There’s no denying that cement mixers and the improvement of concrete technology has shaped our cities and altered the way we look at architecture. With mixers controlling the quality of large-scale concrete production and the developments in cement compounds, architectural designs that in the past seemed impossible have now been built all over the world.

 

New and striking building designs have become part of our modern cities. Some people get to enjoy these structures daily, whilst others become tourist hotspots for travellers to visit when sightseeing.

 

In this article we will look at some of the many benefits that concrete as a construction material offers after which we will also explore some of the most famous concrete buildings from around the world.

 

Concretes Influence On Architecture

 

When we think about concrete and cement mixers, we usually associate them with an industrial landscape. We regard this material as something purely practical and functional. Over the years this view has been altered, as many architects and building designs have proven that concrete structures can become something beautiful. Many designs have used this material for its aesthetic purposes as well as its practical qualities.

 

The nature of concrete is extremely diverse, and because of its ability to be moulded and shaped into almost any form, it allows for buildings of all shapes and sizes. Concrete can be shaped into rounded forms and organic dome shapes, as well as sharply defined, and crisp geometric shapes. No matter the style or layout of a building design, the desired result can often be met with the use of concrete and cement mixers.

 

Cement Mixers: Why Is Concrete Such A Diverse Building Material?

 

For centuries, concrete has been the leading material used in construction and building projects, and all for good reason. Concrete and cement mixers today come in a range of different types, each with unique characteristics and benefits. The advancements in concrete technology have increased its building potential drastically. Here’s some benefits of concrete that make it such a popular and versatile building material:

 

Malleable Material:

 

When concrete is mixed it is in an almost liquid or paste-like state and hardens as it dries over time. This means concrete can be poured, modelled, and moulded into any shape needed for its building design. This allows concrete to produce buildings that are very artistic, with wonderful shapes that other materials can’t achieve.

 

It Is Durable:

 

Concrete is an extremely strong and durable material that withstand an immense amount of force and pressure. Reinforced concrete has allowed large scale building projects to be completed all over the world. Some of the most impressive skyscrapers would not have been possible without the help of concrete, cement, and cement mixers.

 

Weather Resistant:

 

Hardened concrete has the ability to be resistant to even the harshest weather conditions, withstanding erosion and all the elements. This has made concrete a popular choice for building in all climate conditions.

 

Reliable:

 

Because hardened concrete is extremely strong and resistant, it is a very reliable building material. Concrete for most of history has been the better choice for all sorts of buildings including bridges, dams, and highways. This is due to the fact that concrete is reliable and long lasting.

 

Resistant To Fire And Heat:

 

Another major benefit concrete provides is that it is highly fire resistant. This is due to the aggregate found in the concrete mixture which contains a high mineral content. Because it is fire resistant it makes concrete a safer building material. There are cases where concrete buildings are still standing even when the interior has been burnt down. Because concrete buildings remain standing even after a fire, it can also minimise further damage to the surrounding areas.

 

Concrete Is Affordable:

 

Not only is concrete a safer and more reliable building material, but it is also many times cheaper to build with than other types of materials. Because it is cheaper it makes it the better choice for both large and small structures.

 

Can Have Different Finishes:

 

Unlike many of its competitors, concrete can suit a wide variety of building styles due to the fact that you can use different finishes which will in turn change the look of this material. You can find polished finishes giving it a smoother look or opt for a rougher more textured look. You can even add colour to the mix to match your style, this is generally referred to as tinting. Decorative concrete has seen a major increase in popularity of recent buildings projects and is a benefit you should consider when working on your own building projects.

 

 

Cement Mixers: Eight Distinctive And Bold Concrete Buildings From Around The World

 

The possibilities that accompany cement mixers and concrete are endless, it’s no wonder so many building projects have chosen this versatile material to make their architectural dreams come true. The following are some of the world’s most distinctive and bold buildings that have taken full advantage of concrete, mixers, and modern technology to come to life.

 

Portuguese National Pavilion, Lisbon, Portugal

 

This impressive structure was designed by architect Alvaro Siza and was constructed in 1998. This structure was created to serve as the centrepiece for the 1998 Lisbon Exposition, where its design proved to be a huge success. It still stands as an impressive piece of architecture today where many visitors can take photographs.

 

The structure fully takes advantage of the characteristics of reinforced concrete. Reinforced concrete has the ability to remain incredibly strong without being thick and bulky. Although this structure seems like a simple and elegant design, the thin curved concrete sheet takes an incredible amount of complex engineering to create.

