Arch. Concrete

Architectural Concrete

Modern Language of Architects

Whether it is at breathtaking heights or through extreme forms and structures - the visions of architects for the realisation of museums, concert halls, stadiums or bridges place the highest possible demands on the construction industry around the world.

In many cases, architectural concrete is the modern solution, whether it is for civil engineering, economic or aesthetic reasons.

PERI provides its customers in the construction industry with practical help and support: selection, planning and supply of formlining and formwork systems which are optimally matched to the project requirements. The right formwork solution for every architectural concrete surface, from standard formwork to special designs. The best results arise from the very close cooperation between architects, contractors and PERI engineers.

   

  • Hradec Králové Library, Czech Republic - For the visibly remaining surfaces of the wall structure, architectural concrete of the very highest quality was required - free of pores and without any variations in the shading.
    Basic Principles for Realisation

    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.

  • Musée Würth, Erstein, France - For the realization of the Würth Art Museum, up to 14 m high walls in architectural concrete quality were constructed using VARIO GT 24 girder wall formwork.
    The Architectural Concrete Team

    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.

  • Casa da Música, Porto, Portugal - The architectural concrete building resembles a crystal whose shape develops from the inside out with the concert hall itself forming the heart of the structure. The concrete shell encloses a stack of room cubes and stretches around these as well as the intermediate spaces like a skin. (Photo: A. Minson, The Concrete Centre)
    Overview Formwork Systems

    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.

  • Black architectural concrete shapes the unusual geometry of the museum
    Formlining - Design of the Concrete Surfaces

    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.

Project Examples

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.

V&A Museum

Dundee, Great Britain

PERI Canteen

Weissenhorn, Germany

Centro Cívico del Bicentenario

Córdoba, Argentina

Galileo Satellite Control Centre

Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

Prosta Tower

Warsaw, Poland

Concrete House

Sussex, Great Britain

Building with Architectural Concrete

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.

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