There were all the normal challenges when pouring concrete plus the added complexity of tides times.

Set on the hilltops overlooking the coast and back to Phillip Island the team have been enjoying the breathtaking views. With a 1.5km driveway this project was always going to be a challenge.

The construction process on this type of suspended slab has to be accurate and well managed. Suspended slabs are slabs that are not in direct contact with the ground. They form roofs or floors above ground level. Suspended slabs are grouped into two types: one way slabs which are supported on two sides. two way slabs which are supported on all four sides. In this case the slab is forming a roof structure of a building will be backfilled with earth gardens.

This off the grid building structure will be energy efficient and will blend into the surrounding landscape with minimal impact on the surrounding region.

Adroit Concreting specialise in Architectural concrete structures for commercial and residential structures that are innovative and which use a variety of materials.

See below a range of images during the construction of the suspended slab.

Concrete both from a design and durability perspective covers all those bases. After a long consultation with my Architect and Adroit Concreting, we have been able to identify the areas of the design where architectural concrete will accentuate the overall design.

A concrete accent wall and a suspended hearth have been identified and will be added to the architectural drawings. I would like to make my home stand out from the crowd and I think these added elements and the modern lines I will achieve from the concrete finishes will pay dividends.

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When we lay a driveway in our region of Phillip Island and Bass Coast our customers always face the dawnting question. Plain Concrete, Coloured Concrete or Textured Concrete (Exposed Aggregate)?

You would think this is a simple question – believe me it’s not. There are so many variables, new house, old house, modern, contemporary, classic, every structure suits a different finish.

In this news clip we have tried to clarify the difference’s between the different styles. There are definitely concrete finishes that suit building styles and landscape designs however sometimes it really does come down to personal preferences.

See below the definitions of the different concrete driveway finishes:

What is Exposed Aggregate? Traditionally, when concrete is laid it is smoothed off to create an even finish. Whilst this technique produces a clean, uniform finish, smooth surfaces can look a little boring and are less practical in terms of traction and durability. Exposed aggregate concrete, on the other hand, utilises exposed stones and pebbles to create colour and texture as well as improved traction and durability. To produce an exposed aggregate driveway, we expose the internal structure of the concrete for an elegant natural finish, perfect for outdoor areas that require a little more grip.

The different colours, textures and effects which can be created using exposed aggregate are virtually limitless. Almost any type of stone or sand can be used to create an aggregate with varying sizes and grades used to create different effects. Mixing quartz into aggregate, for example, will result in a glossy finish that catches the light. This effect can be played up even further with the use of coloured glass. Because the materials used in exposed aggregate concrete are so wide-ranging, the colour options available are virtually limitless. Colours can range from chic neutrals to bold hues like emerald green and rose pink.

There are many different ways to adapt exposed aggregate, whether that be through colour or texture. We work with our clients to choose the right colour grade and base texture. The result is always a beautiful, textured finish.

If you’re unsure about what colour scheme and finish would best suit your home, the team at Adroit Concreting will work with you to find a surfacing solution that compliments the exterior of your property.

In this article we are trying to clarify the difference. First lets answer the question – what is Formwork?

Concrete formwork is the frame or mould that holds wet concrete in place while it sets (or cures). There are two main types of formwork – temporary and permanent. Temporary formwork is a reusable formwork that’s removed from around the concrete once it has set.

We have listed below some of the characteristics of great Formwork there may be more but these are the ones we strive to achieve every time we build a structure.

• It must be capable to withstand all types of dead and live.
• It is practically good to have water proof character, so that it won’t absorb water from concrete.
• Entire formwork should be rigidly constructed and propped, so that there should be no deformation in the shape and retain its original shape.
• Deflection and shrinkage should be minimum.
• The joins should be tight enough to minimize the leakage of cement grout.
• The formwork should be constructed with different segments. So that while removing the formwork it should not damage the concrete
• The material of the formwork should be cheap, easily available and should be suitable for reuse.
• The formwork should be set accurately to the desired line and levels should have plane surface.
• It should be as light as possible. So that it is easy to transfer and erect.
• The material of the formwork should not warp or get distorted when exposed to the elements.

Here are some brief notes we have made in regards the benefits of concrete pools:

• The look: It’s hard to beat the look of a concrete pool; there are so many options with surface finishes (pebble or tile), so the sky is the limit with your design.
• Flexible shape: You can make the pool any shape you want.
• Custom colour: As above, you can design the pool to feature any colour you want (especially if you tile the whole thing).
• Custom additions: You can add ledges, alcoves and swim-outs wherever you wish.
• Poolscaping: Concrete pools are perfect if you want to create a natural pool-scape with a freeform pool that dovetails in with your landscape.
• Waterline tiles: If your heart is set on some stunning waterline tiles, you will need to opt for concrete over fibreglass.

Fibreglass and concrete are both hard-wearing, long-lasting materials. Fibreglass is generally more resistant to long-term everyday wear than concrete, but it is more susceptible to damage and cracking due to soil and ground movement. Meanwhile, concrete may require repair work at some point during its lifespan to handle general wear and tear.  Whatever material you finally decided on, however, you can expect to get decades of enjoyment from your new swimming pool.

A concrete pool can be constructed in-ground or above ground level without the expense of retaining walls and the structure can be renovated in 20-30 years time to bring it back to a new pool. A concrete pool will be custom designed to suit your needs and to fit in with the landscaped area you require. Steps, ledges, alcoves and features will be placed where you want them. The off-the-shelf nature of most molded fibreglass pools can rule out customisation and you are limited in terms of pool shapes on offer from each factory.