Quick concrete cosmetics - exposed concrete like new
As early as the 1990s, Strotmann & Partner recognised a dilemma in modern architecture: the overall appearance of concrete buildings, especially exposed concrete, was significantly disturbed by individual areas of imperfection. In some places, attempts were made to repair these areas, but this usually resulted in a deterioration of the appearance. As a result, Strotmann & Partners developed several concepts to improve the appearance of exposed concrete surfaces. In 1997-98, artistic concrete design using retouching was carried out for the first time on the RWE Essen Stern site.
This technical solution was called "concrete cosmetics" by Strotmann & Partners, a term that has become established over time and is still used today to describe the artistic and restorative design of exposed concrete walls. Concrete cosmetics requires a high degree of artistic and aesthetic understanding, as well as the talent and creativity to implement it. Of course, concrete cosmetics also includes the filling of defects, the levelling of gravel nests, the reconstruction of edges and the re-profiling of decorative joints, which are matched to the original surface by partial retouching of texture, structure and colour.
In the meantime, we have made significant progress in the field of concrete cosmetics, which is concerned with improving the appearance of concrete through the selective use of colour. It is no longer just a matter of partially beautifying exposed concrete by retouching or cleaning, but often the overall appearance of individual walls, interiors and entire architectural works of art. In order to perfect the aesthetic effect and create a harmonious overall impression, we can also repair defects of all kinds, optimise them and even imitate the material/concrete in a lifelike manner. Whatever the initial condition of a concrete object, our years of experience, creativity and constant development of working techniques and materials enable us to inspire architects and clients with our individual ideas and visions. The design possibilities are endless.