The Evolution of Concrete

Coming Home is comprised of 7 unique Cloudcrete birdhouse shapes, repeated throughout the sculpture almost 300 times, in 8 separate clusters. Our experts approached this job with a level of repeatability in mind, which increased efficiency while maintaining original intent. The end result is an organic shape that shifts depending on where it’s viewed from, culminating in a massive bird taking flight when viewed from the entrance to the community.

Through Heavy’s expertise in tandem with our knowledge of complex 3D modeling, Heavy’s PLAN—BUILD™ process was in full effect for the True North Square benches. The benches were designed using complex, curvilinear geometry and constructed using Cloudcrete to ensure that the integrity of the design was maintained while also providing a flexible, low cost, high quality alternative to cast concrete.

To build Projecting Drop, large sections of the wavy contours were machined based on a digital model designed by Jill Anholt Studio. The CNC machined pieces were hand finished and assembled into moulds. Cloudcrete was sprayed into the moulds to create panels up to 1” thick. The thin, yet strong panels were shipped to Tacoma and installed onto a cast-in-place wall and the over the ground surface.

The feature combines Cloudcrete, stainless steel and weathering steel. The result is an effective modern approach, invoking industrialism, yet warmth. This identifying gateway defines one of South Calgary’s newest business park additions.

For the Delta Garden Planter Benches, the project team refined the design to utilize a series of molds to be used with Cloudcrete, allowing the same pieces to be utilized multiple times for each planter. By using Cloudcrete, the team was able to meet the requirements for creating complex geometric shapes, while also reducing time and material costs associated with cast concrete.