ABOUT
WHAT WE DO
Raw Concrete Design is a proudly local Hawke’s Bay company, specialising in handcrafted, bespoke polished concrete creations for both residential and commercial spaces.
From sleek kitchen benchtops and stylish bathroom vanities to vessel sinks, outdoor tables, BBQ surfaces, fireplace surrounds, and custom furniture — we bring your vision to life using premium GFRC (glass fibre reinforced concrete). Every piece is handmade to order, tailored to your needs, and one-of-a-kind thanks to the natural variations in concrete. The design possibilities with GFRC are virtually endless — if you can imagine it, we can create it.
All of our work is crafted in our Hawke’s Bay workshop and delivered directly to you. While we’re proudly based in the Bay, we service clients throughout much of New Zealand.
Explore our portfolio to see our latest projects, and follow us on Instagram @raw_concrete_design to stay inspired and see what we’re currently working on.
GFRC
What is GFRC?
GFRC (also known as GRC) stands for Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete — a high-performance material made from a blend of cement, fine aggregates, water, acrylic co-polymer, and glass fibres.
Why Choose GFRC?
For over 30 years, decorative concrete artisans have been using GFRC for its exceptional strength and versatility. In recent years, it’s finally gaining the broader recognition it deserves for both residential and commercial applications.
What sets GFRC apart is its superior strength-to-weight ratio, enhanced flexural and tensile strength, and remarkable durability. Unlike traditional concrete, GFRC is much less prone to cracking and can be cast thinner — without sacrificing strength. This means we can achieve bold, intricate designs with ease, and often without the need for added structural support beneath.
Its lightweight nature makes GFRC ideal for a wide range of applications, including, kitchen benchtops, commercial countertops, bathroom vanities, splashbacks, fireplace surrounds, wall panels and facades, custom furniture and more
At Raw Concrete Design, GFRC is our specialty. We’ve dedicated ourselves to mastering this craft — particularly in benchtop applications — and take pride in delivering GFRC products that meet the highest standards of quality and finish.
TOBY PAYTON
Meet Toby – Founder of Raw Concrete Design
After building a successful corporate career that took him from Auckland to London and back, Toby found himself craving something more meaningful than the daily office routine. In search of a new direction, he left his role and relocated with his young family to Hawke’s Bay.
In 2017, a chance reconnection with a school friend—an expert in GFRC (Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete)—opened the door to an entirely new creative journey. Inspired by their conversations, Toby embraced the world of concrete design. Under his friend’s guidance, he began learning the craft, combining hands-on technique with a deep understanding of the material’s possibilities.
Today, Toby leads Raw Concrete Design with passion and vision. He’s drawn to concrete for its raw beauty, durability, and the unique character it brings to every space. With big plans for the future, Toby is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in concrete design for the home.