Printed Precast Concrete

Townscape’s printed precast concrete uses a pioneering casting method that gives architects and designers carte blanche to emboss designs, textures and even images into the surface of walls and pavements.

Printed precast concrete was created to save time and reduce cost when casting bespoke prefabricated concrete sections. The technology is primarily used to manufacture wall sections, paving slabs, facades and barriers.

What is printed precast concrete

Very simply – printed precast concrete is the latest and greatest method of making concrete surfaces visually interesting.

Using either a standard design or by working to create something that is artistic and project specific, you can achieve a striking look for your project that will help it stand the test of time.
As such, printed precast concrete is ideal for creating community engagement and lifting the impact of concrete surfaces at hospitals, schools and colleges, workplaces, residential environments, retail, transport hubs and many more public spaces or locations.

Printed precast concrete can be used to create:

• Patterned concrete wall sections
• Decorative concrete facades
• Textured concrete walkways
• Concrete barriers
• Building components
• Photographic concrete

Benefits of printed precast concrete

Designed with simplicity and versatility in mind, printed precast concrete enables architects, designers, landscapers and planners to lift projects by giving them a signature look or real local significance.
Beyond this, printed precast concrete has all of the economic advantages of pre-formed concrete and is as functional and durable as you’d expect of a premium precast concrete product.

Advantages of precast printed concrete:

• It gives concrete unlimited artistic and creative potential
• Cost effective – precast concrete is cheap and sections are easy to deliver
• Otherwise plain walls and floor panels can now visually lift projects
• Walls are less prone to graffiti
• Surfaces are highly durable
• Acoustic benefits depending on specification

Printed precast concrete is:

• Ideal for facades, partition walls and paving slabs
• Suitable for concrete elements and slabs of all sizes
• Easy and versatile to use
• Highly durable
• Cost-effective

The design and manufacturing process 

Townscape works in partnership with architects, designers, landscapers and contractors to develop a pattern or design for your concrete structure.

Design selection:

Bespoke and standard designs are available. You can select from a range of ready-made design patterns or design your own unique pattern.

So why not work with a designer, artist, or illustrator to create an entirely unique, locally relevant design that lifts the look of your project?

Or why not make your project really standout by transferring photo images to the concrete surface?

HQ Patterns: This collection covers our own range of ready-made design patterns as well as the ability to handle unique design patterns created by architects and designers to enhance a specific project.

 

HQ Images: This facility enables the Client to transfer unique artwork or photographic images to concrete surfaces to enhance a specific project.

 

Printed precast concrete is the ideal design solution for any urban area that features concrete - so the benefits for hospitals, schools and colleges, workplaces, residential environments, retail, transport hubs and other public locations are endless.

Manufacturing:

Townscape is one of the UK’s leading street furniture and concrete manufacturers. Because it casts its own concrete in its Nottinghamshire-based factory, Townscape can work with you to create your own design templates for a bespoke finish.

The patented technology was invented by interior architect Samuli Naamanka and is marketed by Townscape. The inspiration behind this Finnish design solution was to create real industrial product for large-scale surfaces. Empowering designers and architects to be more visibly creative.

How graphic concrete is manufactured:

1. The desired image or pattern is printed on a membrane with a surface retarder, after which the membrane is sent to Townscape to cast.
2. The concrete is cast on the membrane and when the retarder is washed away the image is revealed. The degree of chemical ‘etching’ can be varied, from a superficial textural change to deep sculpting of the surface, to a depth up-to-and-including the revealing of the aggregates beneath.
3. During this process the structural integrity of the components is not affected.

Download the Printed Precast Concrete Guide

If you have any queries about what you're trying to achieve and how the benefits of printed precast concrete align - simply pick up the phone and give us a call on 01623 513 355 or email sales@townscape-products.co.uk where one of our team will be happy to help.

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