MCM Big Slab Board Series: Ando Cement Real Photos for Large-Scale Projects

Release time : November 06 2025

Architecture is more than just walls and roofs—it's a language. Every material, every texture, every hue speaks to the people who move through the spaces we build. It tells stories of purpose, of culture, and of the delicate balance between form and function. In the world of large-scale construction, where projects span acres and impact communities for decades, choosing the right material isn't just a practical decision; it's an act of curation. Enter the MCM Big Slab Board Series: a collection of materials designed to turn vast, imposing structures into places that breathe, that connect, that feel human . And at the heart of this series lies a standout star: Ando Cement.

The MCM Big Slab Board Series: Where Scale Meets Sophistication

Large-scale projects—think sprawling university campuses, urban transit hubs, or corporate headquarters—demand materials that can handle the pressure. They need to be durable enough to withstand foot traffic, weather, and time. But they also need to be beautiful enough to inspire. The MCM Big Slab Board Series was born from this dual need: to merge industrial strength with artistic nuance. Unlike traditional cladding materials that often feel cold or uniform, MCM's big slabs are engineered to bring warmth and character to even the most expansive surfaces. From the earthy texture of Rammed Earth Board to the sleek sheen of Lunar Peak Silvery, the series is a toolkit for architects and designers to craft spaces that don't just serve a purpose, but mean something.

And at the center of this toolkit is Ando Cement—a material that pays homage to the legendary architect Tadao Ando, whose masterful use of concrete turned it from a utilitarian substance into a medium of poetry. But MCM's Ando Cement isn't just a nod to the past; it's a leap forward. Available in Light Grey and Dark Grey variants, it's designed to capture the raw, organic beauty of poured concrete while offering the practical benefits modern construction demands. And yes—there are real photos to prove it. These aren't stock images or renderings; they're snapshots of actual projects, where Ando Cement's texture, color variation, and light-play come to life. In one photo, sunlight slants across a wall of Ando Cement (Light Grey), casting soft shadows that highlight the material's subtle grain. In another, a Dark Grey facade stands against a stormy sky, its depth and richness turning a simple wall into a canvas of mood and atmosphere.

Ando Cement: A Closer Look at the Material

Let's start with the basics: what is Ando Cement, exactly? At its core, it's a modified composite material, part of MCM's signature line of lightweight, high-performance cladding. But to call it "just" composite would be underselling it. Ando Cement is crafted using a proprietary blend of minerals, fibers, and binders that mimic the look and feel of traditional fair-faced concrete—without the weight or brittleness. The result? A material that's 30% lighter than standard concrete slabs, making installation faster and more cost-effective for large-scale projects. But don't let the lightness fool you: it's also fire-resistant, water-resistant, and built to stand up to UV rays without fading. In short, it's a material that's as tough as it is beautiful.

What truly sets Ando Cement apart, though, is its aesthetic. Unlike fair-faced concrete, which can sometimes feel flat or monotonous, Ando Cement has a depth that draws the eye. The surface is intentionally imperfect—in the best way. There are tiny variations in color, subtle pits and ridges, and a matte finish that softens harsh light. It's the kind of texture that invites touch, that makes you want to run your hand across the wall and feel the material's story. In real photos, this texture is impossible to miss. Take, for example, the Ando Cement (Light Grey) used in the lobby of a tech company's headquarters in Seattle. The walls rise two stories high, their light hue bouncing natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, while the texture adds warmth that keeps the space from feeling too sterile. Employees often comment on how the material makes the lobby feel "grounded" and "inviting"—words you don't usually associate with concrete.

Then there's Ando Cement (Dark Grey), which leans into drama. Imagine a cultural center in Chicago, where the exterior is clad in Dark Grey Ando Cement. At night, spotlights illuminate the walls, and suddenly the material transforms: the texture becomes more pronounced, the shadows deeper, turning the building into a sculptural presence in the city skyline. It's a material that responds to its environment, shifting with the time of day and the weather. On a foggy morning, the Dark Grey takes on a moody, ethereal quality; on a bright afternoon, it grounds the space with its solidity.

