Green Story

The Refinery Concrete, based in Seabrook, is a cutting-edge and innovative concrete design company that specializes in green techniques, designs, and products. The company was launched in March of 2010 by Patrick and Kate Simons, who had spent 8 years living in Denver before the two returned to the Seacoast. Himself a 2001 graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Patrick Simons had been working with concrete for nearly a decade, along the way developing a distinct and decidedly artistic approach towards sinks, countertops, and other home décor items.

Gradually refining their designs over the years, the duo specializes in using GFRC, or glass-reinforced concrete. Unlike traditional concrete, GFRC incorporates glass fibers, cement and sand in a mixture that is just as strong as traditional concrete. What results is a product that is as eye-catching and unique as it is sustainably rendered and built to last.

Both avid environmentalists, Patrick and Kate are continuously looking to lessen their business’ impact on the planet. To that end, their process utilizes fly ash, slag cement and VCAS pozzolans, all post-industrial recycled products which help strengthen the concrete while not taking away from its uniquely-honed look and feel. They use all-natural stains and environmentally friendly sealers that contain no VOCs and meet LEED requirements. Their sand and cement are purchased locally, as are the majority of their other products, and the two work out of a small, energy-efficient shop that consumes minimal water. And because the ingredients in concrete are calculated specifically for each individual job, there is virtually no waste.