Concrete is a construction material made from a mixture of water, cement, sand, and aggregate (such as gravel or crushed stone). It is commonly used to create foundations, floors, and other structural elements.
Concrete is made by mixing together the various ingredients in a large mixing machine. The cement acts as a binding agent, while the water and sand help to form a paste that holds the mixture together. The aggregate provides strength and structure to the concrete. Once the mixture is thoroughly mixed, it is poured into a mold or formwork to set and harden.
Concrete has been used as a building material for thousands of years and was used to create some of the most impressive buildings and structures of the ancient world, but it was not until the 19th century that the modern version of concrete, made with Portland cement, was developed. This type of concrete, which is made from a mixture of water, cement, sand, and aggregate, became the standard for construction and is still widely used today.
In the 20th century, advances in technology and materials science led to the development of new types of concrete, such as high-strength concrete and self-consolidating concrete, which have improved the strength, durability, and versatility of the material. Today, concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the world, the strength, versatility, and aesthetic appeal of concrete have made it an important material in the development of modern architecture.
Burke house
the living room
The living room is the heart of the house and visually articulates all the spaces. The double-height offers a generous amplitude that extends to the staircase leading up to the office on the upper floor.
Pedraza house
the lounge area
The living room is the heart of the house. The double-height space vertebrates the areas of daily use and connects it with the outdoor landscape. The kitchen is separated by recessed sliding glass doors that open up space, so the living is linked to the bar located there.
Pedraza house
the staircase
The staircase is defined by the profile of its steps, lined with oak wood. The light sets the rest of the space, where the doors and railings are concealed to give prominence to the ascending path.
parametric design challenges
Long gone are the traditional boxy building forms. With advanced computer algorithms in place, what was once unattainable is now made possible. Complex geometrical building patterns such as curvatures or hyperbolic paraboloid shells are now becoming the norm.
wavescape pavilion
the view from the marina
The themed pavilion for the World Expo floats on the sea and is connected to the quay via a gangway. The floating façade of horizontal slats creates a moiré effect as it moves with the waves.
finishes specification
Finishes specification involves detailing a list of all the materials in the final parts of the project. The file contains commercial products available in the market following technical, functional, aesthetic, and economic criteria ‒ price and maintenance costs.
Shoreditch hotel
the use and circulation diagram
Despite the dynamic form of the building, the interior layout is highly functional. The complex is divided into two blocks, the one next to the party wall has commercial use while the corner block comprises the restaurant and hotel rooms around a central atrium.
defining structural systems: concrete vs steel
The structural framework is the spine of a building. Therefore, caution against the choice of material should be carefully exercised. Concrete and steel, or reinforced concrete, delivers a rigid structural system when combined.
performing arts complex
the birdview
The bird’s eye view of the performing arts complex shows the radial layout of the master plan, with buildings covered with undulating roofs around the marina.
‘ramp up the mun’ shortlisted for e10
AQSO’s proposal for the Boilerhouse studios in Dublin, an urban regeneration project including cultural and residential spaces in Ballymun, has been shortlisted for the 10th edition of Europan.
old is new at Today Art Museum
On the occasion of the the 70th Anniversary of John Lennon’s Birth, Beijing-based Today art museum organized last October 16th an outdoor event including multimedia video projections, poetry readings, music performances and discussions under the name “old is new“.
Shoreditch hotel
the view from Rivington st
From the streets surrounding the scheme, the hotel is adapted to the urban façade, with a proportion of openings similar to that of the adjoining buildings. From these streets, there is an access point to the inner courtyard that separates the hotel from the commercial area.
Shoreditch hotel
the facade detail
The façade of the hotel is made of prefabricated lightweight concrete elements, which form triangles to create a dark-coloured ruled surface on which the openings stand out like a chessboard.
striking ship-like hotel proposed as new Shoreditch landmark
A new mixed-use building, which includes a hotel, cinema and retail space, could become the latest eye-catching landmark in London’s most creative neighbourhood.
