The advantages of concrete in design and construction
Written by
13 February 2024
•
4 min read
In this article, ArchiPro speaks with Allied Concrete, a leading concrete supplier in New Zealand, to explore the benefits and advancements of concrete in construction and design.
From its ability to seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics to its sustainability and environmental benefits, concrete is evolving from a hidden slab to sought-after polished (and even luminescent) flooring.
Established in 1976, Family-owned, Allied Concrete has become one of New Zealand's leading concrete suppliers; solving problems for specifiers with their innovative products and range diversity, ArchiPro uncovers the multitude of advantages concrete has to offer.
1. Versatile design
Concrete is increasingly used as an aesthetic element within projects because of its exceptional design versatility and robust finish. Allied Concrete emphasises that concrete can be moulded into various shapes and textures, making it ideal for functional and aesthetic purposes in architecture and design.
“Our decorative concrete solutions, including polished, coloured and exposed aggregate concrete, increase the visual appeal of the material, offering a diverse range of style choices for designers and architects,” says Nick Gifford , National Strategic Sales Manager at Allied Concrete.
“Concrete’s flexibility in design allows for the realisation of intricate and innovative designs and products that may not be achievable with other construction materials.”
2. Durable and efficient
According to Gifford, concrete is renowned for its exceptional strength and longevity, standing up to the challenges of weathering and erosion.
“This durability is especially evident in our innovative products like Ecrete, which bring enhanced resilience and lifespan to construction projects. This means reduced maintenance requirements over time, making concrete a cost-effective and sustainable choice,” says Gifford.
The efficiency of concrete is another advantage for the construction industry. “Concrete's ease of use streamline the construction process, reducing on-site errors and costly delays,” says Gifford. “Allied Concrete's ready-mix solutions contribute to this efficiency by ensuring consistency and quality in the process.”
3. Sustainable
Allied Concrete is proactive in promoting sustainability with its low-carbon concrete options. Ecrete, a sustainable concrete solution, significantly reduces carbon footprints without compromising performance and durability.
“Concrete's thermal mass also contributes to energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperature, reducing heating and cooling costs in buildings. Additionally, the recyclability of concrete and its long lifespan further minimise its environmental impact over time,” says Gifford.
Solving problems for specifiers
Allied Concrete supports specifiers by offering technical expertise and guidance for each unique project; this collaborative approach ensures that the right concrete solution is selected to meet specific project needs.
“Our commitment to providing innovative solutions, such as Ecrete and SuperSlab+, address common construction challenges, including the demand for more sustainable materials and compliance with building code requirements,” says Gifford.
“Our CodeMark certification ensures the compliance and quality of Allied Concrete’s flooring and foundation solutions, streamlining the approval process for specifiers.”
These CodeMark-certified products, including SuperSlab and READY Floor systems, ensure compliance with the New Zealand Building Code and quality assurance.
“SuperSlab offers a fast, efficient and robust foundation solution, reducing construction time and providing superior strength and stability,” Gifford explains.
“The latest addition, SuperSlab+, exceeds minimum performance standards and meets the latest H1 Building Code requirements, offering edge-insulated concrete foundations.”
The benefits of SuperSlab+ go beyond exceptional performance – it also embodies Allied Concrete’s unwavering commitment to the environment. By integrating sustainable technologies like Ecrete and QPOD, SuperSlab+ becomes the epitome of eco-friendly flooring solutions in the market.
Designed for quick installation while providing a strong, stable base for a wide range of building projects, Allied Concrete’s innovative READY Floor is an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional flooring systems for specifiers.
“READY Floor concrete arrives on site pre-reinforced with no additional mesh required as fibres are added to the mix during batching at the plant,” says Gifford.
“This saves significant time and disruption on site for contractors, and by eliminating traditional steel mesh reinforcing, costs associated with the foundation and slab can be 20-percent lower than a traditional system.”
Polished concrete is a cost-effective in comparison with other flooring solutions.
"Polished concrete floors contribute to energy efficiency by moderating a home's heating and cooling needs," says Gifford.
READY Polished concrete solutions is durable, fire resistant, insulates sound and comes in an extensive array of decorative finishes.
Concrete remains a cornerstone in the construction industry and, more recently, a sought-after one by designers. Allied Concrete's insights highlight the numerous advantages of concrete in design and construction, including its design flexibility, durability and sustainability. Taking these benefits further with a commitment to innovation, quality assurance, and environmental responsibility sees Allied Concrete remain a prominent supplier in the industry.
Learn more about Allied Concrete’s innovative solutions and connect today on ArchiPro.