Houston’s sprawling urban landscape owes much of its vibrancy and diversity to its concrete. When we wander through the skyscrapers lined streets and the charming residential areas of Houston, concrete is silently supporting the city’s aura. You can see our website in here.
It’s easy to see what the heart of the city looks like. Just walk along the sidewalks on a nice Texas summer day. As if the concrete was the star supporting actor. Always in the limelight, but not often the main attraction. Ever wondered the truth behind all that concrete? Relax, have a refreshing drink, and lets dive into the story.
Houston’s concrete is a particular pride. As if barbecue sauce was a brisket without which you couldn’t eat it. We’ll break it all down now, so that your eyes don’t glaze over. Houston’s special affinity for cement was born of both necessity, and ingenuity. Due to the ever-growing city population and average 44 inch rainfall per year, planners in Houston needed an answer that would be able to handle both nature and human demands. Enter concrete, stage left.
Houston’s high humidity conditions are ideal for concrete because it is durable. To create the perfect mix, there is a fine art. As if you were making the classic cocktail – a smidge of this, and a dash that. Mixture of cement, aggregates, and water are all necessary, but proportion is critical. It’s easy to end up baking a cake with too little or no water. Turn on the sprinkler for a fun mud bath.
Houston’s skilled builders have the same skills as a chef. They know exactly what to do. This knowledge ensures roads will remain smooth, that buildings will retain strength and invites neighbors to the porch for evening drinks. You can also add in the secret ingredients, called admixtures. These small concoctions add characteristics, like faster drying time and enhanced durability. Houston districts such as Museum District and Medical Center have a distinct foundation thanks to these little mixtures.
Concrete has many uses beyond its practicality. Take a drive along Buffalo Speedway to see how the material transforms space. It can be creatively used in a variety of ways, including patios and parking areas. Are you familiar with the driveways made of stamped concrete which look similar to cobblestones streets? You may have seen polished concrete in Houston’s chic restaurants, which looks as though it was taken from an architectural magazine. Because concrete comes in so many finishes and textures, it is losing its utilitarian image.
Innovation is also important. Houston, never being one to be left behind, is at the forefront of concrete technology. As precise drones assess work sites, cutting-edge machines shape the structure. A careful waltz is sometimes performed by automation and risky manual work. Ballet is an innovative, daring art form. What’s the aim? Efficiency without cutting corners.
Concrete is adaptable in more ways than one. It is no surprise that the same environmental concerns which are prevalent in many industries today have also reached this one. Imagine Houstonians being able to breathe easier knowing that engineers are using recycled material in cement mix.
If you’re walking your dog in Hermann Park on your favorite concrete path, or enjoying a cup of coffee in Montrose while sitting on a concrete patio, you should take time to appreciate their understated beauty and quiet power. Think of concrete, not as just a building substance but also as the heart of Houston. Who knew that the material concrete could be so captivating!
It’s done! Houston is home to a unique blend of art, science, and concrete.