Custom Installations, ductal, landscape architecture

Ductal handrails and posts for residential project

Szolyd’s most recent installation includes UHPC balustrades, ornate caps, handrails and a water feature for a residential home in Sydney, BC. West Coast weather can be relentless and maintenance is a serious issue. Wood needs to be constantly sanded and painted, even powder coated steel only lasts so long. Ductal concrete is the perfect medium to replicate ornate detail, while requiring very little, if any maintenance.

Click here for Ductal specifications.

THE MOLDING PROCESS.

The wood positive was fabricated by the contractor, Keith Hayton, and brought to the mold fabrication division of Szolyd Development. The positive acts both a mockup for the client, and model from which the mold is taken from. It was assembled with mdf, fir crown moldings and an ornate one piece cap, that could not be conceived of without ductal concrete. The team then sealed the wood and filled any undercuts, or areas where the urethane could leak or snag on. After multiple coats of sealer, the balustrade was released with wax, all four sides were poured separately with urethane rubber.

wood positive arrives at Szolyd shop

wood positive with rubber mold beside it.

14ft ductal handrail with embedded steel

The handrail was cast out of urethane rubber and could be bent to any desired radius. Handrails are typically painted and require constant scraping, sanding and priming. This ductal handrail will require virtually no maintenance.

urethane mold for ductal column

warm coloured ductal column casting

warm tan ductal concrete columns

UHPC castings in the Szolyd shop @ Victoria, BC

ductal concrete caps for posts

detailed mold for UHPC concrete

The balustrade caps were fabricated out of a four part mixed material mold. A two part rubber inner mold was keyed for registration and re enforced with a fibreglass boot.