Dare to Bare Those Exposed Cement Walls?
Gone are the days when rough surfaces had to be hidden away. Cement can pep up any exterior, interior, furnishing or accessory. See how
Durable and versatile, exposed concrete or cement can fit into almost any surrounding. It is not only a popular choice for industrial interiors, but has also proved to work well with modern elements. Mostly made of clay or limestone, they are an environment-friendly option. Being primarily a structural material, you don’t have to actually install it. Designers are leaving it bare, and widely using cement as a feature or an accent material. See these beautiful spaces made unique with the use of exposed cement.
Malik Architecture has designed a climate-responsive home in Alibaug with deep shaded verandas and courtyards, wrapped with exposed concrete in and out. Surprising spaces have been created, and their effect heightened by the use of this singular material juxtaposed against the outside expanse.
Take a tour of this house
Take a tour of this house
Tip: Cement takes up the shape and grain of the form work which is used over them. The surface can be given wood planked grains by pouring wet cement into splinters from wooden boards. A sponge can be used to surface the look of stucco, or a trowel can be used for drawing swirls.
You do not see a cement jaali very often, but it is an extraordinary alternative to metal screens and railings. Layers Studios for Design and Architecture has created these concrete screens while renovating a house in Delhi. Notice how they used the same jaali on the pathway in the garden?
If you wish to bring in an exposed cement texture to your finished home, use faux composite panels. In this picture, the texture is achieved through fibre-cement boards. It can replicate materials like cement, wood and stone. Bring up some pomp to the coldness of concrete with grooves and back lights.
Unwrapped walls
While the living room is the best place to experiment with exposed surfaces, bedrooms can also be adorned with the ‘unfinished’ look.
Architecture BRIO uses exposed planked-concrete walls in various rooms, including the bedroom, of this retreat home in Alibaug. The use of one material gives shape to the design identity of this house. Concrete gives a stark contrast to the outdoor green to create bold but minimalist interiors.
While the living room is the best place to experiment with exposed surfaces, bedrooms can also be adorned with the ‘unfinished’ look.
Architecture BRIO uses exposed planked-concrete walls in various rooms, including the bedroom, of this retreat home in Alibaug. The use of one material gives shape to the design identity of this house. Concrete gives a stark contrast to the outdoor green to create bold but minimalist interiors.
The bathroom of this same home also uses cement tiles and poured cement walls. The slit on one side lets you enjoy sunlit textured walls and the sense of bathing outdoors.
See more pictures of this house here
See more pictures of this house here
This coastal patio modelled by Clement Desylva flaunts a poured-cement exposed wall behind a water feature. The tieback holes have been left as they were. The shadow effects accentuates the presence of the textured wall. I like how they teamed the grey with white furniture and dark pergola.
Above and beneath
Yes, the exposed surface of concrete looks great on ceilings and floors too. This home flaunts modern-industrial interiors with exposed cement, exposed brick, reclaimed wood and quirky metallic lighting. Aamir and Hameeda Associates has used most materials in their natural form here.
Tip: Cement can be buffed to give a clean polished texture when used on the floors. A vibrant coloured rug or carpet (with a good backing) always seals the deal on the grey finish.
Yes, the exposed surface of concrete looks great on ceilings and floors too. This home flaunts modern-industrial interiors with exposed cement, exposed brick, reclaimed wood and quirky metallic lighting. Aamir and Hameeda Associates has used most materials in their natural form here.
Tip: Cement can be buffed to give a clean polished texture when used on the floors. A vibrant coloured rug or carpet (with a good backing) always seals the deal on the grey finish.
This eclectic home is located in Vadodara also displays exposed cement ceiling and a cement-based flooring. Dipen Gada and Associates used low maintenance IPS (Indian Patterned Stone) on the floors. Cladded acoustic panels and industrial-style lighting augment the rusticity of the ceiling.
Take a tour of this home
Take a tour of this home
Make a statement with a distinct bathroom. This one is exquisite because of its use of a minimal cement basin unit protruding from an exposed cement wall. The whole look is amplified by the continuous grey IPS floor and textured ceiling.
