While the basic idea of concrete – a combination of cement, aggregate and water – has been around for many thousands of years, modern concrete is only now being considered as more than just a construction material, but a striking design element as well.
These days, we’re starting to witness the resurgence of concrete, but not in the way we’ve come to expect it… We’re seeing modern homes draw on exposed concrete for bespoke façades, polished concrete for stylish flooring and even eye-catching feature walls to stunning effect.
There are a number of reasons why concrete homes are on the rise. Here are just a few.
Durability and flexibility are key
Concrete is a strong and highly durable material. Because of its weight and density homes built from concrete are less prone to complications, defects and damage over time. In fact, concrete homes can withstand extreme outdoor weather conditions, while keeping your interiors comfortable year round.
The material can also be cast to any shape, meaning you’ll have the flexibility to build a home in whatever form or size you desire. This opens up a whole new world of possibility when it comes to design and allows you to dream beyond a simple rectangular weatherboard home.
Concrete is cost effective
Concrete can be a cost-effective option for building your home – in fact, it generally competes on price with timber. The key difference here is that timber requires ongoing maintenance to ensure it remains strong and aesthetically pleasing over time. Concrete, however, requires little to no maintenance and will essentially cost nothing to keep looking great.
Of course, it’s always best to engage a high-quality builder to help you achieve long-lasting results with concrete, which may cost you more initially. As with most things, a higher investment upfront can mean lower maintenance costs ongoing.
A low maintenance solution
Although it may require a high attention to detail to install and prepare correctly, concrete is unlikely to require ongoing maintenance. As long as joints are sealed to minimise water entering through cracks and reduce the build up of grime, concrete is a low maintenance, long-term solution.
Of course, should your concrete surfaces – whether it be exterior walls or interior floors – develop stains or marks, these can be cleaned off relatively easily, and floors can be repolished at any time to return them to their original pristine.
Supreme comfort
While concrete has been synonymous with harshness and cold surfaces in the past – in part, due to its popularity in Brutalist architecture – it can actually add comfort and warmth to your home.
When styled correctly, concrete can provide a warm backing and is essentially a blank canvas for you to decorate your new home. Concrete is also known for its insulative properties and can be used as a heating element when installed correctly.
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Are you considering a concrete home for your next build? We’d love to chat more about your options. Get in touch with Leigh and the team at Bolden Constructions today.