Key Features: Why Ando Cement Shines in Large-Scale Projects

Durability That Lasts Decades

Large-scale projects aren't built for the next five years—they're built for the next fifty. Ando Cement is engineered with that longevity in mind. Its composite structure resists cracking, even in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. In a case study from a university campus in Minnesota, where winters ｄｒｏｐ to -20°F and summers climb to 90°F, Ando Cement (Light Grey) cladding has remained intact for over a decade, with minimal maintenance. No chipping, no fading, no signs of wear—even in high-traffic areas like walkways and outdoor amphitheaters. "We chose Ando Cement because we needed something that could handle our climate without losing its beauty," says the campus architect. "Ten years later, it still looks like the day it was installed."

Sustainability: Building for the Planet

Modern construction isn't just about durability—it's about responsibility. Ando Cement checks that box, too. MCM's manufacturing process for Ando Cement uses 60% recycled materials, including post-industrial minerals and reclaimed fibers. It also requires 40% less energy to produce than traditional concrete, thanks to its lightweight composition. And because it's so light, transporting Ando Cement generates fewer carbon emissions than hauling heavy concrete slabs. For a municipal project in Portland, Oregon—a public library aiming for LEED Platinum certification—Ando Cement (Dark Grey) was a key part of meeting sustainability goals. "We wanted a material that looked great but also aligned with our commitment to the environment," explains the project manager. "Ando Cement delivered on both."

Aesthetic Versatility: From Minimalist to Rustic

One of the most striking things about Ando Cement is how adaptable it is. It plays well with other materials, making it a favorite for designers who want to mix textures. Pair Ando Cement (Light Grey) with wood accents for a warm, Scandinavian vibe, or combine it with metal and glass for a sleek, modern look. In a recent project—a boutique hotel in Austin, Texas—the design team used Ando Cement (Dark Grey) on the exterior and paired it with natural stone (think Bali Stone and Wood Grain Board) in the lobby. The result? A space that feels both industrial and inviting, where the coolness of the cement is balanced by the warmth of the wood and stone. "Ando Cement is like a neutral paint color," says the hotel's interior designer. "It doesn't compete with other elements—it elevates them."

Comparing Ando Cement to Traditional Materials

To truly understand Ando Cement's value, it helps to see how it stacks up against other common cladding materials. Let's take a look:

Material	Weight (per sq. ft)	Installation Time	Maintenance Needs	Aesthetic Quality	Suitable For
Ando Cement (Light Grey)	8 lbs	Fast (lightweight, easy to handle)	Minimal (occasional washing)	Matte finish, subtle texture, color variation	Cultural centers, offices, public plazas
Fair-Faced Concrete	12 lbs	Slow (heavy, requires specialized labor)	High (sealing every 2-3 years to prevent staining)	Uniform, can feel flat without texture	Industrial buildings, warehouses
Rammed Earth Board (Middle)	7 lbs	Moderate	Low (resistant to fading, easy to clean)	Earthy, warm, visible layer texture	Eco-resorts, community centers, residential exteriors
Lunar Peak Silvery	6 lbs	Fast	Low (metallic finish resists scratches)	Shiny, reflective, modern metallic sheen	High-end retail, tech offices, art galleries

As the table shows, Ando Cement strikes a balance between durability, aesthetics, and practicality that's hard to beat. It's lighter than fair-faced concrete, easier to maintain, and offers more character than uniform materials. And when you factor in the real photos—those images of actual walls, facades, and interiors—you can see why it's becoming a go-to for architects who refuse to compromise on beauty or function.

Complementary Products: Expanding the MCM Toolkit

While Ando Cement is a standout, the MCM Big Slab Board Series offers plenty of other materials to pair with it, creating cohesive, layered designs. Let's explore a few:

Rammed Earth Board (Matcha Green)

For projects that lean into sustainability and biophilic design, Rammed Earth Board is a perfect complement to Ando Cement. The Matcha Green variant brings a pop of soft, natural color that pairs beautifully with Ando Cement (Light Grey). Imagine a community garden pavilion: walls of Light Grey Ando Cement form the structure, while accents of Matcha Green Rammed Earth add warmth and a connection to nature. The material's layered texture—reminiscent of hand-packed earth—adds depth, making even small spaces feel organic and alive.

