THE ART OF PRECAST CONCRETE
06 Dec 2018
While artistic elements are becoming a ‘must’ in modern landscapes, durability can be an issue. Precast concrete offers outdoor longevity and, thanks to its flexibility, can be cast in a range of appealing designs.
Crying Dinghy – Hanna Hoyne
With exposure to the elements a factor in artwork for outdoor spaces, many artists are opting for precast concrete to realise their designs.
With over 20 years of precast experience, Benzini are knowledgeable in the art of concrete and have worked with a number of artists to bring to life an array of interesting artworks.
THE UTILITY OF PRECAST
As the name suggest, precast concrete is poured offsite into moulds or forms made to individual design specifications to achieve attractive decorator or functional items, which, once set and finished, are then manoeuvred into place onsite.
The versatility of concrete and the mould making process generates an almost endless selection of shapes, sizes and designs that cater to individual project requirements and artistic aesthetics.
A rainbow of colours can be created in precast items through the addition of powdered pigments or oxides to the concrete mixture. A textured surface is also achievable with additives like sand or aggregates.
Below are just some of the artistic visions developed in collaboration with Benzini. 
Crying Dinghy in production, with blue glass 'seeded' surface
THE CRYING DINGHY BY DR HANNA HOYNE
Working in collaboration with Urban Art Projects, Benzini created the precast concrete boat for artist Hanna Hoyne’s project Crying Dinghy installed in Canberra. Benzini made the fibreglass mould so the “dinghy” would be cast upside down, as they were to “seed” blue glass into the top surface, which would become visible upon polishing. 
Corps A Corps - Céline Condorelli
CORPS A CORPS BY CÉLINE CONDORELLI
Benzini was commissioned by the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) and artist Céline Condorelli to build a sculpture garden for the Berwick Street courtyard. The impressive structure, Corps à Corps, provides plenty of shade for visitors and allows them to sit among native and naturalised plants. This commission was completed in conjunction with Fardoulys Constructions. 
Mooloolaba signage panels
TEXTURED SIGNAGE PANELS
Sunshine Coast Council commissioned a local artist to create a sculptural clay panel that was used by Benzini to cast rubber moulds and produce a series of unique precast signage markers. Placed along the local Mooloolaba promenade, the panels were cast in sand coloured concrete to complement the beachside location.
