Both rough and refined, board-formed concrete plays an important role in architecturally significant buildings and residential interiors. It can warm up stark modern interiors and provide a cool contrast to warm woods. Made by pouring wet concrete in a temporary board frame, or mold, the concrete that is revealed when the framing is removed is as varied as the types of boards used—knotty and rough, or smooth like plywood sheets. Another variable in the finished look is the size of the gaps between boards, widely spaced boards create a rough raised effect; tightly spaced boards create a smoother look.
Above: A detail from the Sunset Lake Tahoe Idea House.
Above: Exterior of Hayward Gallery in London.
Above: The pressed concrete corridor at the Magma Arts & Congress Center, which is largely built of concrete. Via Wallpaper.
Above: A bath in a Mill Valley house by Quezada Architecture.
Above: A wood-pressed concrete fireplace in a California home by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects.
Above: We like the rough grain effect in the pressed concrete in a Long Island house by Murdock Young Architects.
Above: Concrete walls poured against plywood sheets provide a nice contrast with the glossy white cabinets in this sleek kitchen