The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Concrete Architecture

Concrete is a widely known material, thanks to its regular use in construction. However, it’s less commonly known that concrete can be both a sustainable and recyclable material. This article will cover how concrete is both made and recycled, as well as where it can be sourced. In addition, the next section will cover how concrete and Brutalism dominated the architecture industry during the middle of the 20th century.

Read on to learn more about the sustainability of concrete and how our team at WM Thompson can help.

What is concrete?

So widely used in our current world, concrete is something easily recognised by the vast majority of our population. When it comes to defining what concrete is, it can be described as a composite material. It’s made of cement and aggregate material, creating strong and durable blocks and other shapes.

Recycling Concrete

When buildings become outdated and disused, the wasted concrete can easily end up in landfills. As a solution to this problem of wastefulness, many quarrying companies now choose to offer crushed concrete instead of destroying it.

Crushed concrete can be used in a variety of industries and different applications. Having easily accessible and eco-friendly concrete solutions means less wastefulness needs to happen when constructing new buildings. Crushed concrete can be mixed with other materials, making it better for different purposes while using excess amounts of other materials.

Concrete Architecture

When it comes to concrete architecture, most of us might think of concrete that is hidden away in the foundations of a building. Some architects purposefully choose concrete for the exterior of their projects. The effect creates a stark and arguably cold appearance, that feels almost dystopian compared to thatch-roof homes or red-brick townhouses.

Brutalism is a style of architecture that was popularised in the 1950s and 1960s, a style that still divides opinions. The style is recognisable in its use of large blocks of concrete, standing out in stark shapes that contrast against natural surroundings. Steel is often also incorporated, used as an industrial style that works aesthetically and functionally.

Famous Brutalist Buildings

Brutalism is still an architectural style that appears today. Its regular appearance only proves that misconceptions about concrete being unaesthetic are unfounded. As evidence, here are some of the most famous Brutalist buildings from across the globe, which demonstrate the versatility and beauty of concrete structures.

Boston City Hall

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

As one of the most recognisable buildings that can be categorised as Brutalist architecture, the Boston City Hall building was completed in 1968. A large rectangular building, with asymmetrical concrete blocks protruding from the building.

The building received both criticism and praise for its appearance, but is undisputably demanding and stark in the area. It was designed partially by the company Kallman McKinnell & Knowles. The building is split into three areas, for both aesthetic and use purposes.

The National Theatre

London, England

Based in London, The National Theatre is a building that hosts some of the most revered plays across the globe. The theatre also has had some of the most famous actors performing there, from Judi Dench to Benedict Cumberbatch.

Designed by architect Denys Lasdun, the building itself is large and stark. It sits on the South Bank of the Thames and makes an impressive statement on its surroundings. As with the theatre shown inside, it makes itself known for miles around. The building is arguably the most famous Brutalist building in the UK.

Habitat 67

Montreal, Canada

Interestingly, this building was, and still is, designed to be a housing complex. This proves that Brutalist architecture need not be grand or commercial, but can instead be as simple as a residential building. The architect of this particular building is Moshe Safdie, who originally designed it as part of his master’s thesis in Architecture.

The complex is made of concrete, with block-like forms adding weightlessness to the building. Large parts appear as if they’re floating in the air, giving concrete an elegance that might not immediately be associated with it. While the colour and material of the building might seem to juxtapose with its surroundings, it instead fits in beautifully next to Montreal’s port, adorned with tall greenery all around.

Geisel Library

University of California, California, USA

When thinking of the children’s author Dr. Seuss, the connotations are immediately bright colours and wacky rhyming characters. It may be surprising to hear, then, that one of the most famous Brutalist buildings in the world is named in his honour.

Designed by architect William Leonard Pereira, the building was built for the University of California in 1970. It now honours the author Theodor Seuss Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss, and holds a wide collection of his work. The collection was donated by his widow, which is when the library was named after the author.

The building itself has a spider-like quality, tall, wide and angular. It is covered in windows, giving whoever might be inside a terrific view of the outdoor scenery.

Other Uses for Sustainable Concrete

If Brutalist architecture isn’t your thing, there are other ways of incorporating concrete into other architectural styles. From garden features to indoor vases, read on for some ideas of how concrete can be used both indoors and outdoors, for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Foundations

As mentioned, concrete can make fantastic foundations, even if not used aesthetically as the exterior of a building. Concrete doesn’t rot or decay, making it durable and sturdy. The material is also especially fire resistant, helping to keep a commercial or domestic environment safe from burning down. Finally, concrete foundations are strong and can resist unnatural shifts in the soil.

Concrete foundations that are made of recycled concrete and aggregate are often cheaper than buying materials new and are usually just as efficient. Make sure the materials have been checked for their quality by a trustworthy supplier beforehand.

Garden Design

When it comes to designing a garden, concrete can surprisingly be a huge benefit. This isn’t just restricted to Brutalist gardens, either. Try a concrete fire pit in your outdoor space, great for protecting against fire spreading where it shouldn’t and creating a nice warm atmosphere for toasting marshmallows in summer evenings.

Flower beds made of concrete are also a useful idea. The material creates a sleek appearance, which looks particularly artistic when watering the plants inside. These pots are particularly stable and weather-resistant, so are fantastic for use in regions where withstanding extreme weather conditions is important.

Decorations

While concrete is predominantly used for its structural and durable benefits, don’t underestimate the beauty it can also add to decorating a home. For sentimental touches, you can create handprints and footprints in concrete tiles, which are great for marking the stages of your loved ones’ lives.

For more simple decorative ideas, try vases made of concrete, as well as indoor plant pots. Statues for your outdoor space also add a personal feature in your home. These are great for homes that have clumsy and large pets or family members, who are likely to knock into any statues made of something more delicate.



Sourcing Sustainable Concrete

Depending on the type of concrete you’re specifically looking for, there are usually methods to limit the carbon footprint, such as searching for local sources. When it comes to purchasing sustainable concrete for your next project, search for a local quarrying company.

While sustainable and recycled concrete is often cheaper than other artificial alternatives, it can also usually be transported directly to you, saving you from costly transport vehicle hire.

How We Can Help

For eco-friendly concrete solutions, look no further than WM Thompson & Son. Our sustainable concrete products go through a rigorous quality control process to ensure we only supply the best items to our customers. We take our environmental responsibilities seriously, as we know how important it is to sustain the environment around us as well as our products.

We have three locations across Scotland to ensure we can provide our high-quality and eco-friendly products to a wide range of customers. We have become a major name in Glasgow’s industrial sector, with branches in Dumbarton and Lanarkshire too.

To learn more about our team and our services, visit our website today. Alternatively, get in touch with a friendly member of staff now for more information.