2024 DCC Award Winner

DCR Showroom, Fisher Companies, Midland, MI

First Place: Concrete Artistry, Under 5,000 SF

For this project, we were tasked with designing and constructing a unique front counter for a showroom, incorporating the client’s new logo and utilizing black walnut wood. The project’s complexity was heightened by the need to integrate a polished concrete river and a concrete front panel seamlessly into the counter design. The innovative aspect of the design involved creating a two-legged counter with a monolithic concrete river, without drilling into the valuable black walnut. To achieve this, we engineered an intricate formwork system that enabled us to pour the concrete river precisely. The form was designed to allow the concrete front panel, featuring the company logo, to be securely bolted to the underside of the counter upon installation. This design also included a chamfered edge to discreetly house LED lighting, enhancing the visibility and prominence of the logo. Economically, the project required careful balance, ensuring high-quality materials were used efficiently. Craftsmanship was crucial, especially in maintaining the integrity of the black walnut and achieving a flawless finish on the concrete elements. The logistical challenge of constructing the piece off-site was addressed to avoid disrupting the client’s daily operations. This required meticulous planning and coordination to ensure that the counter could be transported and installed seamlessly. Safety was a paramount concern throughout the project. Extra efforts were implemented to manage concrete dust due to the hazards associated with silica exposure. We utilized advanced dust control measures, including wet-cutting techniques and HEPA-filtered vacuum systems, to ensure a safe working environment. In summary, this decorative concrete project showcases our ability to combine innovative design, expert craftsmanship, strategic problem-solving, and stringent safety practices to create a striking and functional piece of furniture that serves as a centerpiece for the showroom.