The Reach, the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts | White Cast-In-Situ Concrete

The Reach, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, expansion project, designed by Steven Holl Architects adds 72,000 sq. ft (6,700 Sq. meters) of award-winning interior space dedicated to the performing arts. Five different types of concrete were used to achieve the stunning architectural, aesthetic, acoustic and structural design.

Early in the schematic design process the design team defined the project’s main structures: The Welcome, Skylight, and River Pavilions should be constructed with white cast-in-place concrete. The pavilions feature complex geometry demanding high strength performance with the added requirement on perfected surfaces, to create a dazzling addition to this living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. AALBORG WHITE® cement was selected for the highly visible white concrete elements fulfilling both structural and architectural roles.

Seen from a distance the walls of The REACH’s pavilions appear smooth, rising transcendent above the Kennedy Center’s south lawn. Up close, designed to be experienced, visitors appreciate the touch of natural wood grain from authentic Douglas fir form linings which provide texture and transform the surface of the structure.

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The chemistry of AALBORG WHITE® Portland cement is ideally suited to efficiently interact with concrete admixtures to provide excellent fluidity and predictable results. This fluidity enables the concrete to faithfully reflect complex shapes and different form textures such as the smooth texture of metal folds or the rough texture of wood grain. Varying theses concrete finishes yields different expressive intentions; this duality results in more interesting and attractive architectural details.

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To achieve the brilliant white exposed concrete finish for the pavilion walls, AALBORG WHITE® cement was intermixed with white sand, light-colored aggregates, and titanium dioxide. 

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A mastering understanding of concrete materials, forming, and finish is evident in Steven Holl Architects’ completed project. White cement, when combined with different pigments and aggregates, allows concrete to express rich colors and surfaces, successfully matching the architect's vision and capturing the desired aesthetics.

Special attention has been given to The REACH’s interior to guarantee excellent sound quality and control, in order that multiple events can occur simultaneously without disturbing one another. Some 11,570 square feet of vertical wall space employs a custom “Crinkle Concrete” texture to break up sound waves and avoid reverberation between parallel walls. This unique pattern became from the Architect physically bending sheets of metal to create an irregular pleated texture which was then transferred to elastomeric form liners used for on-site casting the interior concrete walls. These walls serve both as interior decorative elements and as a primary structural support. The designer’s skill is seen in how different forms, finishes, and textures are used in combination with the physical layout to set apart the many functional spaces, all while delivering a harmonized inspirational visitor experience.

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AALBORG WHITE® wants to express its gratitude to Steven Holl Architects for their assistance in preparing this Case Study.