Pedraza house
the cantilever
The house is an open viewpoint that captures and forms part of the landscape. With a simple gesture, the flat green roof is extended to form a cantilevered porch. The simple materials are combined with pure lines and the transparency of the large windows.
prefabricated construction in Anguix
The construction works for this multifunctional building designed by AQSO have recently started with the assemblage of modular concrete elements to be part of the structure and façade.
Dehan village
the dining room
The dining room on the first floor is a generous space that is linked to the service area and kitchen located behind the stairwell. The different levels seem to float in the space, an effect reinforced by the glass railings protecting them.
folded auditorium
the staircase
From the entrance hall to the auditorium, the upper floor can be accessed via an elegant staircase suspended by steel cables. The foyer is a large and luminous space with a view of the vertical garden that covers the party wall of the nearby building.
Pedraza house
the inner courtyard
From the entrance of the house, and through the inner courtyard, you can perceive the spaciousness of the living room, whose profusely illuminated double-height space gives a pleasant sensation of spaciousness and comfort.
precast concrete advantages
Back in the ancient times, Romans pioneered and extended the use of precast concrete, but this architectural and engineering feat in building technology is far from over. Advanced innovations in precast concrete paved the way for faster design and construction timeline.
GFRC, the lightweight concrete
Composite materials are on a strong upsurge as demands in the construction industry rise up. Wood and plastic are pressed and moulded together in compression. Steel rebars are embedded in a concrete matrix to form a rigid reinforced material. As technology advances, so does the building material.
Burke house
the walking wardrobe
The dressing room is a warm and comfortable space with large floor-to-ceiling wardrobes on both sides. The window to the garden provides abundant natural light sifted by the wooden slats, close enough to give privacy but separated to appreciate the landscape.
wrap manifesto
the main elevation
From the main avenue, the green façade of the building can be seen, blending in with the vegetation of the urban landscape. The walkway linking the top of the hill becomes the roof of the ground floor, which extends to form an entrance canopy.
Shoreditch hotel
the aerial view
From the aerial view, the urban presence of the hotel can be seen in its context. The dark figure slightly turned towards the intersection and the design of its iconic checkered façade create a symbolic and recognisable image.
cuña house
the kitchen
The kitchen has a central presence in the living room, linked to the garden. The front worktop serves as a social and meeting space, while the appliances are located on the back wall.
room #21
Room is a magazine focusing on innovation and contemporary creativity. The journal features the last trends in architecture, interior design, art, industrial design and visual communications, and it has become a remarkable platform for avant-garde designers and intellectually enthusiastic readers.
Xu Beihong foundation
the atrium
The central atrium of the building is a space illuminated by a large skylight. The plasticity of its concrete walls reminds us of a natural cave dominated by the stairs leading to the upper level.
maragato lofts
the living room and kitchen
In contrast to the orthogonal rigidity of the exterior, the interior spaces are wrapped in soft, rounded corners. The oak flooring and the concrete ceiling offer a warm visual tone while a featured wooden slats partition serves as a transition and articulates the space.
Shoreditch hotel
the view from Old St
The building is presented as a rotund, stone volume with a chequered pattern of façade openings. This solid, almost tectonic composition is distorted by the deformation of the solid, which turns into a provocative gesture as it reacts to the flow of urban traffic.
performing arts complex
the promenade towards the marina
The undulating concrete roofs and meandering walls of wooden slats characterise the pavilions that make up the building. The pedestrian walkways leading to the marina are landscaped with lush bamboo shrubs.
Pedraza house
the master bathroom
The rational and pure design of the bathroom is based on easy-to-clean surfaces, naturally textured materials and cosy indirect lighting.
structural systems
Structural systems are the bearing components that, working together, can transmit the building’s loads to the foundation, guaranteeing balance and stability without suffering incompatible distortions.
