Is rammed earth expensive to build with? What is considered expensive is different for each client and varies by geographic location. A modest "affordable" house in La Jolla, CA is going to cost the same as a mansion in the middle in Missouri. And what is considered costly to one client is reason...
READ MOREWhy build with rammed earth? This is a question I receive quite often. There are many reasons why building with rammed earth makes sense, and just as many why it doesn't. Let's start with the benefits of rammed earth. Rammed earth is solid. Have you ever been in a rammed earth house? If s...
READ MOREThe CALX Cabin interior was recently photographed by NW Arkansas photographer Aaron Menken. This custom modern rammed earth cabin was built by EarthForm and completed in 2021. The casework, GFRC concrete sinks, and contemporary concrete countertops were designed and handcrafted by Hard Goods. ...
READ MOREThe Spring Pinnacle Concrete Camp was a wonderful class, we had a great time with an amazing group of craftsmen. Thank you to Polytek for supplying rubber for the workshop and having Bryne Klusovsky come out to assist with teaching and technical questions. We used Kodiak Pro Maker Mix and the new...
READ MOREConcrete + Rammed Earth go together like a rainy night + Miles Davis. Hard Goods custom crafted concrete sinks for the rammed earth cabin, which was built by the EarthForm team. The sinks were made to fit the faceted walls perfectly, and feature turquoise inlays from Kingman, AZ. Bespoke...
READ MOREConcrete Breeze Blocks are making a comeback, and for good reason, they are form and function in perfect harmony. Custom breeze blocks offer architects and designers the opportunity to design the facade of a space while also controlling and playing with light and shadow, as well as air flow. Bre...
READ MOREAlthough fire is primitive, enjoying it doesn't have to be. Hard Goods was commissioned to create this custom handcrafted concrete fire pit based on our Triangulum Fire Pit that was released in 2012. This piece is massive, measuring 84" (2,133 mm) across and 18" (457 mm) high. It was cast using o...
READ MOREThe snow came down heavy this last Sunday at the Rammed Earth Cabin Build in the Ozark Mountains of NW Arkansas. The thermally broken 18" thick solid walls and the vintage Jotul 118 wood burning stove kept the inside warm and toasty.
READ MOREThe award-winning Hard Goods Modern Muskoka Concrete + Steel Chair has been a best seller for nearly a decade, and for good reason. Each chair is handcrafted one at a time in our beautiful Ozark Mountain studio of materials chosen to last for hundreds, if not thousands of years. We were recently ...
READ MOREWe're 1 month out from the Fall Pinnacle Concrete Camp at Concrete Design School! This is your last opportunity for 2020 to learn how to create cutting edge concrete furniture pieces using post-tensioning, how to make rubber molds, GFRC and ECC mix designs and casting techniques, the rustic-moder...
READ MOREWe're on the home stretch with the rammed earth cabin in the woods project located in Eureka Springs, AR. Over the last several weeks drywall was hung and painted, plumbing and electrical were wrapped up, HVAC was installed, operational windows and doors were placed, the concrete floor was buffed...
READ MORELast week we conducted our Summer 2020 hands-on concrete training class, 'The Concrete Hoedown in the Holler'. This workshop was held at Dusty Baker's studio located just outside of Nashville, TN. It was a great event and we had a lot of fun, made some amazing concrete pieces, and even better fri...
READ MOREWe love this bathroom designed by Rodney Lawrence, Inc. It features a custom Concrete Erosion Sink by Hard Goods, a wabi sabi modern sink design that works well in the space. Thank you Lawrence and crew for specifying our products for your exquisitely designed spaces over the years, it is always ...
READ MOREWe recently finished this custom Concrete + Steel Modern Outdoor Dining Table for a longtime client in Missouri. Their lake house could easily grace the cover of Dwell Magazine, it is impeccable. They needed an outdoor dining table that could withstand the elements and would dovetail with their d...
READ MOREThere has been a flurry of activity on the rammed earth build site the last few weeks. Spray foam was placed, plumbing rough-in was completed, electrical rough-in and service is nearly finished, the in-ceiling mini-split HVAC and ERV system was installed, Low-E insulated glazing is nearly wrapped...
READ MOREKodiak Pro MAKER MIX, the finest pre-blended concrete bagged mix on the market, is now available for purchase online. This high-performance white concrete mix (grey mix available via special order) can be utilized for GFRC, ECC, Sprayable, and Clay mixes, the only adjustment you make between mix ...
