The use of concrete as a building material goes back to 2550 BC. Back when it was fundamental to assembling the ancient Egyptian pyramids. According to Texas-based architect Paul Lamb, the use of unplastered raw concrete as a finish in private homes wasn’t accepted by consumers until after World War II. That acceptance was driven in large part by the work of the Swiss-French architect and designer Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, known as Le Corbusier, Lamb said.
“A concrete wall can be both structure and finish,” said Mr. Lamb. In 2017, Mr. Lamb worked with architect Ted Young to remodel a high concept modern home in Austin, Texas, the main structure of which is concrete walls. It’s located in the West Lake Hills neighborhood and is currently on the market for $ 8.995 million.
These days, Mr. Lamb said, concrete houses are generally perceived as edgy, ornate, tough, and not for the faint of heart. That hasn’t stopped consumers from tracking them down.
“Concrete is attractive to home builders and home buyers because of its durability and soundproofing,” said Robin Goelman, a Maryland real estate agent who lists a Silver Spring condo in a brick and concrete building circa 1894.
Concrete also has unique visual properties, said Richard Higgerson, the listing agent for a poured concrete house in Norwich, Vt. “There is a strong and obvious mastery of the elements in a concrete house, including natural light that only diffuses indoors at the right angles. “
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