Board-marked concrete

Studio A+ has completed the Mu Feng Yue Hot Spring Hotel, a wellness retreat located in Fengxi New City, Shanxi Province, China. The hotel’s restrained architecture emphasizes a closeness with nature, from its rustic facade to the meticulous landscaping.  Archi-translator Archi-translator More than a physical structure, the hotel is defined by the careful placement of a series of walls that compose and frame its myriad spaces. “These walls fold and unfold the spatial experience, integrating the ‘environment’ with its larger context,” says Studio A+. A sunken courtyard gives the impression of a structure that emerges from and is a part of the land. The building’s board-formed concre... More

The woodgrain-textured pattern of board-formed concrete creates an appearance that is warm and tactile. The concrete retains its solidity and strength, yet it is visually softened. Board-formed concrete — also known as board-marked concrete — involves pouring concrete into formwork made using timber boards. A decorative impression of the wood’s grain and knots is then left on the cast concrete. The use of board-formed concrete in construction will result in numerous textured effects, with a myriad of characterful wood-like motifs. The homes featured here showcase the pleasing and practical use of board-formed concrete in several ways, from constructing an entire house to acting as a retaining wall.   1. The House a... More