READ MOREThis last week we ground and polished the concrete floors to a natural terrazzo finish. One of the things I love about rammed earth is the sense of time and place it brings to a build - the walls feel ancient and anchored. The light in the space is unreal, especially the late afternoon sun. Dappl...
READ MOREThere's been a lot of activity on the modern cabin project in NW Arkansas. Framing is complete for the roof and interior walls, the custom metal fascia has been fabricated and fitted, the deck railing is installed, and the roof is going on! Hopefully we'll be dried in soon! Also, my daughters hav...
READ MOREWhile we're waiting to get underway on framing the roof, we decided to build a modern deck off the back of the rammed earth cabin. The proportions are based on the golden ratio (always an important consideration when determining size), and these dimensions put an oak tree right in the middle of t...
READ MOREProgress on the sustainable modern cabin build in NW Arkansas continues with the pouring of the concrete floor. Because of the density of trees and tight access on the build site, we had to bring in a massive concrete pump truck with a 130' reach, and even then, it was just barely able to reach t...
READ MOREIt's been exactly one month since the last update on the sustainable modern cabin project located in the Ozark Mountains of NW Arkansas. The EarthForm crew has been busy building and finishing the rammed earth walls, and now work has shifted to installing utilities and preparing for the concrete ...
READ MOREWe recently held the Spring Pinnacle Concrete Camp (photos below), and WOW, what an amazing class and a great group of people! Buddy Rhodes, the man, myth, and legend, was in attendance and his enthusiasm and love for concrete was infectious. We demonstrated products from Buddy Rhodes Concrete Pr...
READ MOREWork has resumed on the modern sustainable cabin in the Ozark Mountains of NW Arkansas. This style of build could be called "Ozark Organic Modern" - is that a thing? If not, it should be! This rammed earth, concrete, steel, and wood custom home is the epitome of clean minimalist lines and real ma...
READ MOREOwning and operating a decorative pre-cast concrete company is the dream that many of us have, but being profitable in this business is elusive to the vast majority of folks that try their hand at it. The failure rate each year for decorative concrete start-ups is over 50%, and that number increa...
READ MOREOver the last 2 weeks the EarthForm team has formed four complex walls and mixed, placed, and compacted nearly 100,000 lbs of rammed earth! We've completed about 25% of the rammed earth portion of the build. The crew is heading to their respective homes for the holidays and we'll pick back up on ...
READ MOREWe officially started ramming walls for a modern sustainable cabin in the Ozarks one week ago today. Over the last 7 days we have mixed, placed, and compacted over 37 tons of material, as well as set forms for 3 complex walls. Follow our progress as the adventure continues, and if you have a proj...
READ MOREThis morning we poured 34 yards of concrete into fabric-formed footings for a modern rammed earth, concrete, wood, and steel home. Luxury sustainable builds are our specialty and we sweat the details. If you are located in NW Arkansas, including Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, or Eureka Spring...
READ MOREWhen you build to last for thousands of years it's good to let future generations know who built the ruins they are exploring - that is the timeline we strive for in all areas of design and construction. The custom engraved brass plate will be rammed into the wall in an inconspicuous location to ...
READ MORE"Awesome training classes and the after class support and networking is the best out there!! For me, taking concrete classes is about Higher Learning and avoiding hundreds of hours of trial and error and CDS delivers! Unfortunately you can't learn everything or experience every scenario out there...
READ MOREThe weather is cooling off here in the Ozark Mountains of NW Arkansas, and I captured this surreal photo of the Hard Goods Studio in the Autumn mist. We have several custom Concrete, Wood, and Steel furniture projects in production for clients that value quality and craftsmanship. If you have a c...
READ MOREWe’ve been teaching concrete enthusiasts for a long time - nearly 15 years now, and that has resulted in a lot of conversations. The APEX Concrete Workshop is a result of those discussions. APEX is focused on the following most requested topics:POST-TENSIONING CONCRETERUBBER MOLD MAKINGGFRC MIX D...
READ MOREThis video about Dusty Baker is a great example of what sets our training apart from our competitors - the passion and love that we have for concrete is unrivaled. We create high-end concrete pieces for a living, it's how we feed our kids and pay our mortgages. When you want the best and most rel...
READ MOREApprenticeshipsThe Hard Goods APPRENTICESHIP Program Studio Concrete, Steel, and Wood : Small Business Practices : Artisan ManufacturingInquiries please contact Brandon Gore : brandon@goredesignco.comThe Hard Goods Apprenticeship Program honors the spirit and practice of inquiry...
