Reconstructed Stone
Reconstructed stone (often referred to as recon) replicates the appearance and quality of natural stone while offering the strength and versatility of precast concrete. Its ability to form complex shapes, combined with a wide range of surface textures and finishes, allows architects greater freedom of design than many traditional materials.
Techrete’s reconstructed stone products are low maintenance, fire resistant, durable and energy efficient, with inherent acoustic benefits. Quality is assured through inspection at every stage of manufacture, in line with Techrete’s independently certified ISO 9001 quality management system.
Reconstructed stone remains Techrete’s most widely used product, valued for its consistent quality and natural stone appearance.
Reconstructed Stone Finish Types
Polished / Honed
Automated polishing ensures a smooth, uniform finish. Polished surfaces naturally shed water and dirt, reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
Acid Etched
A light acid wash creates a subtly textured stone finish, similar in appearance to limestone or sandstone.
Grit Blasted
This effect is achieved using air-driven grit to abrasively expose the aggregate and create a deeper surface texture.
Exposed / Retarded
A surface retarder delays setting at the face of the panel, allowing the cement paste to be washed away and the surface aggregate to be exposed.
Applied / Veneered Finishes
Traditional building materials such as natural stone, brick, terracotta and ceramic tile can be applied to precast concrete using a process known as veneering. The veneer is incorporated during the casting process, allowing the finished panel to benefit from all the advantages of precast construction while retaining the appearance and character of traditional materials.
Veneered precast panels offer the same performance benefits as Techrete’s reconstructed stone products, including durability, consistency and off-site manufacture.
Some advantages unique to applied products include:
Applied / Veneered Finish Types
Natural Stone
Natural stone precast cladding is an increasingly popular approach in which precast concrete acts as a carrier for a veneer of natural stone, including granite, limestone, slate, sandstone and marble.
Brick Faced
Brick-faced panels provide the look and durability of traditional brickwork while offering a practical alternative to conventional construction methods. Windows can be incorporated during manufacture and installed on site as a single unit.
Terracotta / Tile
Terracotta-faced precast cladding is both a strong architectural feature and an efficient construction solution. It allows designers to introduce colour, texture and pattern, while reduced on-site activity lowers costs and shortens construction programmes.