Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Scope: Decorative Concrete Flatwork at McNair Hall
Finish: Agave Buff Integral Color with Custom Fine Aggregate and Hand-Seeded Exposed Aggregate
At McNair Hall on the Rice University campus, Bomanite Houston installed custom decorative concrete designed to complement the building’s distinguished architecture and surrounding landscape. An Agave Buff integral color creates a warm, understated foundation, while a custom blend of fine aggregate adds depth and visual character throughout the concrete.
Hand-seeded aggregate was carefully applied to the surface before the concrete was treated with a surface deactivator and fully exposed. This specialized process reveals the natural texture and variation of the stone, creating a refined finish with an organic quality that feels well suited to the university’s established campus environment.
Engineered for durability in a high-traffic academic setting, the finished concrete balances long-term performance with thoughtful architectural detail. The project demonstrates how custom aggregate blends and precise exposure techniques can transform functional flatwork into a cohesive part of the overall design.
