The industrial design style has come a long way since it first emerged in the late 19th century. This aesthetic is all about functionality, efficiency and simplicity — stripping things back to their bare form to expose what lies beneath. Think raw, edgy style like exposed brick and pipes. However, over time the industrial design style has become more refined and luxe. Contemporary industrial design homes often incorporate luxurious materials like natural stone, custom features made by artisans, and incredible design details like shadow lines instead of skirting boards. One material that has stood the test time in industrial design is concrete. Although now more elevated! Let’s take a look inside modern homes that embrace concrete to inspire your own contemporary industrial abode.
If you think industrial style is only fit for old factories and industrial buildings, we’re here to make you think again. Contemporary Australian architecture leans into industrial design roots and we’re sharing all the ways you can incorporate elements of this into your space.
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Formed concrete facade: Concrete House
The name of this first home kind of says it all. Concrete House designed by architect Rob Henry embraces concrete throughout. From its striking facade to polished concrete floors, and also a feature concrete stairwell, this home highlights the elegance of concrete.
“The brief for Concrete House was to be a family friendly home that could withstand the pressures of climate change. We wanted to use clean lines and were inspired to go for simple, honest materials,” explains Rob.
One of the benefits of concrete beyond its aesthetics is that it can absorb and store heat. This gives concrete a high thermal mass for energy efficiency.
Polished concrete floors: Garden House
A home that cannot be defined by any single design style, Garden House is one of the most unique home tours we’ve featured. Designed by Austin Maynard, the aim was to create a home that was ultra modern and highly sustainable. And let’s just say, mission accomplished!
Exposed brick, track lighting and that divine polished concrete floor gives this home an industrial flavour. Polished concrete floors are one of our favourite design elements to achieve a contemporary industrial home. Not only does it look fabulous, it’s also incredibly hardwearing making it ideal for families with young children or pets.
However, over the years we’ve heard of more than a few polished concrete mishaps which is why it’s so important to go with an experienced team. Look for a company that has many years experience, such as concreters Illawarra, and a focus on precision and technique for the best concrete application results.
Concrete kitchen bench: Soul Home
Although this home has a distinctly coastal and Mediterranean vibe, THAT solid concrete kitchen island fits the industrial style to a T.
“I adore the kitchen island. It’s concrete and was made by my talented husband. It’s not just a cooking space, it’s more of a space that you gather and connect with friends and family.”
They chose an aggregate that gives the kitchen island a terrazzo-like look but you can use regular concrete for a more raw aesthetic, or add an oxide to tint the concrete to a colour of your choice. As well as offering aesthetic appeal and being customisable, concrete countertops offer durability.
Concrete driveway: Gina’s home
Concrete is also an excellent material to use outside the home for its durability and low maintenance. In our round up of driveway inspiration, concrete featured heavily. Because there are so many ways you can change the look of concrete, with aggregates and oxides, and finishing techniques, it pays to do your research! There are concretes with natural stones in a whole spectrum of colours including blue, red or grey, and also large or small stone sizes to create different effects.
Gina chose an understated concrete that fits the contemporary industrial look of her home. The natural bluestone flecks pick up on the monument accents of the facade.
Concrete outdoor kitchen: Mosman House
Summer holidays and outdoor entertaining go hand-in-hand, and concrete works just as well in an outdoor kitchen as it does indoors!
Concrete complements other materials like wood and metal beautifully, plus these also fit within an industrial materials palette. So if you’re thinking about how to design the perfect outdoor kitchen for your industrial style home, take a cue from the kitchen pictured below.
Why stop at just an outdoor kitchen when you can also incorporate into the design some concrete bench seats and garden beds?! With an experienced team like Superior Concrete, almost any high-end concrete design is possible.
We hope taking a peek inside these contemporary industrial homes has inspired you. Which of these homes that embrace concrete was your fave? Or have you spied another house you think we should know about? Tell us in the comments below.
