Creative Concrete: Poetry in Non-Motion

This article details the journey of Dylan Lauger, founder and owner of Lauger Concrete of Sturgeon Bay, and his transformation from a traditional concrete contractor to a renowned creative concrete artisan. Lauger's initial work focused on utilitarian flat work, such as gray sidewalks and driveways. However, a sense of boredom with the repetitive nature of this work spurred him to experiment with artistic concrete. Through trial and error, he developed a specialization in elaborate patterns, stains, and textures, establishing himself as a leading creative concrete artisan in Door County. The article clarifies the distinction between cement and concrete, explaining that cement is a component of concrete, which also includes water and aggregates like rock, sand, or gravel. This mixture, when poured, hardens into a durable material that Lauger highlights for its architectural soundness and its potential for flexible and creative artistic expression. Lauger's background is rooted in the construction business; he grew up assisting his father, who owned Lauger Construction, a company involved in various aspects of building, including poured concrete. Following his father's death when Lauger was 15, he returned to the field after high school, utilizing his inherited knowledge to establish his own concrete business. Initially, his father's reputation helped him secure work, and he maintained a network of referrals with other contractors, including Dan Mallien of Mallien Concrete, who played a significant role in guiding his career. Lauger acknowledges that his current artistic approach to concrete would likely astonish his father, who worked in an era without access to modern techniques like acid staining, concrete countertops, and furniture, or resources like concrete magazines and the internet. Lauger's philosophy emphasizes self-teaching and continuous exploration, believing there are no limits to what can be achieved with concrete. His personal residence exemplifies his artistic capabilities. He transformed an ordinary urban lot into a multi-tiered, European-inspired garden featuring rustic, acid-stained concrete blocks and a stacked-slab concrete waterfall. He meticulously designed the lighting and landscaping to complement the concrete structures, likening his design process to a musician composing, with evolving ideas and iterative refinements. Lauger admits to a perfectionist streak, often reworking projects until they meet his high standards, even if it impacts time and cost. Despite the risks involved in shifting to artistic concrete and initially experiencing a dip in profits, Lauger's business thrived due to the positive reception of his work. He maintains a hands-on approach to every project, with his younger brother Luke being the only other employee. Lauger notes that Door County's natural landscape, characterized by stone, rock, and sand, makes the community receptive to the beauty of his acid-stained concrete work. However, he emphasizes the need for trust and a willingness to take risks from clients, as the variegated and natural look of his finished products is unique and not easily replicated from samples. The article features examples of Lauger's work, including the vibrant, intricate copper-toned and patina-like floor design at the Bluefront Café in Sturgeon Bay, which was created to complement the restaurant's upholstery and address severe flooring issues during a remodel. Cathy Benjamin, the owner of the building, praised the durability and aesthetic appeal of the floor, noting it is often the first thing customers observe. Another example is at Café Launch, where owner Shannon Christenson opted for neutral, charcoal-colored, smoothly polished concrete tabletops and a bar, preferring them over laminate, wood, or granite for their unique texture and understated elegance. Mitch Wise of Mitch Wise Design commends Lauger for his pioneering spirit, highlighting his significant risk-taking in developing a market for colored and artistic concrete in Door County when there was little prior awareness. Lauger acknowledges that while he is not a global pioneer in concrete artistry, he was the first to introduce innovative concrete work to his local area, believing his artistic uniqueness and quality craftsmanship are why clients seek him out. He concludes that concrete offers endless possibilities for exploration, treating his profession as both a career and a passion, akin to a poet dedicated to their craft. #CreativeConcrete #ArtisanCraftsmanship #ConcreteDesign #DylanLauger #ArchitecturalArt #HomeImprovement #DoorCountyArtisan #CustomFlooring #OutdoorLiving #CreativeConcrete #ArtisanCraftsmanship #ConcreteDesign #DylanLauger #ArchitecturalArt #HomeImprovement #DoorCountyArtisan #CustomFlooring #OutdoorLiving