Because these concrete stairs and landings were also going to be heated with a glycol in-slab heating system, they were insulated. Because they were to be supported at point loads over the piles, the concrete was thickened to 6 inches, making it more of a structural slab design. The stair risers also were wired for lightning.
Later, after the cement had been poured, it was sandblasted. Architectural light sandblast finish, also known as only architectural finish, is a popular finish. Typically there is no color added as there was none added to this project as well.