USAFA Air Gardens
Reimagined with Decorative Concrete
Background, History, and Project Goals
Originally opened in 1954, and designed by renowned landscape architect Dan Kiley, the Air Gardens at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) was a striking example of modernist landscape design. Featuring white concrete, reflecting pools, and a layout based on multiples of seven, the space was intended to evoke serenity and reflection.
Over time, however, the concrete deteriorated, and the water features became non-functional. In 2018, Colorado Hardscapes received the invitation to help restore the Air Gardens to its former glory.
The goal of the project was to restore the Air Gardens’ original elegance and functionality while respecting its original layout and working within budgetary and technical constraints.
Before Restoration Photo: United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO – Photo by Charles A. Birnbaum, 2014
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The Challenges
Colorado Hardscapes eagerly took on the project, quickly encountering numerous challenges, including misaligned pool basins, complex forming, and unexpected mechanical issues. The original concrete had cracked, chipped, and stained over time. Any restoration had to maintain the visual and symbolic integrity of the original design. Additionally, based on previous experience with white cement projects, Colorado Hardscapes recognized that using a full-depth white concrete mix would be both too costly and too risky for this project.
The Solution
Colorado Hardscapes, in collaboration with the design and construction team, utilized a new bonded white cement mix for the Air Gardens, applying a half-inch exposed aggregate overlay to the sub-slab. A major component of this approach was TOP-CAST® – our high-performance top-surface retarder – used as a key step in this “Bomanite Revealed” system. The team applied the custom topping mix of white cement, white sand, white glass, and white rock to create material that was more cost effective and easier to work with.
TOP-CAST® was used to expose the aggregate, a key component of this system, and create a consistent, slip-resistant surface. This approach allowed the team to:
- Recreate the look of the original concrete
- Reduce the cost of material compared to full-depth white concrete
- Apply a finish that is consistent and architectural to USAFA’s exacting standards
Delivering Beyond Expectations
TOP-CAST® played a pivotal role in the success of this project. It enabled the creation of a visually stunning, exposed-aggregate finish that met the standards of The Academy. It provided a safe, non-slip surface suitable for cadet use. It allowed for precise, uniform finishes across complex geometries. It supported Colorado Hardscapes reputation as the preferred decorative concrete installer at USAFA. The project also demonstrated the versatility and reliability of TOP-CAST® in high-profile, technically difficult applications.
The Results
The decorative concrete solution significantly reduced material costs and increased product workability. The project received the ASCC Decorative Concrete Council WOW Award and Bomanite’s Grand Award.
The Bomanite Revealed system (with TOP-CAST®) is now being used in other areas of the Academy, and Colorado Hardscapes continues to be the go-to contractor for decorative concrete installations on campus. The project also allowed for the redesigning the reflecting pool mechanical system, converting a single filtration unit into 15 individually filtered pools.
“As originally designed the price tag was simply too much. Colorado Hardscapes presented VE solutions including the innovative topping system that allowed us to bring this magical experience back to life. We’re impressed with the craftmanship. This will be here for many future classes.”
Vince Renaud, Project Manager, Air Force Academy Foundation
Project Gallery
Project Participants
Project: USAFA Air Gardens Restoration
Owner: U.S. Air Force Academy
Architect: Kimley-Horn
Engineer: Merrick & Company
General Contractor: GE Johnson
Finishing Contractor: Colorado Hardscapes
Chryso Product: Top-Cast®
Volume: 35,175 sq. ft. of specialty concrete with
over 6,500 linear feet of faced edge, including walkways,
bridges, and pool surrounds