Architectural Concrete - Dreßler-Bau

Architectural Concrete
Architectural Design +
Precast Concrete Technology
Dreßler Precast Concrete Plant

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Architectural Concrete: Architectural Design + Precast Concrete Technology
Working at the limits of design
Can concrete be used as a sophisticated design material? Can precast concrete
elements emulate the aesthetic traditions of the old master builders? For many
planners and constructors, this is hard to imagine. For them, concrete is a purely
functional building material that is best hidden behind paint, plastering or cladding.
We want to change this view.
In our precast concrete plant in Stockstadt, we have been specialising in architectural
concrete for many years. We manufacture customised concrete structural elements
whose shape, format, colour and surface finish lend contemporary architecture
a distinctive flair. The state-of-the-art technology in our plant allows us to turn
our design concepts into reality. On top of that, we rely on the diligence and
expertise of our employees. Specially trained concrete formworkers, reinforcement
workers, batch plant operators for the mix design and surface finishing specialists
work together in the spirit of traditional craftsmanship. The results speak for
themselves: customised, decorative structural elements that meet the exacting
quality requirements of master builders.

Surface finishing:
giving functional concrete a decorative appeal
Architectural concrete from Dreßler exploits the expressiveness of natural stone
and pigments. Different rocks and rock fractions are mixed to create specially
developed mix designs, thereby enabling the surface of structural elements to be
refined in accordance with requirements. Tried-and-tested surface finishing
techniques (e.g. grinding, polishing, washing, acidulating or sand blasting)
accentuate the beauty of natural stone structures and enhance the effect of
colours, patterns and tonality.
Dreßler offers a range of specialist, one-stop services catering for all aspects of
precast concrete manufacture for architectural concrete.
Wall panels
Glass surface
Structure
(matrix)
Cement (grey/white)
Surface
Aggregates
(different sand
and rock types)
Surface finishing
(washing, sand blasting,
acidulating, grinding, polishing)
Additives (pigments)
Washing
Sand blasting
Grinding and polishing
Acidulation
Transporting large-format structural elements
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Architectural Concrete: Architectural Design + Precast Concrete Technology
Turning ideas into eye-catching reality:
ambitious external structures
The interaction of design and function offers greater design freedom for contemporary
architecture. New forms of expression become possible as supporting structural
elements can serve as elegant, eye-catching means of linking different parts of
a structure.
In this administrative building, 12 m high wall elements support an elegant, curved
roof construction with special bracing to retain a minimalist appearance. Thanks
to the different surface finishes, the insulated sandwich elements of the walls
made of architectural concrete have a structured matching appearance with an
enduring aesthetic appeal.
The use of precast elements reduced the construction time considerably. The
installation cables for the interior fittings were already integrated in the precast
units which, again, not only reduced the construction time but also cut costs.
The use of precast parts significantly reduces building moisture that normally
occurs in new buildings, which improves climatic conditions in the building and
avoids the need for costly dry heating. The Dreßler team offers not only expert
support during the planning phase but also turnkey construction solutions on
demand.
Curved roof construction of the rotunda with bracing

Contemporary language of style:
breaking new ground
The systematic use of light and colour complements the stylistic elements of
contemporary architecture. The use of high-performance concrete and the precise
production of structural elements in the precast concrete plant allow for slender
constructions which, in turn, allow the construction of clear and generously
proportioned spatial structures. The surface finish of the architectural concrete
enables totally new and distinctive facades with the unique and timeless beauty
of natural stone. Precast concrete elements offer almost limitless creative potential
for modern architecture.
The play of colours on washed and fair-faced concrete
Combination of washed and smooth fair-faced concrete
Segments up to 12 m high, some with four visible faces
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Architectural Concrete: Architectural Design + Precast Concrete Technology
Sand blasted beams after installation
Sand and marble sourced from the Erzgebirge were used as aggregates in the
production of the precast concrete elements. The concrete was specially sand
blasted or ground to give it an outstanding surface quality.
Another challenge was the fitting accuracy of the precast concrete elements for
staircases and wall elements. Minimal tolerances in the existing structure also had
to be taken into account to ensure optimised integration in the existing structure
of the building and to prevent unsightly joints.
Large-format structural elements with an uniform quality to the exposed concrete
on all four sides also placed exacting demands on the precast concrete specialists.
Ideas in harmony:
architectural features for interiors
The use of state-of-the-art building materials to contrast with the historic structure
of a building is always a daring move in the preservation of historical monuments
and buildings. The critical eye of international museum experts, architects, art
historians and politicians made architect David Chipperfield's decision to use
precast concrete elements in the restoration of the Berlin Museum Island
– a world heritage site since 1999 – all the more difficult. The aim was to retain
the beauty and power of this more than 150 year old building as well as to gently
accentuate the forms and lines and thus avoid “over-restoration”. Needless to
say, the demands placed on the architectural concrete used for the Neues Museum
(New Museum) were highly exacting.
Staircase after reconstruction
Beams and columns sand blasted, balustrades and plinths ground

