Off-form concrete is a major trend in home reno right now, and for good reason. Because of the time involved and the consequence of mistakes, off-form concrete is far more costly than its more refined counterpart.
Nonetheless, it affords a modern, sophisticated, durable and versatile aesthetic.
Here are our guidelines for the role of concrete – and particularly off-form concrete.
The Rise of Off-Form Concrete in Home Renovations
Dubbed off-form concrete because the formworks are removed from the concrete once the material has been poured onto the construction site, it reveals the blemishes, textures and patterns that can’t be created with any other material.
Why Off-Form Concrete?
Aesthetic Appeal - Off-form concrete delivers a sleek, minimalist look that complements contemporary design trends.
Resiliency - Modern-day skyscrapers are made from concrete, and as time has gone by, we have adapted to ensure their resilience.
Durability - There’s no better building material than concrete. Houses, bridges, palaces, churches and may of the infrastructure we know are built from concrete.
Off-form concrete has durability as one of its unique characteristics. That is why off-form is an excellent choice for construction and when renovating your home.
Here is an explanation of the characteristics of off-form concrete durability:
Durability of Off-Form Concrete
Sustainability - What is essentially a once-off concrete mix that’s applied off-form, allowing it to harden and be polished and sealed, possesses sustainability and, importantly, longevity, which comes from that once-off nature, meaning that it will last a lifetime without extensive wear or need for maintenance or intervention. Almost nothing will need to be done about it, which is a bonus in terms of its sustainability.
Strength - The concrete is inherently strong, and the pouring process can accommodate reinforcement that adds to that. In-situ concrete can also be made stronger by embedding a steel reinforcement bar inside the formwork before the concrete is poured.
Water Permeability - Low permeability to water is critical since allowing water in concrete causes structural degradation.
Thermal Mass - Concrete has excellent thermal mass properties. Its ability to absorb and hold heat makes it ideal for energy-efficient heating and limiting the risk of thermal cracking.
Weathering - Some forms of off-form concrete can last as long as 50 years of weathering exposure, making it a suitable material for nearly any climate and outdoor use.
Chemical Degradation and High Abrasion Resistance - High-grade concrete should resist deterioration by weathering action, chemical degradation and high abrasion, which have been early factors of building materials that the industry has learned from.
Maintenance - Because of its nature, off-form concrete typically requires little to no maintenance, saving both time and money in the long term. If a finish is desired, it can be applied using cement wash, whitewash or masonry paint, or else concrete stains, dyes, acid washes, house paints, or epoxy substances can be used.
Customisation - The durability of off-form concrete makes it highly adaptable to aesthetic preferences; it can be textured, finished and coloured to meet any number of specifications without losing its structural durability.
Using Professionals
Are you designing a new building or renovating an existing one or a room in your house using off-form concrete? You’ll need to engage with a practitioner like LF Construction Services who understands the material so that the concrete mix, formwork and curing are designed and executed with an eye to producing a long-lived and beautiful building.
Versatility - It can work for walls and floors as well as individual objects, such as seating pieces and furniture.
Thermal Efficiency - Its thermal mass properties will help regulate temperatures inside the building and reduce energy costs.
Incorporating Off-Form Concrete in Sydney Homes
Feature Walls - Off-form concrete walls are a good design feature in living rooms and outdoor spaces
Benchtops and Splashbacks - Concrete benchtops add an industrial touch to kitchens and bathrooms
Flooring - Polished concrete floors are low-maintenance and offer a modern vibe
Outdoor Areas - Concrete is ideal for patios, pool surrounds, and landscaping features
Current Trends with Off-Form Concrete
Mixing Materials - Blending concrete with wood, metal and/or glass for a harmonious and inviting environment.
Curved Forms - Softening the hard concrete lines with curved walls or furniture.
Coloured Concrete - Mixing pigments into the concrete mixture to add some colour or complement the home’s colour palette.
Tips for Renovating with Off-Form Concrete
Finish - You will have to choose between a smooth or a textured finish, both of which are a major factor in the appearance and feel of the room.
Place Your Joints - Take time to plan joints (slivers in a slab of concrete), which will reduce cracking and enhance design.
Summary
Off-form concrete is a trend, but more importantly, it is a classic. Deciding to use off-form concrete in your Sydney home is a timeless move. The end result is sure to provide your home with added value and character. Whether it is a simple renovation of a single room or a complete makeover for your home, you can utilise off-form concrete to complete a modern, durable and stylish room that will stand the test of time.
If you are interested in incorporating off-form concrete into your home renovation, talk to some local experts like LF Construction Services to get more information about the latest off-form concrete home renovations. As always, we wish you all the best with your project.
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