Does every blog entry require crisp photographs, maps and charts, or even links to other “relevant” content? Well, probably. At least the posting pundits and interweb wags would have it that way. But, I’m going rogue – at least briefly. Perhaps it’s just becasue I don’t feel like uploading another batch of pixels…

Concrete Detail is moving its concrete countertop studio to the BookPress building on the north end of the bustling burg of Brattleboro, Vermont. In two weeks. Are we looking forward to this transpiration of events? Yes and no: yes, because we will gain on several (or I should say many) fronts. More space, better space, cheaper space; better access for inbound and outbound materials and products; private entrance, showroom, room for expansion, synergistic neighbors, oh… I could go on and on.

No, because we have to schlep our worldly goods (after we sort through and fill several dustbins) piece by piece from one corner of town to another. I know, stop whining and get over it… OK, I’m over it. It’s all good.

Here we grow!

We are nearly ready to ship out the latest concrete countertop project from our casting tables and one of our most ambitious yet: a total of five sections of 2″ thick pure white concrete, destined for an inhouse restaurant at ABC Home and Carpet, on Broadway in Manhattan. Two of these pieces weigh over 600 pounds and are 10 feet long. They will form the bartops in a newly renovated restaurant at this prestigious New York retailer of interior furnishings – everyone knows of ABC in the design world!  Now a bit (or a lot) of Vermont craftsmanship will help the shoppers to satisfy their hunger for excellent cuisine and the best in architectural concrete surfaces. The bar was designed by Eric Slayton of  Brooklyn (go to http://www.ericslayton.com/) who has his custom furniture pieces on the showroom floor there. His work in steel, concrete, and wood emphasizes the material surface in a clean, straightforward manner, honest and functional.

We just received some pictures of a project in which we had a bit part awhile back. Working with Antoine Guerlain, a masonry heater craftsman, we created some custom formwork so that he could cast some integral parts for a masonry stove in Montpelier, Vermont. He forwarded some shots of the work underway; one of the bare bones core and another of the (nearly) completed installation. Nice work! These wood-fired traditional heaters are becoming more popular as the cost of fossil fuel rises and home owners are becoming more conscious of their energy consumption patterns. They provide a warm hearth for the modern home, restoring some of the soul and comfort so often lacking in  today’s residences. And showcase the work of a true artisan, working natural materials with hand and heart…

If you are intrigued, please contact Concrete Detail and we will put you in touch with Antoine and his fellows!

We are working up our official sample sets, comprised of 15 beautiful earthy colors of concrete, showcased by 3 1/2 inch square “chips”  labelled and housed in a very nice wooden box with a hinged lid. These sets will be available for showrooms and designers to show prospective clients the range of expression possible in an artisan concrete countertop; of course, there is always the custom color option, since with concrete there are no limits! The colors were cast in small sheets at 3/4 inch thick, polished and sealed, then diamond sawn into squares, the cut edges eased for handling,  and each variety labelled with the color name for identification.

These are our fifteen colors (which will probably evolve over time – change is inevitable!):Night, Thunder, Fog, Bone, Stone, Fossil, Sage, Saffron, Slate, Moss, Mocha, Cayenne, Terra, Caramel, and Wine. And that’s just for starters.

The next concrete countertop project we are forming involves a molded edge along the entire perimeter in an ogee pattern; one of the countertop sections, a peninsula, has an overhanging end rounded to a 48 inch radius. Certainly, there are many ways to achieve a given effect – inthis case we opted to use a strip of flexible 1/4″ acrylic sheet, ripped on the table saw with a fine tooth hollow ground blade to the 1 1/2 inch desired thickness. The radius pattern is traced on to the form base sheet and a series of backer blocks are placed along the arc, set back just enough to accomodate the acrylic strip. Then the strip is sprung into place and held in compression by two squeeze blocks at the ends.

