4 Benefits to Using Concrete in Architecture

concrete pouring

Many architects and structural designers prefer to use concrete because it offers an extensive spectrum of alternatives. With concrete, designers can incorporate and create many different forms, colors, and textures in their structures compared to other modern construction materials. Concrete is also advantageous in terms of cost, endurance, and strength. It is highly resistant against stress from high impact and heavy weight, thanks to the fact that it is reinforced with steel.

The material is also great when it comes to thermal efficiency, durability, and sound attenuation. It has also proven to be a great material for structures in areas that experience floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural catastrophes. This being the face of concrete in a nutshell, here are 4 benefits to using concrete in architecture.

  1. Concrete is strong and durable

in both residential and commercial premises, concrete is one of the most durable materials of construction. While maintaining its desired engineering properties concrete is highly resistant to chemical attacks, weathering, and abrasion. As a matter of fact, concrete gets stronger over time. This is why most old concrete buildings tend to be so stubborn when getting demolished.

  1. Energy efficiency

using concrete in your house architecture can save a very big percentage of the energy bills compared to a wooden house or similar structure made using a different material. This is because concrete doesn’t allow heat to enter or escape the building easily. Concrete structures will stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. If you compare a wooden house with concrete ones. You will notice wood frame walls have many joints, which leak taking away heat and conditioned air. If you combine concrete with some technologies like radiant floors among others, you can improve your energy efficiency by up to 70%. Studies show that building your paving with concrete could save you up to a third in the cost of maintenance you may have used on asphalt paving.

  1. Versatility

another beautiful thing about concrete is that it is quite versatile. Most architects like using concrete because it can be easily be shaped in any shape, form, and surface you can imagine. This means that it can have a wide variety of applications in architectural structures. For instance, it can be used on walls, floors, pavements, and even roofing, depending on the kind of structure being created. It is also waterproof when dry, which is why it’s often used in the construction of dams, bridges, water treatment facilities, and other water-prone structures.

concrete floor

  1.  Concrete is resilient

another huge benefit of concrete is that it doesn’t rust, rot, or weather. It is also resilient to the effects of fire, meaning that concrete structures can suffer lesser damages during certain incidences.

Due to concrete’s strength, efficiency, versatility, and durability it is arguably the best material for architecture we’ve seen so far. However, all these will depend on how well the concrete mixture is prepared as well as the quality of the concrete ingredients (cement, sand, and ballast). This means that the concreter or construction company you hire is as important as your architect or engineer in case you’re putting up a huge building. And if you come from the New South Wales’ Capital, you’ll definitely want to work with the best concreter in the northern beaches of Sydney.

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1 Comment

  1. Funny, I’ve never thought of concrete as “Architectural”. Might consider making it more of a feature in my next project. Thanks

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