When it comes to delivering projects that are efficient, durable, and visually compelling, the building system you choose matters. A total precast concrete structure offers advantages that extend across the entire project team, from owners and developers to architects, engineers, and contractors. A total precast structure from International Concrete Products and Mid-States Concrete Industries is a solution that helps everyone work smarter, build faster, and deliver long-lasting results.

What is a Total Precast Concrete Structure?
A total precast structure is one in which the majority of the building’s core and shell are made up of precast concrete components. By integrating both structural and architectural precast elements, the result is more than just a collection of components. It’s a complete building system.

Precast offers a tailored approach that adapts to a wide range of building types and design goals. From clean, modern façades to bold architectural expressions, the design possibilities are nearly endless.

Why Total Precast Makes Sense
Total precast concrete brings together performance, efficiency, and flexibility in ways that benefit the entire team:

Long, clear spans are achievable with prestressed concrete, providing flexibility in layouts and interior design
High load capacity can be accommodated thanks to prestressing and the size of the precast elements
Inherent fire design comes from the mass of concrete, with no additional fireproofing required
Exceptional durability ensures performance even in harsh environments and high-use applications
Excellent sound control, with strong Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings
Thermal mass benefits help moderate heating and cooling loads, reducing long-term energy costs
Single-source responsibility streamlines coordination from structural design through final detailing
Rapid erection schedules keep projects moving and reduce time on site
Year-round production and erection minimize weather-related delays
Architectural freedom allows for a wide range of finishes, colors, textures, and forms

For contractors and architects alike, these benefits translate into fewer surprises, tighter schedules, and a smoother construction process.

Total Precast Success: Westhaven Park Station
Westhaven Park Station showcases how total precast concrete can deliver efficiency, durability, and architectural distinction on a larger urban scale. The 12-story, 121,800-square-foot building includes 96 residential units and three ground-level retail spaces and represents the final phase of redevelopment of the former Henry Horner Homes complex.

From the outset, the project team selected precast concrete for both the structural system and the architectural exterior, creating a unified solution from foundation to roof. Architectural precast panels were used on all sides of the building, extending from ground level to the roof and reinforcing a consistent, high-quality appearance throughout.

Architecturally, the building features a bold exterior, with precast panels produced by International Concrete Products finished in a combination of dark charcoal and white concrete. A ribbed pattern created using a formliner adds texture and depth around the window openings, demonstrating how precast can be used to achieve visual interest while maintaining durability and constructability.

From a multi-story residential building in an urban environment, durability and speed were key drivers. Total precast construction provided a controlled manufacturing process, consistent quality, and an efficient erection schedule helping the project team meet performance expectations while maintaining design intent.

Project Snapshot: Westhaven Park Station

226 Precast Pieces (58,800 square feet)
Architectural finishes include acid etch, two colors of concrete (white and dark charcoal), and a formliner
Structural precast components were produced by Wells

Total Precast in Action: The Humbucker
One standout example of total precast construction is The Humbucker, a nine-story rental apartment building in Madison, Wisconsin, developed for University of Wisconsin students.

The building’s exterior features structural precast wall panels with an architectural finish, produced by Mid-States Concrete Industries, using colored concrete and an acid-etched texture to create a durable yet visually engaging façade. The project includes 75 apartments with below-grade parking, all designed to meet the demands of student living.

As a design-build project, the owner, design team, and precaster partnered early in the process. That collaboration allowed project goals to be clearly defined from the start and design decisions to be made with efficiency, speed, and durability in mind. The challenge was to create an appealing structure that could be delivered quickly while standing up to the daily wear and tear of the student rental market.

Precast concrete proved to be the ideal solution based on its aesthetic versatility, safety, durability, and speed of construction. In addition to exterior wall panels, the project utilized a wide range of precast components, including columns, beams, hollowcore plank, interior walls, balconies, and stair and landing pieces.

The 98,000-square-foot building was erected in just 12 weeks in the middle of winter.

Project Snapshot: The Humbucker

89,500 square feet of Hollowcore Plank
33 Beams
7 Columns
289 Wall Panels
52 Balconies
36 Stair and Landing Pieces

One System. Endless Possibilities.
From student housing to mixed-use urban developments, total precast concrete offers a smarter way to build. By combining speed, durability, and architectural flexibility into a single, coordinated system, total precast helps general contractors and architects deliver high-performance buildings on schedule, on budget, and built to last.

We’re Here to Help.
As a combined company, Mid-States Concrete Industries and International Concrete Products offer nearly unlimited structural and architectural precast concrete options. With multiple plant locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, we aim to be your premier precast provided. We make building easy by building on your vision.

Contact us today at info@internationalconcrete.com to see how we can help.