Elogio del Horizonte (Eulogy to the Horizon), concrete (1989). Eduardo Chillida
Concrete as a material started to be used thousands of years ago, the more notorious examples being those left by the Romans.
Its worldwide notoriety started in the second half of the XX Century being the first and biggest influence through engineering projects such as bridges and highways, then architecture followed, producing one of the most polemic architectural styles so far: Brutalism.
Due to the shortage of housing and the relatively inexpensive process, concrete was widely used in cities across Europe and America.
Since then we have had a very strong and long-lasting relationship with concrete. Sometimes tinted by distrust and hatred at others by love, beauty and hope.
Probably, and this is my guess, the reason why concrete has always been such a seductive material is because in appearance it is very close to a natural one that reminds us of the link to our beloved planet earth: Stone. Not in vain has it been called “liquid stone”.
We should not forget that as with everything created by man it is not the creation itself that is the problem, it is how we make use of it, and concrete has been used and abused for a long, long time.
A few days ago I was present at the third edition of the award WAN gives to the best building in concrete worldwide. It was a beautiful reminder of why I like concrete: it is raw, flexible, strong, and beautiful, there is something atavistic in it and it is grey…
Because of this I thought that I had to write about concrete, as its influence has spread nicely to the interiors of our homes and is expressed in many ways. Here are six of them:
Kitchens
For those that aim for a very contemporary and masculine look this is definitely a wonderful option. Concrete started to be used in kitchens mostly in the worktops but now it takes over the whole design: fronts, drawers, etc.
“Module” by Steininger
Bathrooms
In the bathroom we can find concrete used on walls, basins, shower trays and baths not forgetting accessories. Its tactile qualities make it a very attractive material to touch and feel.
Concrete bath by Dade Design
Lamps
Pendant lights have been influenced greatly and we can see shades of many different shapes and dimensions. They are not easy to place as their very cold look demands the right setting to give of their best.
Pendant light by Urbi et Urbi
Furniture
Not an easy one as the weight of concrete has imposed strong limitations on the design of pieces. However with new technologies this is changing with lightweight concrete panels now available for cladding.
Table by Concrete LCDA
Flooring
Floors in concrete have been with us for a while, mostly in commercial premises. Its appeal has been very well displayed in loft flats; a poured concrete floor is one of the best looks you can get if you are after a masculine, sleek, informal but neat look. However sometimes it cannot be achieved, for various reasons. In that case concrete floor tiles are easy to find or indeed concrete floor panels.
Concrete Floor Panels by Concreate
Wall Paneling
As a feature wall or as the only finish on the walls in any room concrete definitely will give that special identity and look to the space: austere, monastic, virile, contemplative or just beautiful are some of the many feels it can inspire and achieve.
Wall Panel by Mass Concrete
Art
Concrete is a versatile material and as such it has been used by artists as a medium to express their creativity and ideas. Being so extraordinarily flexible, it suits the language of artists, who see it as a powerful communicator, one that can be smooth as silk or as coarse and raw as coal.
Reclining figure. Reinforced concrete. Henry Moore 1932
Concrete is one of the most “human” materials and as such it can be temperamental, unpredictable, and difficult, but it can also be gentle, strong, poetic and beautiful. It is your choice.
