What is UHPC, and why are more and more cities and designers opting for this innovative concrete material? On this page, you'll discover the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of Slimconcrete®: Escofet's ultra-thin, vandal-resistant and extremely durable interpretation of Ultra-High Performance Concrete. Be inspired by technical insights, real-world examples, and sustainable applications for public spaces.
Introduction – Material Innovation for the Public Realm
Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) and Escofet's Slimconcrete® label represent the cutting edge of durable street furniture and architectural concrete. More and more cities, landscape architects, and public agencies are turning to UHPC in their search for sustainable street furniture capable of withstanding intensive use, extreme weather, and future challenges.
Where traditional concrete relies on mass and weight, Slimconcrete® opens the door to lightness, detail, and sculptural freedom previously thought impossible. The unique combination of strength, slenderness, and aesthetic finesse transforms benches, seating objects, planters or landmarks into more than functional objects: they become invitations to meet, rest and experience.
Definition and Composition
UHPC is a high-performance concrete based on cement, water, silica fume, ultra-fine fillers, fine aggregates, superplasticizers, and typically steel or glass fibers. This advanced formulation results in a microstructure with virtually no capillary pores, making it extremely dense and resistant.
Slimconcrete® – Escofet's in-house label – takes this technology further by emphasizing form freedom and an unmatched level of finish.
The production process uses precision molds in which the liquid mix cures under controlled conditions. The fine aggregates enable sharp edges, soft curves and even relief textures, without compromising the material's strength.
The full mass is color-pigmented and finished with:
- Etching for a natural, matte look
- Soft-polished for a poreless, satin surface with deep colour tones
- Hydrophobic treatment for protection against moisture and dirt
Physical and Technical Characteristics
UHPC stands apart from conventional concrete due to its impressive strength, density and durability, making it ideal for both expressive design and demanding urban conditions.
Mechanical Performance
The strength of UHPC lies in its extreme resistance to pressure, bending and impact – even at minimal thickness:
- Compressive strength: up to 90 – 150 MPa (standard concrete: 35–45 MPa)
- Flexural strength: 16 – 35 MPa, resisting bending, torsion and point loads
- Impact resistance: up to 3× better than traditional precast concrete
- Freeze-thaw durability: no mass loss or damage after dozens of cycles
These properties of UHPC ensure reliable performance even in extreme weather or high-risk environments.
Material Qualities & Finishes
Beyond its structural capacity, Slimconcrete® delivers precision and visual finesse:
- Very low porosity: dirt, moisture, salts and acids barely penetrate
- Integral colour: pigments are mixed throughout the material for long-term colour stability
- Custom finish: from etched to polished surfaces
- Wall thickness as thin as 15–20 mm: enabled by UHPC's high matrix strength
- Density: ± 2,350 kg/m³ – slimmer sections mean significantly lower weight than traditional cast concrete
- Easy maintenance: cleaning with water is sufficient; periodic hydrophobic re-treatment extends surface protection
This material quality enables detailed, durable design without compromising maintainability.
Real-world example:
The Vilnius bench in Slimconcrete® pairs elegant lines with a mere 2 cm thickness – maintaining full structural stability in a busy urban park setting.
Advantages of UHPC / Slimconcrete®
Choosing UHPC is choosing long-term performance. Slimconcrete® combines technical excellence with aesthetic freedom and adapts to both timeless and avant-garde environments.
Designers value:
- Precise detailing and design flexibility
- Seamless integration into natural or urban landscapes
- Texture variety and material expression
Specifiers and decision-makers choose Slimconcrete® for:
- Vandal resistance: high impact resistance and dense surface reduce damage
- Graffiti resistance: closed surface structure resists ink/paint absorption (anti-graffiti coating optional with Escofet 1886)
- Environmental sustainability: low lifecycle cost and circular use potential
- Material compatibility: wood, steel and stone align both visually and functionally
Inspiring project reference :
"From bulky mass to elegant line" Shown here are two benches placed in separate parks: the cast-concrete Mayo on the left and the SlimConcrete® (UHPC) Brisa on the right. With legs trimmed from 19 cm to 7.5 cm and a seat edge shaved from 10 cm to just 3.5 cm, UHPC turns the same silhouette into a lighter, quieter presence in public space.