 

Villa Saitan, Kyoto, Japan

 

This impressive concrete building functions as a housing unit made up of small complexes. It was completed in 2006 by The Eastern Design Office. The building is a phenomenal modern and creative design, using concrete to enhance its walls with beautiful designs.

 

The entire structure is encased in a sturdy concrete shell, but the walls of this shell have giant cut outs that allow you to see into the interior as if through windows. The shapes cut out of the concrete shell resemble the leaves of a tree, giving the building a unique and distinctive look.

 

The National Museum Of The Republic, Brasilia, Brazil

 

This museum stands out because of its distinctive dome structure and entrance ramps that give it an almost futuristic look. It was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and the building was completed in 2006. Oscar Niemeyer is commended for using concrete in an extremely sculptural way, creating a unique and impressive building, both externally and internally.

 

Reinforced concrete has allowed this building to successfully be shaped into a perfect half sphere dome. This design shows the modern possibilities of concrete to fit into any shape and form.

 

Paul Rudolph Hall, Yale University, USA

 

This large building at Yale University is a great example of the rise in popularity of concrete in the 1950s as part of the Brutalist Architecture aesthetic. Concrete became more widely used during this time, from the 1950s through to the 1970s, and this building was completed at the peak of this time in 1963. The building is a heavy, geometric shape that shows the strength and weight of concrete. It is made up of block-like sections and has 9 main floors throughout.

 

Jubilee Church, Rome, Italy

 

This piece of architecture was designed by prizewinning architect Richard Meier. The church was built as part of an initiative to encourage parish activity in the community. The project was led by Pope John Paul II in 1993 who named the church himself.

 

This beautiful design shows how elegantly concrete, and geometry can merge. The building is made up of three expansive concrete sails that are joined together with a square shaped spine. Glass windows are inserted between the sails, making the most of natural lighting. The curved sails or shells vary in height and are made of precast concrete.

 

A special concrete mix was created for this project by Italian manufacturers Italcementi. The concrete aggregate contained titanium dioxide which oxidises any air pollutants when exposed to sunlight, ensuring that the concrete used in this building is able to keep its white appearance and resist discolouration.

 

Science Hills Museum, Komatsu, Japan

 

This incredible building is a display of the weird and wonderful potential of using concrete and cement mixers in architecture and building projects. The giant museum was completed in 2013 and is made up of a large and wavy concrete roof that reaches to the floor and back up again, creating the different sections in the museum.

 

The incredible concrete roof also serves as a park, with grass and plants growing on top. This architectural design shows how successfully concrete can be integrated into more sustainable designs.

 

Diego Portales University, Chile

 

There are two highly innovative concrete buildings at the Diego Portales University, designed by architects Duque Motta & AA and Rafael Hevia. These two buildings are another example of modern concrete architecture that incorporates sustainable elements and prioritises conscious designs.

 

The buildings were designed to contrast other structures in the area, which are typically glass box looking structures. These two fortified concrete buildings follow interesting geometric shapes and incorporate lots of green spaces. You will find parks, gardens, and all types of plants growing from and around the concrete walls.

 

Cidade Das Artes, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

 

This concrete structure stands out due to its impressive use of both curved and linear walls to create a heavy contrast between volume and empty spaces. The building was completed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc, who won the Pritzker Prize.

 

The huge size of this building allows you to view both the surrounding mountains and sea, yet the industrial nature of this material still blends with its surroundings rather than clashing with them. It is just another example of the versatility and beauty of concrete structures in modern design.

 

It is obvious to see the beauty and potential of concrete in all these architectural designs. When concrete and cement mixers are used in architecture, both the strength and aesthetics of this material come to life. We begin to see that concrete is not purely a functional material made for roads and foundations but can change the way we view architecture with these creative and visionary ideas.

 

 

BS Power Cement Mixers

 

BS power is one of South Africa’s leading suppliers of top-quality cement mixers, industrial machines, and high-performance equipment. We are here to help you find the perfect cement mixer for your next project or building, no matter the scale.

 

We offer cement mixers in many sizes and models, so you’re sure to find the perfect one to suit your needs. Browse our range of top, reputable brands such as Baumax concrete mixers and cement mixers with a Honda Engine. We ensure that all of our equipment is robust, and suitable for professional use in construction and agriculture, forestry, and more.