Pedraza house
the dinning area
The dining area is linked to the open kitchen and the comfortable lounge area. The courtyard and the presence of the landscape flood the generous space, creating a visual connection with nature.
wrap manifesto
the entrance lobby
The main entrance hall is a generous, well-lit double-height space with a large reception desk and serves as a foyer for the multifunctional conference room.
Dehan village
the living room
The living room has a large window to enjoy the views of the landscape. This double-height space is connected to the dining room through a spiral staircase and also has access to the guest room on the ground floor.
W salon
the main room
The hairdressing salon has a minimalist interior design that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Indirect light is achieved with backlit mirrors against a background of birch plywood.
Burke house
the office space
The work area on the upper floor has the best views of the house. Linked to the patio and the rear garden, the office is a quiet space with a sober and unique design.
Burke house
the master bedroom
The bedroom is a spacious and functional space open to the landscape. The furniture merges with the architecture to create a warm and cosy atmosphere governed by light and textures.
Shoreditch hotel
the hotel room
The hotel is designed for young people looking for an urban experience. The industrial-style interior design combines concrete, metal and wood to create a minimalist and functional atmosphere.
cuña house
the view from the top floor
From the first floor of the Cuña house, you can see the living room through an interior balcony. This space serves as a work area and lobby before entering the master bedroom.
cuña house
the exposed concrete stairs
The concrete stairs have been carefully cast to create a sculptural and minimalist element whose silhouette can be seen through the translucent glass of the window.
Pedraza house
the porch
The cantilevered canopy that covers the porch of the house frames the view of the landscape. The living room becomes a glass enclosure, which opens a corner to see the horizon.
Shoreditch hotel
the view from Pitfield St
The curved shape of the façade responds to the flow of pedestrians and bicycles crossing the intersection between the two main streets. The building opens up like a giant curtain to allow passage with a welcoming gesture.
Pedraza house
the open-plan ground floor
The ground floor is a mosaic of interconnected spaces through glass partitions. The visual relationship between them gives a sensation of amplitude, and the simplicity of the forms and finishes create a serene atmosphere in connection with nature.
Shoreditch hotel
the view from Paul St
At nightfall, the light from the hotel windows underlines the chequered pattern of the black concrete façade, creating an easily recognisable icon that serves as an urban landmark for the restaurant and shopping area.
ramp up the 'mun
the view from the plaza
The structure of the old boiler house is extended by an apartment building to enclose a public square with a ramp leading up around the chimney to the roof.
Zain tower
the laminated glass wire mesh
From inside the offices, the arabesque motifs of the louvres can be seen. The brass metal mesh is compressed into the glass when this is in a semi-molten state. It becomes a decorative and strengthening component of the glass fins.
Pedraza house
the kitchen and the courtyard
The timeless design of the kitchen is based on the warmth of the wood and the simplicity of the white surfaces. The furniture is modular and functional with large oak drawers.
house of arts
the exhibition hall
The exhibition hall of the House of Arts is a double-height space enclosed by the same coloured glass louvres that surround the building.
folded auditorium
the cafeteria
The cafeteria is located under the auditorium stands, as can be seen in the curved reinforced concrete ceiling. This open-plan space is fragmented by a combination of fixed wooden counters and an arrangement of informal loose furniture so the space works also as a waiting room.
Burke house
the staircase
The stairs take on prominence by visually connecting the interior spaces and establishing the formal language of the building’s exterior. This promenade is a contrast between the warm interior and the lushness of the Irish landscape that can be contemplated along the way.
K house
the living room
The living room, located at a slightly lower level than the rest of the ground floor, defines a functional, welcoming and relaxed space with large, custom-made sofas. The large windows capture the light of the sunset and make the outside garden part of this lounge area.
Pedraza house
the kitchen
The kitchen is a generous space full of light. The continuity of the polished concrete pavement, the large windows and the distribution around an island make this room blend with the surrounding landscape.