READ MOREIn Episode 2 of The Concrete Podcast we have a conversation with Michael Karmody about the benefits of cast-in-place concrete vs. pre-casting off-site. Below is a transcript of the podcast:THE CONCRETE PODCAST, Episode 2, with MICHAEL Karmody00:01 - 23:06.INTRO WITH MUSIC: Welcome to The Co...
READ MOREIn this first episode of The Concrete Podcast we talk with Chuck Fournier about being new in the concrete industry and the challenges he faces. Below is a transcript of the conversation:The Concrete Podcast - Chuck Fournier00:01-14:29INTRO WITH MUSIC: Welcome to the concrete podcast where we talk...
READ MOREWHERE ARE YOU GOINGStoneCrete Artistry is located at:921 Barren Hollow Rd., Hurricane Mills, TN 37078GPS Coordinates: 35.881518, -87.783706AIR TRAVELYour first order of business is getting here. The airport you will fly into is Nashville International Airport, Airport Code: BNA, Driving Distance ...
READ MOREArkansas, 'The Natural State', is an amazingly beautiful place to visit all times of year. Concrete Design School is located in the scenic Ozark Mountains, just outside of the historic town of Eureka Springs. WHERE ARE YOU GOING?Concrete Design School is located at:45 Bear Ridge Rd., Eureka ...
READ MOREWe’ve received a lot of emails from folks inquiring about the next workshop dates with Jon Schuler, and we’re pleased to announce the Spring 2019 Workshop are officially open for registration! Additionally, we are going to be offering the Furniture Design Workshop, which is rarely offered and alw...
READ MOREAnother series of Concrete Design School workshops has come and gone. It was a great week of training where we covered ECC, GFRC, SCC, UHPC, DustyCrete, Fabric-Forming, Concrete Sinks, and Concrete Countertops. We made a lot of awesome pieces, awesome friends, and even tested the strength of a si...
READ MOREKodiakPRO Concrete Admixes and Sealer are the industry’s finest and most cutting-edge products available. The concrete craftspeople that are on the razors edge of what is possible use KodiakPRO on each and every piece that leave their studios. Click here to learn more!
READ MOREIt’s so great to walk into the studio to see the Concrete Design School family working hard prepping to ensure a successful workshop. That reminds me, yesterday we officially SOLD-OUT of the Dusty-Crete, Fabric-Forming, and All-In Workshops. There are a couple of seats left in the Post-Tensioned ...
READ MOREIF YOU’RE LIKE ME, YOU ARE CONSTANTLY STRIVING TO CREATE THE ABSOLUTE BEST PRODUCT POSSIBLE, FROM A MATERIALS VIEWPOINT AS WELL AS DESIGN. KODIAK PRO JUST RELEASED 2 NEW CONCRETE ADMIXTURES THAT WILL UP YOUR CONCRETE GAME. The first is ‘BOOST’ - this admixture, used at the upper end of the l...
READ MOREGreat news! The next workshops have been scheduled and will be held February 4-8, 2019! We are going to teach our three most popular workshops - they sold out last time, and we anticipate they will again for this event, so if you want to attend register today. 2 Day DustyCrete Workshop / Feb...
READ MOREWe just finished conducting the September 2018 Concrete Design School Workshops and we had a great time getting to know an amazing group of people! We had several repeat attendees, which is always an honor, as well as new faces from all over the world, including India, Mexico, Finland, and Canada...
READ MOREAs anticipated the September 2018 'All-In Workshop' and 'Fabric-Forming Workshop' are officially SOLD-OUT! As of 8:00am this morning there is 1 seat available in the 'Dusty-Crete Workshop' and 'Post-Tensioning Workshop'. They won't last long so NOW is the time to register and book your travel arr...
READ MOREWell, we went and did it - we scheduled our THREE MOST POPULAR CLASSES IN A ONE WEEK PERIOD! Do you know what this means?! You can fly out to the beautiful Ozark Mountains and in one trip learn our best practices, techniques, and hard lessons gleaned from over 70,000 hours of success and failure....
READ MOREThe May 2018 concrete training classes wrapped up a few weeks ago, and WOW, what an amazing group of talented folks! We had a great time getting to know everyone and the pieces they made in the workshops were top notch. Now that the May classes are in the books we are getting emails asking about ...
READ MOREBest training I ever had!— Robert Aurner via FacebookSince 2005 more than 1,000 Artisans have chosen to attend training workshops with Concrete Design School! There is a reason why so many have placed their trust in us when it comes to learning the Art of High-End Concrete. The Difference is Expe...
