Glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) features widely in contemporary architecture. From fireplace surrounds, rangehood surrounds, countertops to wall cladding, GFRC’s versatility is distinctive. This composite material merges the strength of concrete with the support of fine glass fibres, offering several beneficial properties for various construction projects.
At Sculptural Design, we use GFRC concrete to design and hand craft wall panels, fireplace surrounds and mantels, stair treads, decorative yet practical range hood covers, among many others. The use of GFRC offers many benefits over traditional precast concrete and is fast becoming one of the most popular construction materials for building façades and interiors.
Top Reasons to Choose GFRC Concrete
GFRC was developed in the 1940s but only took off in North America thirty years later. Today, it is a well-known material with a wide range of uses and a good reputation for its durability and strength. What’s driving the popularity of GFRC in architecture and interior design?
1. Better tensile strength
Adding glass fibres to a concrete mix increases its tensile strength, helping to prevent cracks and prolong the life of the panels. Inside the concrete, the glass fibres create bridges that can carry tensile loads from the environment and transfer them evenly throughout the material. GFRC also contains polymers that boost the flexibility of the concrete, further protecting it from cracks. It performs well against thermal stress and can withstand freezing and thawing which makes it a good material for exterior cladding or outdoor furniture and fixtures.
2. Lighter weight
The superior strength of GFRC concrete allows us to make thinner, lighter pieces without compromising structural integrity. Lightweight cladding is beneficial because it reduces the load on the building’s structure. It’s also easier and safer to handle on-site, which can reduce labour costs and construction time. GFRC’s lightweight nature makes for economical, fuel-efficient transportation, reducing the overall carbon footprint of your project.
3. More customization possibilities
The high strength-to-weight ratio makes sculpting complex shapes more viable with GFRC. Designers can use it to create custom precast concrete elements with solution-focused details that are cosmetic and functional. Changing the aggregates in a GFRC mix allows for colour customization. We can also manipulate the texture of the material during the casting process, yielding a variety of finishes such as hand-pressed, filled, smooth or board form.
4. Fire retardancy
Safety is paramount in modern construction, and all new buildings and renovations in Canada are subject to stringent fire codes. GFRC can help architects and designers uphold these requirements. It is non-combustible and offers a flame spread rating of 0, meaning fire cannot travel across its surface. Precast concrete panels from GFRC have a two-hour fire rating, so they will withstand flames for at least 120 minutes.
Explore Our Precast Concrete Products
Sculptural Design conceptualizes, fabricates, and installs custom architectural concrete in Calgary homes and commercial properties. We use premium GFRC for all our concrete products and offer comprehensive service and support at every phase of the project. For more inspiration, feel free to explore our gallery of completed works or get in touch with our capable team.