What is the difference compared to the use of UHPC?
- Visual effect: 65 % thinner seat edge keeps sight-lines open to river and greenery.
- Load capacity: hidden integrated reinforcement still carries ≥ 400 kg point load
- Installation: 35 % less weight = smaller footings, quicker hoisting and placement
- Maintenance: < 1 % porosity resists staining.
Challenges and Considerations
Transparent communication matters in material selection. UHPC/Slimconcrete® is a high-tech material with a higher initial cost than traditional solutions. However, it offers exceptional long-term value, with low maintenance, long-lasting aesthetics and unmatched performance.
Key considerations:
- Higher upfront cost compared to concrete or steel
- Prefabricated only: not suitable for on-site adjustments (no drilling/sawing)
- Requires skilled installation: proper anchoring, handling, foundation
- Structural repairs: must be handled by professionals
- Light colours: may show more visible surface contamination
Maintenance is simple:
Pressure washing is typically sufficient. Avoid aggressive cleaners. Reapplying hydrophobic treatment periodically is advised for optimal longevity.
In summary: Choosing Slimconcrete® is not just about material, but about project planning, durability and working with experienced partners.
Circularity, Climate Resilience and Environmental Impact
Tomorrow's public spaces demand materials that are circular, climate-adaptive and environmentally responsible.
UHPC/Slimconcrete® supports these goals:
- Longevity: its strength, density and wear resistance ensure decades of use.
- Recyclability: after its life cycle, Slimconcrete® can be crushed and reused as aggregate.
- Transport efficiency: slim designs mean fewer shipments and lower emissions.
- Weather resistance: stands up to frost, rain, salty air and pollution.
- Nature integration: its organic form language fits seamlessly into green or biophilic design.
Slimconcrete® supports circular, climate-ready, and visually compelling urban spaces in line with European sustainability targets.
Visual and Tactile Qualities
What makes Slimconcrete® unique is not just how it performs—but how it feels. Its surface can be silky smooth or gently textured, inviting touch and interaction.
- Visual finesse: crisp edges, floating elements, natural textures
- Colour stability: deep-pigmented material, not surface dyed
- Tactility: calibrated for comfort, atmosphere, and interaction
This rare blend of technical power and sensory richness makes Slimconcrete® a vital ingredient for future-forward public space design.
Final Thoughts & Invitation to Collaborate
UHPC/Slimconcrete® is more than a material – it's a canvas for innovation. It empowers cities, designers and developers to reimagine the public realm as a space of lasting value and shared experience.
Whether you're seeking a durable alternative, a bold design gesture, or a solution where function meets form: we're here to assist you.
Discover with us how Slimconcrete® is shaping tomorrow's public spaces.
Want to know more or need tailored advice?
Discover additional knowledge sources and inspiring resources related to park design, climate resilience, and sustainable materials. The Servibo team is your sparring partner for innovative, robust, and elegant public spaces – don't hesitate to reach out for tailored advice or to discuss a concrete project.
Links to blog articles on UHPC / Slimconcrete®
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Every high-quality outdoor environment starts with deliberate material choices. Whether you are an architect, project developer, or manager of a public or private domain, the properties of the chosen material shape the appearance, durability, and user experience for decades to come. Because Slimconcrete® (UHPC)is a solution with distinct advantages, we have compiled this comprehensive knowledge resource for you.
The questions below are organised into logical categories that guide you from technical properties and design aesthetics to practical management and strategic considerations. Use this FAQ to find well-founded answers and discover how this advanced material can serve the ambitions of your public or semi-public space.
Material Properties and Performance
What makes Slimconcrete® technically superior in every environment? This section examines the core performance characteristics of the material and sets the reference against which other materials are measured: from exceptional impact resistance and weather durability to the objective differences with traditional alternatives.
Ordinary reinforced concrete costs less to purchase, but that is where the advantage ends. The porous structure of traditional concrete lets moisture, salts, and acids penetrate the material. After fifteen to twenty years, that means cracking, reinforcement corrosion, and replacement. Slimconcrete® has virtually no open pores and requires only periodic cleaning with water.
Slimconcrete® haalt wanddiktes van 15 tot 20 mm, terwijl traditioneel beton minimaal 60 tot 100 mm nodig heeft. Die slankheid verlaagt het gewicht van het element aanzienlijk, wat transport- en installatiekosten drukt.