READ MOREWe just wrapped training of the March Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop and the Post-Tensioned + Current Techniques Workshop. What an amazing group of people - we had attendees from all over the world including Venezuela, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kuwait, India, Dominican Republic, Canada, and from all ...
READ MOREThe March Dusty-Crete Workshop and Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop are officially SOLD-OUT! There are a few spots remaining in the March Post-Tensioned Concrete + Current Techniques Workshop, and tickets are on sale for the May Workshops!
READ MOREAs of the evening of Wednesday, February 14th, the following is the availability of the March Workshops:DUSTYCRETE, MARCH 8-10, HURRICANE MILLS, TN: 2 SEATS LEFTFABRIC-FORMING + GFRC WORKSHOP, MARCH 12-14, EUREKA SPRINGS, AR: 3 SEATS LEFTPOST-TENSION + CURRENT TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP, MARCH 15-16, EU...
READ MOREAre you the adventurous type that would prefer to sit by a campfire and sleep under the stars than stay in a motel? Great! There is a KOA Campground directly next door to Concrete Design School - you can literally walk through the woods to come to the workshop each day. They have tent sites, full...
READ MOREDUSTY BAKER HAS SCHEDULED HIS FIRST WORKSHOP OF 2018 FOR MARCH 8-10 AT HIS STUDIO IN TENNESSEE. DUSTY'S CLASSES ALMOST ALWAYS SELL-OUT, AND WE HAVE BEEN RECEIVING A LOT OF EMAILS REGARDING HIS NEXT WORKSHOP, SO IF YOU ARE WANTING TO LEARN THE DUSTY-CRETE METHOD NOW IS THE TIME TO REGISTER!
READ MOREThe INCEPTION Training Event was an overwhelming success! We had attendees from all over the world - South Africa, Pakistan, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, and of course the United States. It was truly a pleasure having this diverse, talented, and enthusiastic group in our studio for a week. W...
READ MOREI was a part of the class [that made the concrete bench in the photo above]. Learnt so much. If you are new to GFRC don’t buy anything till after your [CDS] workshop. You get a glimpse into a well run business. Looking forward to learning more.— Steve Sousa (@stevesousa) via InstagramWe are 5 wee...
READ MOREDusty Baker is a great man. I've known Dusty for well over a decade and over that time he has not only become a trainer for Concrete Design School but a friend as well. Dusty was working on setting up his new shop when he slipped off of a 16' ladder and broke both of his heels. This is one of the...
READ MOREOpportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.— William Arthur WardThe November Concrete Workshops are HALFWAY FILLED!Perhaps you've been waiting for the perfect moment to come along to attend a Concrete Design School hands-on workshop? There are no perfect moments, the onl...
READ MOREToday was the final day of the Dusty-Crete Workshop, and the Fabric-Forming Concrete Sink + GFRC Workshop wrapped on Wednesday. Every class is great, and this one was no different - we had an amazing time getting to know the talented guys and gals that are the future of this industry. The solar e...
READ MORETHE INCEPTION TRAINING EVENT, WHAT IS IT?It is the first series of workshops to be held at the new Concrete Design School headquarters located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. WHEN IS IT?We are holding 3 classes back-to-back November 5-11, 2017.WHAT CLASSES ARE GOING TO BE AVAILABLE?I’m glad you...
READ MORETHE DYNAMIC TRAINING DUO THAT IS BRANDON GORE AND DUSTY BAKER HAVE TEAMED UP AGAIN TO TEACH THEIR RESPECTIVE INDUSTRY LEADING WORKSHOPS BACK-TO-BACK!
READ MOREIs it hot in here or is it the Dusty-Crete pieces coming out of the shops of previous attendees of the World Famous Dusty-Crete Workshops? It's only going to get hotter now that the next Dusty-Crete Workshop taught by Dusty Baker has been scheduled for June 8-10, 2017. Brandon Gore will be teachi...
READ MOREConcrete is hard in the literal sense; there's a reason they don't make mattresses from it. Concrete is hard in the sense that to do it well takes a lot of skill, practice, patience, and a dash of luck. I have been wanting to put this phrase on a t-shirt for many years, and it is finally happenin...
READ MOREThe stars have aligned and we just scheduled two brand new workshops to be held at Creative Crete in Angels Camp, CA, May 1-6, 2017! Brandon Gore will be teaching a class that goes in-depth on his most current techniques, including post-tensioning concrete, while Jon Schuler will be conducting a ...
