The use of solid elements made of natural stone or concrete to accentuate the horizontal separation of floor levels or the vertical structure of building grids is all the rage in contemporary architecture. Horizontal “belts” and window surrounds made of precast concrete elements create attractive contrasts – but unfortunately also increase the weight of the structure. This extra weight greatly affects the design of the foundations, even when using fiber-reinforced concrete elements.

These days, a careful choice of materials is essential for anyone seeking to conserve resources and construct eco-friendly buildings. Key considerations include not only the material’s environmental impact during its production, but also the time and expense required for installation, as well as its interaction with other components. Precast concrete elements and structural ceramics are examples of heavyweight architectural components. They are not considered sustainable building materials – on the one hand, because the production of binding agents such as cement is highly energy intensive. Above all, however, because the loads exerted by pilaster strips and concrete shells (which weigh several tons) necessitate considerable additional structural work right down to the foundations.

By opting instead for the reformulated concrete and stone effects in the IGP-Living Surfaces range and making some simple changes at the planning stage, all of these problems can be avoided. IGP Powder Coatings, the Swiss manufacturer of highly weather-resistant architectural coatings, has been busy replicating the look and feel of striking concrete mixes and popular natural stone finishes. As a result, the company has launched a range of powder coatings for surfaces whose structure, color, and feel are just as impressive as their resistance to light and the elements, and, of course, their low weight.