Main entrance foyer to firm's new design center. The plans started out with pouring 1.5 inches of 5,000 psi concrete over a wood substrate with a bond breaker and wire mesh reinforcement, and control joints filled with polyurea. The concrete was polished up to a 3,000 grit on the fourth story of a 100-year-old building.
When ready, the elevations changed due to a mechanical entry door and there was only 7/8-inch clearance left for flooring elevation. Philadelphia Polished Concrete Inc. used Rapid Set brand concrete mix from Home Depot. We needed high-strength concrete, 5,500 psi in three days, and strong enough with the depth that was given. The floor was formed out like a grid pattern and each panel was cast-in-place.
It took a week of pouring and forming with 225 bags of concrete and two weeks to complete the polishing. The result was a stunning entrance which completed the vision of the architect.
