impressive architectural concepts. Below you can see some of the projects we have worked on to achieve these concepts.
Dundee, Great Britain
The Scottish branch of London's Victoria & Albert Museum in Dundee combines architecture with the nature and history of the place and is inspired by the rugged coastal formations of the surrounding area. The outer shell of the building by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma features black surfaces of the highest exposed concrete quality, reminiscent of sedimentary rock.
In order to cope with the complex geometry of the construction, PERI manufactured customised free-form formwork based on VARIO panels and VARIOKIT raised formwork units of variable depth and height.
Weissenhorn, Germany
The canteen at the PERI headquarters in Weissenhorn was designed by the daughter of the company founder, architect Nathalie Schwörer, in collaboration with architects Mühlich, Fink & Partner. Two cubes of almost equal size create a bright and open atmosphere. The southern cube made of exposed concrete houses the main entrance, the foyer with coffee bar and the kitchen. Glass is the dominant feature in the northern cube. This is where most of the seating is located, practically flowing into the outdoor area. Photo: Hiepler- Brunier Fotostudio esw
The uniform concrete pattern could be achieved using the VARIO GT 24 girder formwork.
Córdoba, Argentina
The design of the Centro Cívico del Bicentenario de Córdoba is the work of GGMPU Arquitectos and Lucio Morini. It impresses with its sloping concrete facades with irregularly arranged, diamond-shaped window recesses. The striking, sloping edges are reminiscent of a cut diamond. Photo: iStock.com/Vitalii Karas
Shape and exposed concrete surfaces were brought to life with the help of a 3D model as well as a customised PERI formwork and scaffolding solution with pre-assembled VARIO GT 24 dimensional elements.
Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany
The Galileo Satellite Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen was designed as a monolithic structure by the architectural offices Schultes Frank Architekten in Berlin and Aichner Kazzer Architekten in Munich. The exterior walls, cores and the roofing of the inner courtyard of the laboratory and research building have a seamless exposed concrete look. In the inner courtyard, three inclined, elliptical exposed concrete towers symbolise oversized telescopes observing satellites in space.
The formwork facing with the large-area Fin-Ply Maxi made it possible to reduce the panel joints to a minimum. The tower supports with a cross-section composed of different radii run with different inclinations. Custom-made VARIO GT 24 elements were used for their construction.
Warsaw, Poland
With his design, Polish architect Stefan Kurylowicz has created a building with a striking concrete and glass facade in Warsaw's city centre. The 70 m high Prosta Tower is characterised by a building front made of glass and a diamond-shaped reinforced concrete structure in front with a perfect exposed concrete look. The filigree concrete facade covers the exterior glazing like a net and acts as a load-bearing component.
The production of the diamond-shaped reinforced concrete structure posed a special challenge. PERI engineers combined the TRIO panel formwork with special recess boxes based on PERI system components. With the help of this solution, it was possible to shape the complex concrete structure with dimensional accuracy despite the high degree of reinforcement – with a tie-less surface finish.
Sussex, Great Britain
In collaboration with builder Adrian Corrigall and the RAW architectural office, a residential building made almost entirely of exposed concrete was built in Sussex, Great Britain. In addition to the completely irregular angles of the building, the floor height also constantly alters. Photo: seanpollok.com
The project broke with traditional construction methods in many ways – including the choice of formwork. Instead of using conventional timber or steel formwork, the entire in-situ concrete structure was constructed with a lightweight polymer formwork.
Turn your architectural vision into reality with PERI's expertise in formwork and formlining solutions. From planning to execution, we provide the support you need for a successful project.
Turn your architectural vision into reality with PERI's expertise in formwork and formlining solutions. From planning to execution, we provide the support you need for a successful project.