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Design: Box ID Studio
PHOTOS: See more pictures of this minimalist three-room HDB flat here!
Cracks develop in concrete surfaces due to the expansion and contraction of the material, so there are less chances of cracks forming if the wall is in an area that is relatively temperature-stable and away from the sun.
If you want your smooth concrete surfaces to last for a long time, opt for materials that look like concrete, available in the form of tiles or laminates. Concrete-look tiles are usually used for flooring, as the grouting lines are less obvious on a floor than on a feature wall. They also tend to be more even in tone.
For a wall, it is better to use laminates, which typically come in 8 feet (240cm) by 4 feet (120cm) sheets. Their size minimises the visibility of joint lines as most apartment ceilings are about 230cm high. With improved printing technology, laminate surfaces are also replicating the look of natural materials with even greater realism.