The ogee edge is formed with 3/4″ wooden cove or scotia molding, waterproofed with several coats of polyurethane and tacked into place with a brad nailer. In order to make the sweep of the arched peninsula end, the molding is very carefully relieved on the back side with a series of saw kerfs and again sprung into place and brad-nailed. Everything is circumspectly caulked to maintain watertightness and smooth transitions and then set aside ready for the pour. It’s all in the details.

Custom concrete countertop: Fresh!

A report recently released by the US Census Bureau reveals what many of us have already felt (in our wallets): American households are moving at the slowest rate in 40 years. Yes, our peripatetic national tendencies have been curbed by circumstances beyond our control, and we are staying put in droves. Potentially, this has interesting ramifications (the old “butterfly flapping its wings” analogy) for concrete countertop artisans; a little something to throw into the witch’s brew of market factors and barometers that affect any niche business.

The idea is this: less people are moving and changing (flipping) houses. In a highly volatile, short-cycle atmosphere, there is a lot of concern about maximum resale potential. A homeowner will not do anything to sacrifice broad appeal to a prospective buyer. Unfortunately, this results in a housing stock (like every other mass consumable) that looks like every other one in the class: homogenized and standardized. There is very little character and distinction, which is what concrete countertops are all about. But in an economy where people are maintaining a sense of place and become more willing to invest in truly making the home their own, the unique appeal of concrete becomes apparent. No other material is as adaptable and versatile… it restores a sense of belonging, of ownership of a space – it works.

More than ever, the time for custom concrete surfaces is now…

This is my latest learning challenge; like most of my self-imposed barriers, it’s not that big of a deal (I can only imagine), but lately anything that demands “more time and mental exercise” seems to scream “Procrastinate!”, as to my mental priorities. But this too will surrender its e mysteries to my accumulation of newly mastered tasks and I will be able to join the swelling ranks of the blogosphere. There are a lot more possibilities in  this blogging network than I am cognizant or capable of utilizing. The full power and value are lurking around the corner of my mini-posts, beckoning. Soon come. In the meantime, here’s a cool post I found.

Vermont Business Magazine online just  ran an article which quotes a new report ranking Vermont as the greenest state in the country. This means we have a population more likely to exhibit green behavior as we go about our day-to-day lives in this fairest of states. Are we surprised? Not at all. We DO have the greenest state, in more ways than one; look at those mountains!

And concrete countertops  are a green, sustainable choice for your home or business on top of all that. As I like to say, “Choose concrete – It’s not hard!”

Finished installation

Bryan Louisell has a better photo of the finished lavatory installation at Enright & Company in Brattleboro, VT. I post it here to do the project a little more justice. Take a look at Bryan’s project album for other images of his comprehensive design vision for this fresh inviting interior. It’s good to have good people.

We hope to parlay this recent accomplishment into a little PR exposure for the design team, the client, and raising the design standard (with artisan concrete!) in general; positivity for all concerned. Film at eleven.

Today we installed the completed concrete composition which will anchor the design theme for the lavatory at Enright & Co.’s new salon and spa space on Canal Street in Brattleboro, VT. The project was a rewarding collaboration between Concrete Detail (yours truly) and Bryan Louisell, who conceptualized the interior design of the Aveda concept salon. Opening to the public in a week or so, the ambience is built around calming, earthy colors and natural textures.  Lauren Henry lent her expert eye in coordinating the overall color scheme.

The concrete elements are cast in bronze and sage green; the integral sink top is a flowing semi-circle with a deep round bowl, set on a slight oblique angle in the corner of the room. Behind it, covering the wall full-width, are two concrete sculpted panels and a large mirror, making a triptych with a Zen garden inspiration, and drawing references from the Aveda commitment to naturally derived health and beauty. The panels are retained by a set of shiplapped concrete cleats bolted to the wall, which also act as backsplash to the sink area.

The concrete is cast with flyash and VCAS, two recycled replacements for portland cement, which effectively create a better performing end-product, as well as lessening the environmental impact . There is a sprinkling of crushed recycled glass as well in the countertop surface for depth and contrast. The faucet is by Ikea.