About Consculpt
Consculpt started when a man met his material...
Lucas Bartley-Smith had spent over two decades working on architectural properties in London, Auckland and Queenstown. During this time he’d seen all kinds of materials and methods within the many luxury builds and modern designs. His approach to many projects was that of a problem solver — how to get the desired result with the highest quality at the best price in the fastest time.
As importantly, his years working with architects, developers and clients across the globe provided the insight into the commercial realities that some artisans either are unaware of or decide to ignore. Projects were held up with key concrete elements taking lengthy setting and installation time.
When Luke saw how artists and artisans were using glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) internationally, everything clicked into place. The raw material perfectly aligned with his logistical strength and artistic vision.
He then spent a considerable amount of time in research and development before embarking on training in the specific methodologies in GRFC design and construction. Rolling up his sleeves he soon got down to business with the specific mixing times, curing processes, colour blending and other skills needed to produce the very best results.
With this passion and unerring professionalism Luke and his team carefully shaped Consculpt into the company it is today. Now, from a base in Queenstown, concrete design for basins, benches and other key interior and exterior features can be quickly conceptualised, constructed and delivered around New Zealand.
Strength in Product and Process
Trends may come and go. Our work can be there for life.
We take pride in working closely alongside our clients to bring their vision into life. In doing so we cast the concrete into a wide variety of shapes and sizes, allowing any given space to be uplifted with solidity and beauty that is uniquely personable and perfectly fitting.
An inspirational substance. Glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) has emboldened sculptors to reach new heights around the world. Now it offers the same artistic inspiration to our handcrafted basin designs and artisan concrete benches here in New Zealand.
Design flexibility. With this superior raw material we can create inimitable shapes and styles that are simply beyond the reach of traditional concrete basin and bench design in New Zealand.
Colour variety. What do you need? Does a piece need to match with other design elements to seamlessly blend in? Or should it stand out with a bold colour choice and take centre stage? No matter what you require, our colour range has you covered.
Innovative efficiency. Lighter than concrete, and with a shorter setting timeframe, GRFC is finished with a superior scratch resistant, hygienically safe sealer and installed quickly and easily.
Passionate craftsmanship. A tool is only as good as those who wield it. Taking GRFC to a wholly exceptional result requires focused expertise. We have the skill and unwavering
The Raw Material
Traditionally concrete is known for being hard — in every sense of the word.
Yes, concrete as a raw material is strong. But it’s also inflexible, with limited design and colour possibilities for designers and a long setting time makes production difficult and costly. While it endures for a long time some joins and partitions can be unreliable and weak, leading to cracking and heartbreak in the years ahead.
That’s why we don’t use traditional concrete for our basins, bench tops and other handcrafted designs. Instead we work with Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC).
GRFC has all the strength of concrete with none of the weakness. It’s lighter than traditional concrete and more malleable. However higher flexural and tensile strengths also mean is has a very high strength-to-weight ratio. GFRC designs can therefore be shaped into a wide range of shapes without running the risk of cracking like traditional concrete.
GFRC does require specific expertise with using it however. Only with the right skill in the mixing and shaping processes can any design be set to the highest standard. So too must colour mixing and matching be an artisan process. With the right application of raw material, colour and glaze the end result can be truly breathtaking.