Create vivid, distinctive images and patterns on concrete
Available exclusively in North America through AltusGroup precasters, Graphic Concrete technology allows you to impart durable patterns and images onto precast surfaces such as facades, walls, spandrels and soundwalls. It opens up a bold new range of design possibilities for architects while providing the renowned resilience of precast concrete.
European technology makes its way West
Graphic Concrete is a patented technology that has been used successfully on more than 1,500 projects worldwide.
The technology transfers patterns—custom or stock—as a surface retarder on a paper placed at the bottom of the form. Concrete is cast atop the paper with the pattern on it. After the concrete is cured and extracted from the form, the retarder is washed away with a high-pressure washer, revealing an image that results from the contrast between the fair faced and the exposed aggregate surface.
Selection of various aggregates and pigments can dramatically expand possibilities in the finished surface. Talk with your AltusGroup precaster about your options.
Amazing aesthetics are just the beginning
The Graphic Concrete pattern is 100% concrete; it is as durable and maintenance-free as concrete itself. This saves costs during the life of the building, an important consideration for planners, architects and developers.
The ready-to-install precast surface needs no additional cladding or field work, so it saves time during construction.
Graphic Concrete is environmentally friendly. The recyclable paper does not emit any harmful gases or chemicals and reduces the use of solvent based materials during production. It has no impact on the environmental loading of the building.
Driving precast innovation
Graphic Concrete builds on AltusGroup’s expanding portfolio of precast innovations. AltusGroup members will offer the Graphic Concrete technology on CarbonCast Enclosure Systems, its mainstay precast concrete high performance sandwich walls and architectural insulated cladding products, as well as its new ARCIS rainscreen technology in addition to other precast elements and precast products that can take advantage of the image technology.