ONTARIO MADE · GFRC FABRICATION · BRAMPTON, ON
Glass Fiber Reinforced.
Architecturally Precise.
GFRC — an advanced composite of glass fibers and cementitious matrix. Up to 75% lighter than standard precast, with unlimited design flexibility for facades, feature walls, and sculptural elements.
The Material
A New Standard in Architectural Concrete.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete combines the aesthetic of traditional cast stone with a dramatically reduced weight profile and expanded geometric possibility. Fabricated in Brampton, Ontario.
Material Properties
Why GFRC.
Structural Strength
Alkali-resistant glass fibers distributed through the cementitious matrix provide tensile and flexural strength that far exceeds plain concrete. GFRC panels handle impact, thermal cycling, and structural loading with consistent performance over decades.
Reduced Weight
At 18–25mm thickness, GFRC panels weigh 25–50 kg/m² — compared to 250+ kg/m² for traditional precast. This reduction opens up facade applications on structures where full-depth concrete would require significant structural reinforcement or is simply not feasible.
Design Freedom
The spray-up and premix production methods allow GFRC to conform to complex three-dimensional forms, sharp arrises, deep relief textures, and large-format panels. Profiles and geometries that are impractical or impossible in standard precast become achievable.
Durability
GFRC resists freeze-thaw cycles, moisture penetration, UV exposure, and surface abrasion. The dense cementitious surface holds pigment colour with excellent long-term stability. Suitable for both interior and exterior applications in Ontario's climate.
Applications
Where GFRC Excels.
From residential facade cladding to large-scale commercial installations — six primary applications where GFRC delivers results that standard precast cannot.
Architectural Facades
Large-format GFRC cladding panels deliver the weight and presence of stone on exterior facades at a fraction of the structural load. Custom profiles, reveals, and surface textures are produced to specification and installed directly onto the building envelope. Suitable for residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
- Large panel formats up to 2400 × 1200mm
- Custom reveals and shadow profiles
- Multiple anchor systems available
- Smooth, textured, and aggregate-exposed finishes
Feature Walls
Interior and exterior feature walls using GFRC achieve the visual depth and material authenticity of stone or carved concrete — installed without structural modification. The lightweight panels allow feature wall applications in lobbies, living areas, courtyards, and facades where traditional masonry weight would be prohibitive.
- Modular tile and panel formats
- 3D relief and sculptural surface options
- Interior and exterior rated
- Continuous or jointed installation patterns
Fireplace Surrounds
GFRC fireplace surrounds replicate the grandeur of carved limestone or precast concrete at significantly reduced installation complexity. Custom profiles, classical mouldings, and contemporary flat forms are all achievable. The material handles thermal cycling with no cracking or spalling concerns that affect thicker concrete elements.
- Classical and contemporary profiles
- Custom pilasters, mantels, and hearths
- Thermal-stable cementitious matrix
- Indoor and outdoor fireplaces
Column Wraps & Architectural Elements
GFRC column wraps, pilasters, cornices, and decorative architectural elements provide the visual presence of full-depth stone fabrication without structural support requirements. Column wraps install over existing structural columns — transforming utilitarian supports into architectural features with entasis, fluting, and capital detail.
- Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and custom profiles
- Split column wrap systems for retrofit
- Cornices, keystones, and surround elements
- Coordinated finish to match existing stonework
Landscape & Garden Elements
Planters, water features, garden walls, and decorative landscape elements fabricated in GFRC offer the permanence of concrete with manageable installation weights. Large planters that would be immovable in standard concrete can be positioned and repositioned. The material handles Ontario winters without freeze-thaw damage when properly mixed.
- Large planters and water features
- Garden wall coping and cap stones
- Decorative pedestals and plinths
- Freeze-thaw rated mix designs
Custom Sculptural Work
Three-dimensional sculptural elements — figures, abstract forms, bas-relief panels, and site-specific installations — benefit from GFRC's ability to capture fine surface detail from moulds and its structural integrity without internal steel reinforcement. The material is suited to complex geometries that cannot be achieved with conventional casting methods.
- High-detail surface reproduction from moulds
- Large sculptural forms without internal armature
- Bas-relief and carved-surface panels
- Custom commissions for residential and public art
Finishes & Colours
Surface. Refined.
Four standard surface finishes, each available in a broad palette of integral pigment colours. Custom colour matching available on request.
Smooth Cast
Dense, uniform surface with a fine matte texture. Achieved through careful mould preparation and consistent mix application. The most flexible finish for architectural cladding and fireplace elements.
Sandblasted
Light abrasion opens the aggregate matrix, producing a fine-textured surface that catches directional light and resembles natural stone. Maintains all dimensional precision of the panel beneath.
Bush Hammered
Mechanical surface treatment that creates a uniform pitted texture with the tactile quality of hand-dressed stone. Excellent for feature walls and elements where material authenticity is the priority.
Exposed Aggregate
Selected aggregate — limestone, quartz, or granite — is revealed at the surface through retardation and washing. The aggregate species and size determine the final character. Can closely simulate natural stone.
Integral Colour
Pigment is mixed throughout the GFRC matrix — not applied as a coating. Colour is consistent through the full panel depth and does not chip, peel, or fade. Standard palette of twelve colours. Custom colour matching available on consultation.
Technical Overview
Specification. Delivered.
Key technical parameters for GFRC fabrication. All specifications subject to project-specific engineering review and mix design confirmation.
Panel Size
Up to 2400 × 1200mm standard. Larger panels available on consultation with additional structural review.
- Standard thickness: 12–25mm
- Structural backing frames available
- Max weight: ~50 kg/m²
Mix Design
Portland cement, fine aggregate, AR glass fiber, polymer admixtures. Mix proportions optimized per application and finish requirement.
- 5% AR glass fiber by weight (spray-up)
- Water:cement ratio ≤ 0.35
- 28-day compressive strength: 40–60 MPa
Anchor Systems
Concealed steel stud frame, direct adhesive fix, and mechanical anchor systems. Selection based on panel size, substrate, and structural engineering requirements.
- Stud frame: standard for large panels
- Adhesive: suitable for panels ≤ 0.5m²
- Shop drawings provided for all anchor layouts
Standards & Testing
Fabricated to PCI MNL-128 (GFRC) guidelines. Mix and panel samples available upon request for project-specific testing and approval.
- PCI MNL-128 fabrication guidelines
- ASTM C947 flexural strength testing
- Freeze-thaw testing per ASTM C666
Start with your drawings.
Submit project drawings, concept sketches, or a description of your requirement. Our team will prepare shop drawings, confirm technical specifications, and provide a detailed quotation. Lead times vary by project scope — contact us early in your design process.
Ready to specify GFRC?
Send us your drawings or concept. Our team will guide you from design through delivery — shop drawings, technical review, and fabrication.
START YOUR GFRC PROJECT