A healthy interior lets occupants thrive and encourages productivity and wellbeing.
While precast may most often be thought of for its structural and exterior architectural applications in a building, the material can also make a significant contribution to indoor environmental quality.
Using precast walls reduces the off-gassing often attributed to other materials. Many finishes do not require painting or coatings. Because precast concrete is inert, it does not require VOC-based preservatives like wood products do. Textured interior walls can provide aesthetic alternatives to VOC-emitting paints or wall board.
The long spans made possible with precast give designers great flexibility to include daylighting for interior spaces. Precast also has great sound attenuation qualities, with STC ratings upward of 55.
Furthermore, the thermal mass effect inherent in concrete acts like a battery for heat, absorbing thermal energy and releasing it slowly. This can result in greater overall HVAC performance, as well as more consistent and even interior temperature.