Los Angeles Concrete Masterpiece: Where Brutalism Meets Serenity

Tucked into the scenic hills of Mount Washington, Los Angeles, this stunning concrete project redefines what's possible with poured-in-place walls, sand finish patios, and board form concrete design. It's one of our favorite examples of how concrete can be both structural and beautiful.

The Project

The homeowner wanted a complete transformation of their hillside property - one that embraced the raw, industrial beauty of exposed concrete while creating a serene outdoor living environment. The result is a seamless blend of brutalist architecture and California outdoor living.

Key elements of the project included:

• Poured-in-place board form concrete retaining walls with visible wood grain texture
• Sand finish concrete patio spanning the full width of the rear yard
• Decorative gravel strips between concrete sections for drainage and visual interest
• Custom concrete steps connecting multiple terrace levels
• Integrated planters formed in concrete to match the overall aesthetic

Board Form Concrete: The Technique

Board form concrete is a specialized technique where rough-sawn lumber is used as the formwork before pouring. When the forms are stripped, the wood grain pattern is permanently imprinted into the concrete surface. The result is a textured, organic appearance that contrasts beautifully with the smooth precision of the poured concrete itself.

This technique requires careful planning and skilled execution. The boards must be properly spaced, sealed, and braced to handle the pressure of wet concrete. Our team has extensive experience with board form work on both retaining walls and architectural concrete features.

Sand Finish Patios: Understated Elegance

The sand finish patio surfaces throughout this project were chosen to complement the rougher texture of the board form walls. A sand finish is achieved by lightly rubbing the concrete surface while it's still green, creating a smooth but slightly textured appearance that's slip-resistant and visually refined.

Sand finish concrete works beautifully in modern and contemporary homes, and it pairs especially well with minimalist landscaping and architectural concrete features. Learn more about our decorative concrete patio options.

What This Project Demonstrates

This Mount Washington project is a testament to what's possible when a homeowner has a clear vision and works with a contractor who has the skill to execute it. Concrete is endlessly versatile - it can be raw and industrial, smooth and modern, or decorative and ornate. The key is working with a team that understands the material and the craft.

Concrete Etc., Inc. has been executing complex, design-forward concrete projects throughout Los Angeles County since 2007. From Los Feliz to Eagle Rock, Hollywood Hills to Brentwood, we bring the same level of craftsmanship to every project.

Ready to explore what's possible on your property? Visit our project gallery for more inspiration, or contact us to schedule an onsite consultation.