10. Polished Concrete and Rebar Cantilever Shelf
Industrial brutalism finds a refined home in modern bathrooms through a cast concrete shelf integrated directly with exposed structural rebar. The raw, tactile nature of concrete provides a stunning juxtaposition against smooth, glossy subway tiles.
How to Make It
- Build a custom melamine formwork incorporating lengths of rusted or clear-coated rebar protruding outward.
- Mix high-performance glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) and pour it into the mold, vibrating to eliminate air bubbles.
- Cure the concrete for seven days, seal it with a penetrating matte sealer, and bolt the hidden steel mounting plate securely to wall studs.
Tips and Variations
- Tint the concrete mix with dark charcoal pigment for a moody, sophisticated aesthetic.
- Cast small drainage grooves into the top surface if used directly inside a wet zone.