One of the most distinguishing aspects of aesthetic cast concrete is its colour. When handled properly, the material has an organic depth and translucency that is matched by little else.
Colour in concrete cannot be thoroughly described by a chip, as with paint. Rather, each colour is more accurately described as a tonal range that embodies the full expression of concrete's colour personality. When choosing a colour therefore, it is important to keep in mind that this tonal variation is an integral aspect of concrete's character.
The colour variation that appears in concrete is largely in its "value", that is, relative lightness or darkness, rather than in its hue (i.e. blueness or redness). For instance, in a field of concrete tile, there will be a range of light and dark from piece to piece that will contribute to the overall organic aesthetic of the installation. As with wood or stone, it is this complexity of colour that gives concrete its distinctive beauty and earthy appeal. At Solus, we aim to allow concrete to speak for itself. To this end, we allow colour variation to exist naturally but never to the extent that it interferes with the harmony of the whole object or installation.
The colour of Solus concrete is determined by two main factors: craft and chemical. All Solus concrete is hand-batched by a skilled technician who carefully mixes a combination of cement, water and aggregates. As soon as the ingredients combine, they undergo a chemical reaction and begin to solidify, taking the fluid and chaotic mixing motion and essentially freezing it in time. The product is like a fossilized record of this process. Once the concrete is set, it is allowed to cure for 28 days or more. During this time, the concrete takes on some of its aesthetic personality from its environment, as changes in temperature and humidity result in subtle shifts in the product's appearance. The final colour, in its rich complexity, inherits its nuances from the craftsman who handled the concrete and the environment that it was created in.
No two batches are exactly alike and therefore, every piece is unique, no matter how subtly so.
Trasolini Chetner (www.traschet.com ) is a Vancouver-based builder and developer that specializes in beautifully designed and finished residential and commercial projects. Over the last several years, we have worked with TC on many single and multi-residential projects and have admired their ongoing pursuit to be on the leading edge of contemporary design and quality building.
Their new offices are located at 1754 West 3rd Avenue on the street level of their recently completed "Dwellings on 3rd" project, a collection of ten modern townhomes. The TC offices are not only the working hub for their company, but a showcase for their workmanship, design and values.
Rob Chetner describes the project:
"From the outset - our goal was clear. We wanted to create an office and an environment that was fresh, crisp, clean, modern and fun! It needed to have flair and sophistication - while at the same time, be innovative and unique. This is how we view our company and what we do. With the extensive use of the Solus products that we have incorporated into our new office, we feel that we have achieved all of this - and more."
Their offices feature our Plana large-format plank wall tiles in their reception area, and in the boardroom a Quadra fireplace surround with wall cladding and a custom board room table.
The Dwellings project incorporates Quadra fireplace surrounds in every unit and custom cast stair tread and risers. The TC offices and Dwellings interiors were designed by Cristina Oberti Interior Design (cointeriordesign.com).
Each quarter we will feature an initiative that we have undertaken to lessen our negative environmental impact and positively affect our community and planet. As manufacturers of luxury products, we would be very hard pressed to make what could be called a truly "green" product. We can however, aim to create and maintain business and manufacturing practices that are responsible to our environment and our community. To this end we are continually exploring ways which we can conserve energy and materials, and manage, reuse and recycle our waste and production byproducts.
Happy Stan's Recycling: Through Happy Stan, we are able to recycle our paper, cardboard, soft plastics, glass, metals and specialty items such as fluorescent tubes and toner. Further, they are able to downcycle all of our wood and lumber waste, turning it into fuel.
Fresh Start Recycling: Fresh Start has helped us manage our concrete waste by taking it to be crushed and used as asphalt paving fill.
Happy Stan's (www.happystan.com) and Fresh Start (www.freshstartrecycling.com ) are two Vancouver-area companies that have helped us divert over 80% of our waste from the landfill.
Litho Ultra High-Performance Concrete is a cutting edge formulation with up to seven times the strength of typical concrete. This means increased durability and outdoor performance, particularly in harsh climates - Litho formulations have been tested up to 300 freeze-thaw cycles with no degradation. Litho's incredible strength characteristics allow us to make remarkably slender pieces like our Grate Bench and Cube Planters. We offer our limited line of Litho products in four standard colours.