The board marked concrete wall and fireplace

This was more complicated than we thought…

So, basically, you get big sheets of plywood, then strap lightly sandblasted planks of wood (to emphasise the grain) to the side that is going to mould the concrete, douse it heavily with concrete release agent (a light oil), then strap the formwork (see below) to it, so it doesn’t all explode when you pour the concrete.

Originally, we thought we’d be able to pour the wall in one, but the massive pressures that liquid concrete has, meant that we had to pour it in three! If we did the whole wall in one, the wall of the cinema would explode! More complicated, more time, more expense. If we really thought about it hard, we probably wouldn’t have done it, but we’re so glad we did.

Anyway, when the formwork comes off, the concrete is left marked by the planks, and has the texture of wood.

It has to dry out completely, and we have to clean it all up with a water jet wash, but it is awesome!