What is Ferrocement?
Ferrocement is a thin, strong form of reinforced concrete: layers of closely spaced steel wire mesh, filled and covered with rich cement mortar. The result is a seamless shell that can take almost any shape.
From steel skeleton to seamless shell
Every FERROGRID structure follows the same four stages — whether it's a pool, a dome or a grotto.
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1
Skeletal steel framework
Steel rods are bent and tied into the skeleton of the structure — the outline of a dome, a pool, a shell or a wall.
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2
Layers of wire mesh
Several layers of fine steel wire mesh are wrapped and tied over the frame, spreading reinforcement evenly through the whole shell.
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3
Hand-plastered mortar
Rich cement mortar is pressed through and over the mesh by hand, forming a dense, seamless shell with no gaps for water to find.
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4
Curing & finishing
The shell is cured carefully, then finished to suit the project — tiled, textured like rock, painted, or covered with earth and grass.
Advantages you can see in every build
Almost any shape
Domes, curves, caves and freeform pools — the mesh is shaped first, so design is not limited to straight lines.
Thin & lightweight
Thin shells weigh far less than conventional walls and slabs, which suits hilly and remote sites.
Crack resistant
Closely spaced mesh spreads stress through the whole shell, helping it resist cracking.
Watertight
A dense, seamless mortar shell makes ferrocement ideal for pools, tanks and underground spaces.
Less material
Thin sections use less cement and steel than conventional construction for the same space.
Little formwork
The mesh itself holds the shape, so complex forms need far less shuttering.
Ferrocement vs conventional construction
A general comparison — the right choice always depends on your site and design.
| Aspect | Ferrocement | Conventional RCC / masonry |
|---|---|---|
| Shapes possible | Curves, domes, caves and freeform shells | Mostly straight walls and flat slabs |
| Section thickness | Thin shells | Thicker walls and slabs |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavy |
| Crack control | Closely spaced mesh spreads stress evenly | Reinforcement bars spaced further apart |
| Water-tightness | Dense, seamless shell | Joints usually need extra waterproofing |
| Formwork | Minimal — the mesh holds the shape | Extensive shuttering for each pour |
Ferrocement in our services
One material across every service — choose one to see what we build.
What is ferrocement?
Ferrocement is a thin, strong form of reinforced concrete made from layers of closely spaced steel wire mesh, filled and covered with rich cement mortar. The mesh can be shaped first, so ferrocement can form curves, domes, caves and freeform shells that are hard to build with conventional concrete.
Is ferrocement the same as RCC (reinforced cement concrete)?
No. Both use cement and steel, but RCC uses thicker sections with reinforcement bars spaced further apart, while ferrocement uses thin sections with many layers of fine wire mesh spread evenly through the shell. This makes ferrocement lighter and better at controlling cracks in thin, curved shapes.
How strong is ferrocement?
Ferrocement is strong for its thickness because the closely spaced mesh spreads stress through the whole shell. Curved forms such as domes and arches add further strength, which is why ferrocement is used for pools, water tanks, domes and underground spaces.
Is ferrocement waterproof?
A well-built ferrocement shell is dense and seamless, which makes it highly water-resistant — ideal for swimming pools, water tanks and underground rooms. We also plan waterproofing and drainage to suit each site.
How long does a ferrocement structure last?
With good design, workmanship and routine care, ferrocement structures are built to last for decades. We build our ferrocement swimming pools for 50+ years of durability.
Is ferrocement cheaper than conventional construction?
It can be more economical, because thin shells use less cement and steel and need less formwork. The final cost still depends on your land, the structure and the finishes, so we quote each project after a site visit.
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