Established in 1995 by Bill Wright-Smith, Rutso Concrete is a Melbourne-based business that specialises in architectural concrete providing exquisite concrete form for architects, builders and clients alike.

28 years and over 1000 projects later, we continue to lovingly fashion concrete with our calloused right hands – ‘a mano’ as the Italians would say. Bill’s background as an architect has been integral in helping to translate the intent and desires of architects, builders and clients into built form. As an architect and artisan he speaks their language. Each Rutso piece is a hand-made one-off with a subtle, earthy grain that distinguishes our work from the clinical look and feel of engineered stone products. Our concrete is poured in situ. No installation charges and no crane required. Size is no constraint as our concrete can be shaped to any configuration. Simple or complex. Brutal and sublime – the possibilities are endless.

OUR PROCESS

Generally each project is costed directly from architectural drawings. These need not be highly resolved. Sometimes a simple sketch with dimensions will do. Once our work has been specified Bill’s architectural background comes to the fore. For most projects, simple formwork is specified by Rutso and is installed by the project joiner. Rutso liaises directly with the builder and project joiner which takes the stress out of the process. Then we begin. Our preparation on every project is as critical as the day of the concrete pour itself. Typically 7-10 days are required to complete a job allowing the concrete enough time to cure. Hand troweled to a burnished finish our concrete is then honed to a matt finish and sealed with the highest quality penetrative sealer. We are meticulous, maintaining an orderly working environment, one that avoids impacting on other trades on site. We use highly efficient dust extractors when machining our concrete and ensure the preservation of surrounding finishes. Although we are in situ concrete specialists, smaller sections can be fabricated in our factory, delivered & installed. From placement of a purchase order our lead time is generally 4-6 weeks to commencing works.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Kitchen bench tops, splash backs, waterfall ends, integral drainer planes, vanity benches, fireplace hearths, wall cladding, table tops, stair treads, shower bases, bench seats, fire pits, day beds… we do it all. Most of our projects are located in inner Melbourne suburbs, coastal and rural Victoria. No matter how unusual the situation or far-flung the location, architectural concrete is our specialty.