Gaurav Roy Choudhury Architects has deliberately left uneven cement joints in the ceiling visible to retain raw charm. A lot of white in walls and furniture adds to the contemporary look. Natural light brightens the indoors during the day and accent lighting plays with depths and sets a layered ambience at night.
See more pictures of this house here
See more pictures of this house here
In the kitchen
Here, the backsplash, counter top, shelves and the island are all made of cement. The slightly polished grains are highlighted by the recessed lights, creating a sharp but dramatic look.
Tip: Pre-cut the sink and other features while making the form-work for the kitchen counter.
Here, the backsplash, counter top, shelves and the island are all made of cement. The slightly polished grains are highlighted by the recessed lights, creating a sharp but dramatic look.
Tip: Pre-cut the sink and other features while making the form-work for the kitchen counter.
Furnishings, fittings and more…
In addition to walls and kitchen tops, the dining table, the study table top, the bar island and shelving can also be cast in concrete and left exposed. See here how the sleek bar and dining table gel with the similarly-finished kitchen counter and living area wall.
Tip: It is advisable to use cushions, rugs or other soft accessories to counter the hardness of concrete surfaces.
Take a tour of this house
In addition to walls and kitchen tops, the dining table, the study table top, the bar island and shelving can also be cast in concrete and left exposed. See here how the sleek bar and dining table gel with the similarly-finished kitchen counter and living area wall.
Tip: It is advisable to use cushions, rugs or other soft accessories to counter the hardness of concrete surfaces.
Take a tour of this house
Tip: I love this simple brushed cement table placed over the wooden floor. The cold table is balanced by the warmth of the flowers and the wall painting above. Place uncooked tables of this kind to add delight to your space.
This staircase is a great example of how exposed cement can redefine any architectural element. Cement finished stairs are not only meant for outdoors; they create a very cool statement inside as well.
Little accessories
Make your own cement accessories, stands and trays for displaying or storing little things that otherwise clutter a table. These pieces are unique and are great conversation-starters.
Make your own cement accessories, stands and trays for displaying or storing little things that otherwise clutter a table. These pieces are unique and are great conversation-starters.
Patio, garden and pool
Concrete can be left exposed in the patio and the garden hardscape without a second thought. Raised planters, platforms, stairs or retaining walls – you may leave them un-coated to flaunt the rusticity of exposed cement.
In this home by The Orange Lane, the outdoor area hones in the whole holiday-home-look with built-in seats and a centre table made of concrete.
Take a tour of this home
Concrete can be left exposed in the patio and the garden hardscape without a second thought. Raised planters, platforms, stairs or retaining walls – you may leave them un-coated to flaunt the rusticity of exposed cement.
In this home by The Orange Lane, the outdoor area hones in the whole holiday-home-look with built-in seats and a centre table made of concrete.
Take a tour of this home
The pool surround is yet another area for application of exposed cement. The tiles juxtaposed against the wooden deck will look good any day. Notice the wall at the back? Dutta and Kannan Architects turns a simple wall into a playful feature by drawing 3D motifs on cement. Patterns and perforations can easily be applied to the cement surface before they harden.
Tip: Make sure you seal and polish the cement finish on pool surrounds and as well as on retaining walls to avoid scratched knees and elbows.
Read more:
Exposed Bricks Make These 9 Homes Shine
9 Reasons to Bring Louvres Into Your Home
Tell us:
Will you use exposed cement in your home? Write in Comments below.
Tip: Make sure you seal and polish the cement finish on pool surrounds and as well as on retaining walls to avoid scratched knees and elbows.
Read more:
Exposed Bricks Make These 9 Homes Shine
9 Reasons to Bring Louvres Into Your Home
Tell us:
Will you use exposed cement in your home? Write in Comments below.
The facade of a building is the first to make an impression and is key to building an interest in what lies inside. So why use the conventional plaster and paint? The welcoming but bare surface will surely attract lots of eyeballs and admiration. Choose from smoothly polished or coarse textures according to the style you wish to achieve.
This house in Ahmedabad designed by Mumbai-based SPASM exhibits a calm polished concrete on the lower end of its exterior face. Look how the grey of cement complements the bronze of the corten panels.