X-Bond Microcement: Commercial Favorites
In architecture, "commercial" refers to buildings or projects that are designed for business, industrial, institutional (i.e. education) or income-generating purposes rather than residential use.
For architects, working on commercial projects typically means designing functional, aesthetically appealing spaces that meet the needs of businesses and their patrons. Commercial architecture often involves stricter code compliance, high traffic flow considerations, and a strong emphasis on user experience, branding, and sustainability.
From high-traffic retail spaces to a premium gym chain; X-Bond Microcement has become a go-to solution for commercial projects. Its seamless finish, custom versatility, and durability under pressure make it ideal for environments where style meets function.
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to collaborate on some incredible spaces, each one showcasing what’s possible when thoughtful design meets cutting-edge surface technology. In this post, we’re highlighting a few of our favorite commercial projects where our microcement made a lasting impact — and why. Whether you're an architect, designer, builder, or business owner looking for inspiration, these case studies show how our product brings any vision to life.
Equinox Dumbo featuring X-Bond Microcement flooring
Viktoria & Woods
Viktoria & Woods is a high-end fashion label founded on a minimalist design philosophy that sees the elegance in restraint — with retail locations to match. Here, the color palette speaks directly to the label’s signature muted neutrals, while a combination of raw and refined materials executes their trademark balance of effortlessness and luxury.
Located within the largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere, this store demanded finishes that could withstand heavy foot traffic and was easy to clean, while maintaining integrity and visual appeal. The floor, finished in a warm brown shade of our X-Bond Microcement, was applied by hand over the existing concrete base in our subtly textured matte finish. The simplicity of one seamless floor covering is a perfect backdrop for the more dramatic design features like the marble and tiled countertops, or statement leather seat.
Equinox Gym
Housed in a former box factory, Equinox Dumbo captures Brooklyn’s raw edge and reflects the neighborhood’s creative, tech-savvy vibe. Designed by INC, the space features blackened steel and exposed pipes — expressing an industrial-chic aesthetic that feels authentically Brooklyn but unmistakably Equinox. The SEMCO team is proud to have enhanced this space with our high-performance, custom finishes. X-Bond Microcement has been used for flooring and feature walls to achieve that polished concrete-inspired look.
Winning Appliances
Winning Appliances showrooms are crafted to mirror the aspirations of their customers — who are searching for home applicances that are high-calibre, innovative, timeless, and practical. These same qualities define X-Bond Microcement, now featured as the flooring choice in three of their retail locations.
According to Jessica Coulter, Senior Interior Designer at Cera Stribley, the team sought materials that offer premium quality with a unique, custom finish to elevate the visitor experience. X-Bond delivered the look of concrete but with extra softness and warmth, perfectly capturing Winning Appliances’ commitment to blending industrial edge with refined design.
Sculpt Adelaide
Designed by Faculty, this rejuvenation clinic uses form and texture to clear the mind and soothe the senses. Grounded in brutalist-inspired minimalism, it’s defined by clean lines and seamless surfacing. From floor to ceiling, the interiors are wrapped in X-Bond Microcement, building a sense of continuity and softness.
Natural sunlight and ambient strip lighting bring the space to life, transforming what could be a stark environment into a tranquil, inviting retreat. Every curve and recess within the space reflects the care Sculpt offers its clients — a sanctuary shaped as intentionally as the treatments themselves.
Society Dining
Designed by Russell & George, Society blends old-world glamour with bold modernism in a venue that’s as multi-layered as the city it resides in. From private dining rooms to the opulent cocktail lounge, X-Bond Microcement has been applied across floors and curved walls to deliver a sleek, high-end finish that stands up to heavy use and the demands of hospitality venues. Whether in the refined calm of the restaurant or the gemstone-like grandeur of The Lounge bar, X-Bond elevates the aesthetic while serving a practical purpose.
Ulysses S Grant High School
As part of a $158 million modernization effort, Portland Public Schools sought to preserve the historic exterior of Grant High School while completely transforming the interior to meet modern standards of sustainability, safety, and design. A major obstacle arose when 18,000 sq ft of the existing structure was found to contain magnesite concrete — a material with asbestos content and insufficient strength for public use.
SEMCO partnered with Mahlum Architecture to deliver a cost-effective, non-invasive solution using the X-Bond Microcement system and Liquid Membrane anti-fracture protection. This innovative approach encapsulated the magnesite without sanding or asbestos disturbance, reinforced the substrate to receive a new surface, and delivered a seamless finish that blended perfectly with adjacent polished concrete. The result was a durable, modern floor system that supported LEED certification goals and has the durability to accommodate over 1,800 students every day.
SEMCO’s role in this successful project has led to ongoing collaborations with Portland architects seeking similarly safe, sustainable, and budget-conscious solutions.
