When most people think of concrete, images of grey construction sites, towering buildings and boring pieces of infrastructure will come to mind. However, this useful material is often taken for granted and can be used for more interesting purposes than just creating a building.
The Concrete Canoe
A concrete canoe seems like an unusual concept but The American Society of Civil Engineers has made this impossible idea into reality in their annual competition to make a concrete canoe. Engineering students make the canoes by using specially designed concrete mixes which incorporate micro-spheres and this process confirms that concrete can float.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments have also been sculpted from concrete, including hand-carved concrete mandolins and guitars. These musical instruments have won awards for their creativity and artistic expression.
Sonic Sculptures
Beyond musical instruments, concrete has also been used in sound technology. Some designers have made concrete speakers that have a unique acoustic quality and they also look strikingly different. If you need precision concrete Cheltenham, concrete specialists such as Monster Mix Concrete can deliver it to your location.
Edible Concrete
In an unexpected twist, food scientists have developed edible concrete-like substances. They use mineral-rich ingredients to create sustainable, nutrient-dense food structures that can be 3D printed into complex shapes. While they are not literally concrete, they are inspired by the structural properties of concrete.
Wearable Concrete Fashion
Fashion designers have also started using concrete to create jewellery, accessories and clothing that are very different from items made with textiles. Lightweight concrete can be made into bracelets, necklaces and the structural elements of clothing to create unique pieces.
Domestic Creativity
Another use for concrete is in home design. Concrete can be used to make uniquely shaped planters for the garden and, inside the home, it can be used for shelving or work surfaces. As it is such an adaptable material, it can transform ordinary household objects into something special.
Further Uses
Beyond these examples, concrete has also been used to create intricate sculptures, outdoor furniture and architectural details commemorating local heritage.