READ MOREWe have received many emails over the last few weeks asking when the next workshops will be held. This news is hot off the presses - we're holding two workshops this February in Burns, Tennessee! Our gold-standard 2.5 Day Fabric-Forming Sink + GRC Workshop is slated for February 20-22, 2017, foll...
READ MOREAs of the writing of this blog post it isn't cold outside quite yet, but the leaves are starting to change and Fall is cresting the horizon. It will be cold and rainy soon, but you can beat the dreary days of winter by taking a jet plane over to sunny Arizona for some inspiring workshops in the d...
READ MOREWe are a week and a half out from the Furniture Design Workshop, which is plenty of time to book your travel accommodations (click here for travel info). The Furniture Design Workshop, to be held July 30th and 31st, is a crash course on design considerations when developing a piece of furniture. ...
READ MOREWe always encourage folks to register for workshops sooner than later as they inevitably sell out. The Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop and the All-In Workshop are both officially SOLD OUT! The Dusty-Crete Workshop and Furniture Design Workshop both have limited availability, so if you are interest...
READ MOREMeet the EXAGONI Concrete Tile Mold - this mold creates hexagonal concrete tiles that are smooth and well suited for flooring applications as well as for use in showers, accent walls, and backsplashes!
READ MOREConcrete Tile is a super hot product at the moment, and how could it not be, concrete is real, it's organic, it has character. The problem for DIY Concrete Enthusiasts is sourcing high-quality, well-designed molds. We just released three new concrete tile mold designs that will add drama, sophist...
READ MOREUp until now the molds for making high-end 3-dimensional concrete wall tile were out of reach of most DIY'ers and concrete crafters. That is, until now! Our Geometric Concrete Tile Molds are now available via our online store. Check them out and order yours today!
READ MOREWe announced the July workshops exactly a week ago today, and in that short amount of time they are already more than half filled - 53% to be exact! In more than a decade of teaching sold-out workshops we've never had classes fill up this quickly, it is unprecedented! If you are interested i...
READ MORELEARN CONCRETE!I have been hand-crafting high-end concrete sinks, countertops and furniture for over a decade, and still to this day every morning when I de-mold a piece it is like Christmas morning. It doesn't matter if it is a project where I am making 1 of something or 50, the excitement is th...
READ MOREWith the Maker Movement picking up steam we have seen a tremendous increase in requests for dates for the next 1.5 Day Furniture Design Workshop. We have set it for September 26th-27th, 2015. This is the weekend after our 2.5 Day Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop. A popular request is to run these c...
READ MORESometimes we get a class of characters - that was the case with the June 2015 Fabric-Forming + GFRC Sink Workshop. It was one of the most fun classes I have taught because every attendee was engaged, happy and enjoyed getting to know their fellow concrete brethren. I hope we get to cross paths wi...
READ MOREToday we wrapped up the last 2.5 Day Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop for 2014, and I must say, it was a fine class. The attendees came up with great designs, and did an excellent job executing them. We're honored that they chose Concrete Design School, and we look forward to their continued success.
READ MOREConcrete is an amazing material. Unlike other artisan materials, concrete is created by the craftsman. What do I mean by this? Think about it - all other materials are equal in the hands of the expert, they are all preexisting. Wood is wood, metal is metal, Corian™ is Corian™, granite is granite,...
READ MOREErin brings over a decade of professional selling, project management and customer service experience to Concrete Design School. Currently employed as the Client Relationship and Project Director for Gore Design Co. and Hard Goods, she previously spent 7 years as a Design Consultant and Showroom ...
READ MORE"Glimpses of Gore Design Co." is a new video series we launched that features vignettes of daily life in the studio. Concrete is what we do every day, and it's what we have done for more than a decade now. Experience matters when it comes to training. We hope you'll attend a class with us and lea...
READ MORETANSTAAFLORIGIN & MEANING"There ain't no such thing as a free lunch" (TANSTAAFL) is a popular adage communicating the idea that it is impossible to get something for nothing. Uses of the phrase dating back to the 1930s and 1940s have been found. The "free lunch" in the saying refers to the ni...
READ MOREThe June 2014 Fabric-Forming Sink & GFRC Concrete Countertop training event just wrapped up, and we wanted to share a few photos we snapped during the class. The next 2.5 day workshop will be in August, click here to learn more or to enroll.
READ MOREConcrete Design School is the continuation and progression of training workshops that Brandon Gore of Gore Design Co. and Hard Goods has held since 2005. The objective of these workshops is to elevate the industry, to raise the bar of what can be done with concrete and increase expectations from ...
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