On busy city squares, school campuses, or in coastal environments — where salt, graffiti, and mechanical impact are daily realities — the higher purchase price pays for itself. With ordinary concrete, the replacement cycle runs every ten to fifteen years; with Slimconcrete®, you can count on thirty years or more with minimal maintenance costs.
Hoewel deze website mogelijk gekoppeld is aan andere websites, impliceren wij geen directe of indirecte goedkeuring, associatie, sponsoring, instemming of aansluiting bij een gekoppelde website, tenzij dit specified wordt vermeld.
Je moet de wettelijke verklaringen en andere gebruiksvoorwaarden van elke website die je bezoekt via een link vanaf deze website goed doornemen. Jouw link naar andere off-site pagina's of andere websites zijn op eigen risico.
Website kan cookies gebruiken om de navigatie van de website te personaliseren en te vergemakkelijken voor de gebruiker van deze site. De gebruiker kan zijn / haar browser configureren om de kennisgeving en de installatie van de cookies die door ons zijn verzonden af te wijzen.
Comparing UHPC with Other Materials
The term ‘concrete’ covers a vast range in quality and performance. To prevent misunderstandings, this section provides the technical clarity needed to establish the right specifications. We clarify the key differences with reinforced concrete, among others, and explain why these influence the lifespan and appearance of your project.
Each material carries its own risk profile. Reinforced concrete lasts fifteen to twenty-five years under normal use; after a decade, carbonation begins to attack the reinforcement. Corten steel weathers in a controlled manner, but requires careful detailing to prevent rust water from running down onto surrounding surfaces. Hardwood requires treatment every two to three years and is more susceptible to mechanical damage.
Slimconcrete® (UHPC) compares differently with all three: compressive strength up to 150 MPa versus 35 to 45 MPa for ordinary concrete, virtually zero water absorption, and no mass loss after dozens of freeze-thaw cycles with road salt. That translates into a technical service life of thirty years or more with minimal maintenance effort.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are available for selected Escofet products to support technical specifications.
Hoewel deze website mogelijk gekoppeld is aan andere websites, impliceren wij geen directe of indirecte goedkeuring, associatie, sponsoring, instemming of aansluiting bij een gekoppelde website, tenzij dit specified wordt vermeld.
Je moet de wettelijke verklaringen en andere gebruiksvoorwaarden van elke website die je bezoekt via een link vanaf deze website goed doornemen. Jouw link naar andere off-site pagina's of andere websites zijn op eigen risico.
Website kan cookies gebruiken om de navigatie van de website te personaliseren en te vergemakkelijken voor de gebruiker van deze site. De gebruiker kan zijn / haar browser configureren om de kennisgeving en de installatie van de cookies die door ons zijn verzonden af te wijzen.
Design, Aesthetics, and Experience
An outdoor space is a calling card that reinforces the identity of a place. Discover here how the exceptional design freedom of Slimconcrete® supports your creative vision, and how its refined finishes contribute to a high-quality user experience, comfort, and aesthetic value in every project.
Traditional concrete requires a minimum wall thickness of 60 to 100 mm to remain structurally stable. That restricts slenderness and the range of achievable forms. Slimconcrete® reaches wall thicknesses of 15 to 20 mm, making cantilevered forms, sharp ribs, organic lines, and subtle relief textures possible.
The fineness of the aggregate — 1 mm maximum — makes it possible to cast details typically reserved for bronze castings or ceramics. The Vilnius bench by Escofet has a cross-section of barely 2 cm; the Gather modules by Foster + Partners combine a 40 mm backrest with full structural stability.
Two standard finishes are available: acid-etched for a sandstone-like matte appearance, and soft-polished for a poreless, deep-matte surface. Both are through-pigmented in the mass for lasting colour fastness.
Hoewel deze website mogelijk gekoppeld is aan andere websites, impliceren wij geen directe of indirecte goedkeuring, associatie, sponsoring, instemming of aansluiting bij een gekoppelde website, tenzij dit specified wordt vermeld.
Je moet de wettelijke verklaringen en andere gebruiksvoorwaarden van elke website die je bezoekt via een link vanaf deze website goed doornemen. Jouw link naar andere off-site pagina's of andere websites zijn op eigen risico.
