SEMCO Solution: Jacob E. Manch Elementary School
Galaxy-Themed Playground: 3-Dimensional Surface Sensation
Summary
In 2008, architect Ken Small of SSA Architecture was looking for a company to transform North Las Vegas Jacob E. Manch Elementary School’s playground into a colorful outdoor learning center. Their vision was to replicate the solar system and they needed a durable, natural-looking surface that would be cool to the touch, and able to withstand the Vegas extreme weather for years to come
SEMCO’s X-Bond Seamless Stone and PreStain Color System was the perfect solution, given its ability to be applied directly to, and form a chemical link with, the existing substrate, creating a durable, permanent surface requiring minimal maintenance. The end result was a vibrant, 3-dimensional play and learning space to be enjoyed by children for decades to come.
Exploring Alternatives
Ken Small first presented his unique galaxy playground design to a concrete manufacturer, stressing that the project must feature vivid, energetic colors. Unfortunately, concrete couldn’t meet the requirements. Similar issues arose when he sought a paint manufacturer to create a faux finish; the company couldn’t guarantee that the finish would meet the school’s standards for longevity and UV-resistance, nor guarantee the necessary coefficient of friction.
Only SEMCO’s X-Bond Seamless Stone could meet—and exceed—the project’s criteria, also qualifying for the 4-point of Leadership Energy Environment Design (LEED) system. This means our green products and applications are not just beautiful and long lasting, they’re also environmentally friendly.
Strategy
SEMCO’s surfacing engineers embarked on the project in summer 2009, on a smoldering 115 degree Las Vegas day, since the project needed to be completed during summer break. The project was unique as each component of the solar system required different surface treatments.
SUN: To create the sun, the team used stencil templates made of plywood, drew lines into the concrete, scored the concrete with a circular saw with a diamond tipped masonry blade, then started masking areas for each color. Color Bond (X-Bond Seamless Stone with integrated color) was applied one area at a time, after which the entire space was sealed it with X-Crete 500, providing a flat finish and added protection.
JUPITER: The team used a variety of Color Bond mixes blended directly on the surface to create smooth transitions between colors; then the PreStain Color was sprayed, again with different colors to create smooth, blending effect.
EARTH: To create the raised, cylindrical Earth portion of the Solar System, our team used paper stencils to transfer outlines directly onto the cylinder-shaped concrete base. We then used Color Bond to create the 3-Dimensional areas of land and snow, followed by the PreStain Color to create the stunning earth representation. The entire “planet” was crafted by hand—a true one of a kind masterpiece perfect for learning and playing.
Solution
Once completed, we applied an additional 1/16” layer of Color Bond over the entire project, and sealed it with X-Crete 500, giving it a flat finish and providing an extra layer of durable protection. Led by Semco Project Manager Nina Sem, the team completed the project in only 32 days—60 days ahead of schedule. By following Semco’s comprehensive step-by-step application matrix, they were able to ensure high quality standards throughout each phase of design and application.
From its colorful, 3-dimensional rings of Saturn to the vibrant overlapping rays of sun, to the climbable planets and space “rock,” this stunning playground brings the entire galaxy to life for Vegas school children—and will continue to do so for years to come.
Success
The school district and Ken Small were ecstatic with the final product—which was just as they had imagined it, both visually and in terms of its environmental benefits and safety standards.
The project was awarded a silver rating for meeting the U.S. Green Building Council standards.
→ View more project photos here
Project Information
- Preparation: SEMCO Nu-Lift Cleaner and Stone Soap
- Playground elements: SEMCO X-Bond Seamless Stone, Color Bond, PreStain Color and ADA Safety Surface – various colors, sealed with X-Crete 500 Flat
- Project year: 2008
CONTACT SEMCO today to see what we can do for you!