Steps, stringers and hand rails ground and polished,
wall panels sand blasted
Movable roller ceiling (sand blasted)
Combining functionality with creativity:
holistic building concepts
Behind these beautiful, timeless surfaces lies a great deal of painstaking
craftsmanship and innovative concrete technology. A single structural element
combines the most stringent design and aesthetic demands, whether flawless,
hard-edged corners and angles or precisely integrated, polished, smooth-tothe-touch
handrails on staircases. Roller-mounted ceiling elements allow one to
transform the character of a space or optimise lighting conditions. Slender columns
and arched elements ensure that one's view is never restricted.
Precast elements of architectural concrete are used for important design tasks,
thereby enabling holistic building concepts to be realised. In the Neues Museum
(New Museum) in Berlin, experienced craftsmen from Dreßler not only ensured
that the precast concrete elements were properly installed, but were also responsible
for the complex restoration of the historic masonry.

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Architectural Concrete: Architectural Design + Precast Concrete Technology
Cylindrical columns (ground)
Columns (sand blasted and ground)
Columns and beams (sand blasted)
Precision as a functional principle:
structural elements for innovations
Cost-efficient construction with precast concrete elements requires maximum
precision. This applies not only to the process of manufacturing and installing the
structural elements, but also to the planning phase. In response to these demands,
our team of experienced engineers offers comprehensive support encompassing
everything from the overall architectural concept to detailed planning (e.g. designing
facades and verifying the structural statics). If required, our Dreßler specialists will
assume responsibility for defined construction entities right up to the point at
which the completed project is ready to be handed over.
Washed concrete facade with aluminium water bars
Lift shaft (ground)
Bildunterschrift

Wall panel with matrix Solid ceiling (acidulated)
Semi-precast segments (sand blasted) Arched balustrade (sand blasted)
At our plant in Stockstadt, we work in close collaboration with planners to
manufacture functional structural elements with a strong aesthetic appeal. The
use of architectural, surface-finished concrete helps create eye-catching designs
of enduring beauty.
State-of-the-art precast concrete elements help make buildings more comfortable
for the occupants. Heating and cooling systems are integrated in ceilings and
walls, while wall panels can be used to store solar energy. Behind these attractive
surfaces lies a wealth of innovative technology.
Sandwich wall panels with
insulation (acidulated)
Bell tower (acidulated)

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Architectural Concrete: Architectural Design + Precast Concrete Technology
Bringing inner qualities to the surface:
surface finishing
Architectural concrete from Dreßler reveals the true beauty that lies within its
mineral aggregates. The choice of rock, grain size or fraction as well as the use
of special types of cement and the addition of pigments offer infinite varieties.
Special surface finishing techniques bring out the colours and textures for a
sophisticated gloss or tasteful matte effect.
Facade elements with adhesively bonded glass surfaces are an innovative variation
and open up completely new design dimensions.
Non-bearing elements (sand blasted)
Facade (ground)
Facade elements (coloured, acidulated)
Combination of three types of architectural concrete
(acidulated or washed)

Despite the use of the latest equipment, the majority of surface finishing – particularly
on large-format and asymmetrical structural elements – is performed
manually. The specialists in our concrete factory make sure that each individual
structural element is created with a noble design. The segments we manufacture
here at Dreßler are not simply decorative panels, but fully functional structural
elements that help innovative building concepts to become reality. They increase
design flexibility for contemporary architecture and retain their special expressiveness
over the long term.
Smooth exposed concrete (coloured)
Interior walls, coloured exposed concrete on matrix
Handrail for staircase (ground)
Smooth exposed concrete
Special elements (ground)

Architectural Concrete
Architectural Design + Precast Concrete Technology
Dreßler Concrete Plant:
Your partner from ”A“ to ”Z“
The exhibition area at our precast concrete plant in Stockstadt constitutes a
valuable planning tool. To help you implement your design ideas, our concrete
laboratory staff developes specimen mix designs for creative colours and textures.
We also demonstrate the latest surface finishing techniques and various details
on manufactured elements. Why not take a tour of our plant and see for yourself
what it is that makes Dreßler one of the leading manufacturers of precast concrete
elements and architectural concrete.
Our experienced team of specialists will be happy to answer your questions.
We look forward to working with you!
Dreßler
Dreßler Bau GmbH
F E R T I G T E I L W E R K
Industriestraße 30 · D-63811 Stockstadt am Main
Tel. +49 (0) 6027/2007-0 · Fax +49 (0) 6027/2007-10
E-mail: ftw@dressler-bau.de · www.dressler-bau.de