Website kan cookies gebruiken om de navigatie van de website te personaliseren en te vergemakkelijken voor de gebruiker van deze site. De gebruiker kan zijn / haar browser configureren om de kennisgeving en de installatie van de cookies die door ons zijn verzonden af te wijzen.
Practical Management and Maintenance
Durability lies not only in the material, but also in efficient long-term management. These questions provide concrete answers about the low maintenance requirements, resistance to everyday soiling and graffiti, and guaranteed safety. Essential information for minimising operational costs and maximising the value of your investment.
The dense microstructure of Slimconcrete® means that dirt, graffiti, and contaminants barely penetrate the material. Routine maintenance consists of rinsing with water — a pressure washer or simple hosing down is sufficient in most cases.
For persistent soiling or graffiti, mild alkaline cleaning agents suitable for concrete can be used. Aggressive acids or abrasive products are not needed and are not recommended.
After manufacture, the surface is treated with a hydrophobic coating. Periodic re-treatment — depending on exposure, every ten to fifteen years — preserves the colour-fast appearance and protects the surface against the absorption of fats and salts. Escofet documents the maintenance protocols per product in their technical data sheets, available through Servibo.
Hoewel deze website mogelijk gekoppeld is aan andere websites, impliceren wij geen directe of indirecte goedkeuring, associatie, sponsoring, instemming of aansluiting bij een gekoppelde website, tenzij dit specified wordt vermeld.
Je moet de wettelijke verklaringen en andere gebruiksvoorwaarden van elke website die je bezoekt via een link vanaf deze website goed doornemen. Jouw link naar andere off-site pagina's of andere websites zijn op eigen risico.
Website kan cookies gebruiken om de navigatie van de website te personaliseren en te vergemakkelijken voor de gebruiker van deze site. De gebruiker kan zijn / haar browser configureren om de kennisgeving en de installatie van de cookies die door ons zijn verzonden af te wijzen.
Investment, Sustainability, and Installation
Every successful project starts with a strategic view of budget, sustainability, and execution. This category addresses the business and project management side: from the favourable Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and circularity to efficient installation that respects your project schedule and minimises disruption.
Slimconcrete® elements are delivered fully prefabricated and require skilled installation. Depending on the product, they are anchored using stainless steel (A2 or A4) anchors and bolt connections. Thanks to the slender cross-sections, elements are considerably lighter than comparable pieces in traditional concrete, which keeps crane costs and logistics manageable.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of Slimconcrete® is more favourable than that of traditional concrete or corten steel over time. The higher purchase price is offset by an expected technical service life of thirty years or more and minimal maintenance costs.
For tender documents, EPDs are available for selected Escofet products — an asset for projects with circular economy or environmental performance requirements. Servibo provides technical support throughout: product data sheets and specification documentation are available on request.
Hoewel deze website mogelijk gekoppeld is aan andere websites, impliceren wij geen directe of indirecte goedkeuring, associatie, sponsoring, instemming of aansluiting bij een gekoppelde website, tenzij dit specified wordt vermeld.
Je moet de wettelijke verklaringen en andere gebruiksvoorwaarden van elke website die je bezoekt via een link vanaf deze website goed doornemen. Jouw link naar andere off-site pagina's of andere websites zijn op eigen risico.
Website kan cookies gebruiken om de navigatie van de website te personaliseren en te vergemakkelijken voor de gebruiker van deze site. De gebruiker kan zijn / haar browser configureren om de kennisgeving en de installatie van de cookies die door ons zijn verzonden af te wijzen.
Didn’t find your answer?
The answers above show how aesthetics and performance converge in Slimconcrete® (UHPC). The material offers an advanced solution that combines the creative freedom of the designer with the demands of the building manager: minimal maintenance costs, an exceptionally long service life, and a consistently high-quality appearance.
For every client aiming at a representative, durable, and economically sound outdoor environment, this material provides a solid foundation. As your knowledge partner Servibo shares this information to help you make the best choices.
Do you have a specific project question not addressed here, or would you like to explore how UHPC/Slimconcrete® can strengthen the vision for your project? Our team is ready to offer tailored advice. Feel free to get in touch; we would be glad to look into your plans and act as your expert partner in delivering any ambitious outdoor project.