Public spaces.
Space:
Colour:
Texture:
Cut & Grouts:
Sealer:
Coloured concrete is the cost-effective way to transform a public area into something special.
From playgrounds to pathways, PeterFell coloured concrete gives you the freedom to design a truly unique space for wherever people gather.
It’s concrete, which makes it more cost-effective. It can handle the heavy demands of public places and the colour will last for generations. So once you’ve created the space, it requires very little ongoing maintenance.
PeterFell Coloured Concrete is an integral part of public spaces across the country. Get inspired with some examples here.
Follow these five steps to create your perfect space.
The PeterFell System is the proven way to colour and protect your concrete.
There are five basic steps that take you through design, colour, texture, patterns, and protection. So you can create the space you want and know it’s going to last.
Step one. Design.
We love concrete – but to ensure a great result it should be only part of the bigger picture.
Often people fall into the trap of just making a big square but we’d recommend getting out some pen and paper and have a think about some of the ideas below.
As a general rule the larger the area, the more effort should be put into the shape to break it up. With public spaces you can use different shapes, cut outs, textures and cuts. A good example of this can be seen in our case study of The Base Shopping centre in Hamilton.
Here are some more ideas to get you inspired.
Shapes and texture.
Borders.
Cut-outs.
PeterFell Texture safe.
Step two. Colour.
You don’t need to follow any rules or trends when it comes to choosing colours for public spaces. It’s all about the effect you want to create.
One thing to keep in mind is that public spaces with high wear and tear are likely to get dirty, so it’s wise to veer away from lighter shades.
It’s important, however, that you see real concrete samples before you make your final selection. Don’t pick your colours from the screen, as colours will look different on every screen you view it on. Visit our showroom or order a concrete sample.
Handy hints:
- For areas with good sun, too light a colour can result in excessive glare.
- In shady areas, a light colour can really help to lift the whole space.
- Go bold! Our Gelato range offers a number of bright and cheerful colours to really lift any outdoor space.
Step three. Texture.
For public spaces, a safe non-slip surface is paramount.
When concrete is laid, the surface is treated to have a texture suited to the environment – smooth for interior floors and textured for exterior surfaces. There are several textures that give a safe non-slip finish. As the texture is literally set in concrete this non-slip surface will be remain safe and sound for years. A good non-slip texture will also reduce any potential glare. As well as severing a practical function, the concrete texture also influences the appearance of the colour and the overall look of the space.
Step four. Patterns.
Cuts.
Cutting concrete is essential to control cracking but can also be used to add detail to the floor.
All newly poured concrete shrinks as it dries which can result in cracks. To control this potential cracking the concrete is cut (Construction Cuts) shortly after being laid. These cuts are strategically placed and serve an important function in the performance of the floor. In commercial projects, other forms of crack control maybe employed (i.e. post-tensioned floors), so discuss the cutting with the engineer overseeing the project.
These Construction Cuts can be complemented with additional cuts to form a pattern on the surface. These secondary cuts (Decorative Cuts) can be placed wherever desired to create a tile or large flagstone look. Conversely, if clean space is desired no additional cuts are required.
Grouting.
The cuts are filled with a coloured grout.
To finish the pattern, the cuts are filled with our special concrete grout. This grout can be coloured using any PeterFell colour. Commonly people choose to have the grout the same colour as the concrete. As the grout is slightly darker than concrete, the colour will have a slight tonal difference, giving a subtle contrast to the pattern. The surface of the grout may be flush with the surface or slightly concave. It’s all about the look you want to create.
Step five. Protection.
Public spaces can be protected to maintain their appearance.
Public spaces are typically not sealed as this would require ongoing maintenance. However, products in our C2 range can be applied to public spaces. These penetrating products harden and protect the concrete surface, but do not form any film on the surface, so subsequently is safe, non slip and requires little on going maintenance.
Frequently asked questions.
Design.
Why should I use Peter Fell Ltd?
Peter Fell Ltd has an established reputation for producing exceptional coloured concrete environments. The company has gained the position of market leader through a culture of quality in all aspects of business – we source only the best materials, and our fully trained staff provide full support throughout any project. Learn more about Peter Fell Ltd.
Will the concrete crack?
As concrete hardens, excess water evaporates causing the concrete to shrink, and so cracks can occur. This issue is well understood and through the proper use of cutting, proper site preparation, and good concrete practice the risk is significantly reduced. For information on cracking and other potential problems click here.
Colour.
How is the concrete coloured?
Peter Fell Ltd use only Bayferrox oxides – the world leader in oxide manufacture and quality, to colour the concrete. These oxides are mixed through the concrete to ensure the colour remains for the life of the floor.
Will the colour fade?
No- The PeterFell System uses an integral colour method – the colour is mixed throughout the concrete. This results in the permanent colouring of the concrete, it is not a surface coating and subsequently will not chip off or wear away. The oxide is completely UV stable and will not fade.
Texture.
What textures and finishes are available?
There are a huge range of concrete textures ad finishes available, each of which will influence the concrete colour and overall appearance of the floor. Read more information about concrete textures.
Patterns.
Do I have to cut the concrete?
The use of cutting is required to control cracking, however in commercial application other jointing methods may be employed which reduces or eliminates the need to cut.
Protection.
Do I need to seal my concrete?
Yes – sealing is essential to protect the surface from staining and marking. Sealing will determine the final appearance, both colour and texture, of the concrete. Sealing stops ‘dusting’ (efflorescence) forming on the concrete surface which masks the concrete colour (often mistaken for colour fading), maintaining the true colour. More importantly, sealing makes the concrete easy to clean and maintain.
What do I seal the concrete with?
For commercial applications, sealers can be employed to external spaces. Internally the C2 Polished Concrete System is recommended. This system results in a durable hard-wearing surface that will stand up to the harshest commercial environments.
How do I clean and maintain my commercial premises?
A sealed concrete outdoor space is very easy to clean and maintain. Internally, there are specific cleaning products in the C2 Polished Concrete System designed to clean and maintain any commercial environment.
