Site-sculpted cement relief
Relief modelled by hand on site, built up in layers over mesh.
- Shanghai Xionglan Culture Communication Co., Ltd. (brand: Xionglan Art)
- Shanghai-based workshop · delivery in 67 Chinese cities
- 10 capability groups / 102 individual techniques · design, fabrication and installation in-house
- Phone +86 156 0163 6249 · Mon–Sun 09:00–18:00 (CST)
Site-sculpted cement is modelled in place, which suits irregular walls, existing structures and shapes that cannot be precast. Mesh and reinforcement are fixed first, then the build-up is layered so thickness and cure are controlled.
Commissioned work in site-sculpted cement relief normally runs from 6 to 30 m², with 3–8 working days in production from approved drawings. The reference range for this technique is CNY 600–1800 per m², quoted itemised. It sits within our Cement Relief & GRC capability, alongside 7 related techniques, and the 4-point deliverable below is what a commission includes as standard.
When site-sculpted cement relief is the right answer - and when it is not
Direct in-situ cement relief is chosen where the form should be continuous with the wall - no joints, no panel lines, no difference in material between the background and the relief. It suits large exterior or interior walls with an organic or hand-modelled character, and it is the only honest way to produce relief on a complex or curved wall. It takes longer on site than panels, so it only makes sense where the wall justifies that.
How the work is actually carried out
The wall is prepared to a sound, keyed surface, then the relief is built up in layers rather than applied in one pass, because thick single applications crack as they cure. The mix is kept consistent across the whole run, since cement varies visibly between batches. Form is modelled by hand and checked against the design under the real lighting, and the surface is worked before it sets hard. Curing is controlled afterwards - the single most neglected step, and the one that decides whether the relief cracks in the first month.
Typical applications
Typical specifications
| Typical size | 4-200 m2 per elevation |
|---|---|
| Relief depth | 10-150 mm |
| Lead time | 1-4 weeks on site, plus curing |
| Finish | Pigmented, stone-look, or painted and sealed |
| Capability | Cement Relief & GRC |
| Reference range | CNY 600–1800 per m² |
| Techniques in this capability | 8 |
| Coverage | Shanghai base, nationwide delivery, overseas projects on request |
Reference price bands for Site-sculpted cement relief
Indicative only, based on the scope normally quoted for site-sculpted cement relief. A firm price follows a site survey and an itemised quotation split into material, labour, finishing, packing and freight.
| Scope | Typical area | Reference total | Unit rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small area | 6–15 m² | CNY 3,600 – CNY 27,000 | approx. CNY 1800/m² |
| Standard area | 15–36 m² | CNY 9,000 – CNY 64,800 | approx. CNY 1200/m² |
| Large area | 36 m² and above | CNY 21,600+ | approx. CNY 600/m² |
Build tiers for site-sculpted cement relief
Site-sculpted cement relief is not one product at one size: the table below is the same scope ladder we quote on, so you can see where your project sits before asking for a price.
| Build tier | Typical area | Production days | What changes at this tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 6–30 m² | 3–8 | Up to 30 m², one substrate and one access setup, 3–8 days in the workshop. |
| Tier 2 | 6–30 m² | 3–8 | 6–30 m² across two or more faces, 3–8 days, substrate build-up agreed per location. |
| Tier 3 | 6–30 m² | 3–8 | 6–30 m² across two or more faces, 3–8 days, substrate build-up agreed per location. |
| Tier 4 | 6–30 m² | 3–8 | 6–30 m² across two or more faces, 3–8 days, substrate build-up agreed per location. |
| Tier 5 | 6–30 m² | 3–8 | 6–30 m² across two or more faces, 3–8 days, substrate build-up agreed per location. |
| Tier 6 | 6–30 m² | 3–8 | 6 m² and above, multiple substrate types and phased access, 3–8 days with a join and numbering plan. |
What we deliver
- Site-sculpted work and precast panels, chosen per project
- Rebar, mesh fixing and multi-layer build-up for durability
- Stone-look, bronze-effect and rust-effect finishes
- Water-repellent sealer as standard on exterior work
Faults we see most often in site-sculpted cement relief
Each of these is a field failure rather than a workshop one, and each is cheaper to prevent at enquiry stage than to correct after installation.
- Building relief in one thick application, which shrinks and cracks as it cures regardless of admixtures.
- Leaving the finished work to cure in direct sun and wind without dampening, which produces surface crazing.
- Changing the mix partway through a long wall, which shows as a visible tonal break nobody can remove later.
What to settle before an overseas project starts
| Substrate and exposure | Send photographs of the wall and tell us whether it is interior or exterior, and how it is exposed to sun and rain. |
|---|---|
| Design intent and depth | The design and the relief depth decide the build-up and the programme. Tell us the depth you expect, or send a reference. |
| Curing conditions | Who will keep the work damp and shaded after we leave, if it is exterior. Curing is a shared responsibility and the commonest cause of failure. |
Working with us from overseas
Enquiry to installation, one point of contact. Export packing, shipping, commercial terms and quality control →
Design intent and what drives the cost
| Technique | Site-sculpted cement relief |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Relief modelled by hand on site, built up in layers over mesh. |
| Floor area normally quoted | 6–30 m² per commission |
| Typical production window | 3–8 working days from approved drawings |
| Main cost drivers | Area and repetition; substrate preparation; detail and modelling time; surface finish; access and working hours |
| What we quote separately | Material, labour, finishing, packing, freight and site measures - each as its own line |
Representative work
Cement Relief & GRC projects photographed on completion.
Cement Relief & GRC — GRC components (columns / cornices / balustrades)
Cement Relief & GRC — Water-feature & rockery cement forms
Cement Relief & GRC — Stone-look cement relief
Cement Relief & GRC — Water-feature & rockery cement formsCommon questions
Why choose site-sculpting over precast panels?
How long before it can be sealed?
Will cement relief crack?
Discuss site-sculpted cement relief
Send photographs, drawings or a 3D file with approximate dimensions. You will get a technique recommendation, a reference price band and a production schedule.