Concreteworks is a design and fabrication studio specializing in innovative solutions using cast concrete. We strive for the leading edge in our industry by stretching the capabilities of this age-old material with modern-day advancements.

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Materials & Ingredients
In the simplest terms, our pieces are made of cement, aggregate, and fibers. We combine these with our proprietary mix to create our pieces. In some products, we incorporate an alternate ingredient called “City Mix” which is comprised of 99% recycled content (by volume). We also incorporate other recycled content such as glass, industrial byproducts with a lower carbon footprint, and ocean plastic.

Packaging & Delivery
We primarily use materials that can be recycled or reused for our packaging. This includes recycled paper and recyclable/reusable cardboard boxes for packing our samples or reusable pallets and crates for shipping our products. Many projects are also local to the Bay Area, therefore, reducing the emissions from travel for delivery.

Quality & Value
Unlike traditional concrete such as freeways, sidewalks, or foundations, our products have higher compression strength and no rebar, which adds to the longevity of the pieces. Our products are meant to last and are not meant to be disposable. Our products can even be considered heritage pieces and last through generations.

Waste Reduction
We minimize waste and implement low or zero-waste practices by using recycled materials in our mixes, filtering and reusing water for our production in our water reclamation system, recycling foam used for our unique projects that require one-time-use molds (some of which is used in our mix for our products), making durable reusable molds when possible, and implementing the 5 S system (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain) – which is a system for organizing spaces so work can be performed efficiently, effectively, and safely.

Local Supply Chains
Whenever possible we source materials from local companies and manufacturers such as aggregates and fire pit accessories.

Energy Efficiency
Our shop has an abundant amount of natural light and LED (energy-efficient lighting). It is also a naturally climate-controlled environment that works well in our mild Bay Area weather conditions, so there is no need for added climate control such as air conditioning. Our shop is also in an accessible central location in Alameda, which promotes biking to work.

Goals & Aspirations
One of our main goals is to get to a 50% recycled mix as the standard material while maintaining the quality and long-term life expectancy of our products.