Lunar Peak Silvery

For a touch of modern glamour, Lunar Peak Silvery is unbeatable. Its metallic, silvery finish adds a sleek, futuristic edge that contrasts stunningly with Ando Cement's matte texture. A corporate headquarters might use Dark Grey Ando Cement for the main facade, then add Lunar Peak Silvery panels around the entrance or along the roofline, creating a striking visual contrast that signals innovation and forward-thinking. The silvery sheen catches the light, making the building feel dynamic and alive throughout the day.

Wood Grain Board

Warmth meets durability with Wood Grain Board. Its realistic wood texture—complete with knots, grain, and color variation—adds a cozy, residential feel to commercial spaces. Pair it with Ando Cement (Light Grey) in a restaurant or café, and you've got a space that feels both industrial-chic and homey. The Wood Grain Board can be used for accent walls, ceilings, or even tabletops, while the Ando Cement forms the backdrop, creating a balanced, inviting atmosphere.

Real Photos, Real Impact: Seeing Ando Cement in Action

It's one thing to read about Ando Cement's benefits; it's another to see it in person. That's why MCM emphasizes real photos—no filters, no enhancements, just the material as it exists in the world. Let's walk through a few standout shots:

Photo 1: The Riverfront Cultural Center – Located in Denver, Colorado, this cultural center features a facade of Ando Cement (Light Grey) that stretches over 200 feet. The photo captures the building at sunset, with the material's light hue glowing softly as the sun dips below the horizon. What's striking is the texture: up close, you can see tiny indentations and color flecks that give the wall a lived-in, organic feel. From a distance, the uniformity of the big slabs creates a sense of calm and grandeur, fitting for a space dedicated to art and community.

Photo 2: The Urban Transit Hub – In Chicago, a busy transit hub uses Ando Cement (Dark Grey) for its interior walls. The photo shows commuters rushing past, their movements blurred against the material's solid, grounding presence. The Dark Grey color hides scuffs and wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, while the texture adds visual interest that breaks up the monotony of a busy station. "We needed something that could handle thousands of people a day and still look good," says the transit authority's design lead. "Ando Cement was the answer."

Photo 3: The Eco-Resort Villa – A boutique resort in Costa Rica pairs Ando Cement (Light Grey) with local stone and tropical plants. The photo shows a villa's exterior, where the Light Grey slabs blend seamlessly with the lush greenery, creating a harmony between man-made and natural. The material's porous surface even helps with rainwater runoff, making it a sustainable choice for the eco-conscious resort. "Ando Cement doesn't compete with the landscape—it becomes part of it," says the resort's architect.

The Future of Large-Scale Construction with MCM

As cities grow and projects become more ambitious, the demand for materials that can keep up will only increase. The MCM Big Slab Board Series—with Ando Cement at its core—is poised to lead the way. With ongoing innovations, like integrating 3D printing technology (part of the MCM 3D Printing Series) to create custom textures and shapes, the possibilities are endless. Imagine a museum facade where Ando Cement slabs are 3D-printed with intricate patterns, turning a wall into a work of art. Or a public square where the material is embedded with sensors that light up at night, making the space interactive. The future isn't just about building bigger—it's about building smarter, more beautiful, and more human.

At the end of the day, materials like Ando Cement are more than just building blocks. They're the foundation of how we experience the world around us. A well-chosen material can turn a sterile office into a place of creativity, a cold transit hub into a welcoming gateway, a massive cultural center into a community gathering spot. The MCM Big Slab Board Series understands this. It's not just selling cladding—it's selling the ability to craft spaces that matter. And with real photos, real projects, and real results, Ando Cement proves that even in the world of large-scale construction, beauty and humanity don't have to be sacrificed for practicality. They can coexist, thrive, and create something extraordinary.