Precast Concrete Panel Types

Single Skin Panels

Consisting of a single layer of reinforced precast concrete, single skin panels are our most popular panel type. They can be reinforced to the required structural capacity and are commonly used for both low and high-rise buildings.

The panels, typically 125mm to 150mm thick, are non-load bearing and can be flat or custom-made.

A wide range of finishes and patterns are available.

Single skin panels offer the usual benefits of precast cladding, including design flexibility, thermal mass and sustainability advantages, off-site manufacture and thus high quality, rapid installation, durability, and minimal maintenance.

Featured Single Skin Project

10 Molesworth Street, Dublin


Sandwich Panels

Precast concrete sandwich panels can either be load-bearing or non load-bearing. The panels provide an energy efficient solution for exterior walling, while also being fire-resistant and durable. They are available in a range of widths, lengths, depths and exterior finishes.

The sandwich panels consist of:
  • An outer, non load-bearing leaf of precast concrete (typically 80mm) with an architectural finish for reconstructed stone
  • An inner leaf of load-bearing plain grey concrete (100 to 200 mm) with a power float finish (optimal) for direct painting
  • An insulating layer sandwiched between the outer and inner layers to meet regulation ‘U Value’.

The sandwich panel can be used as the entire wall structure (internal and external). There is no need for internal plaster lining. We can change the shape, thickness and size of the concrete as required, and adjust the thickness of the insulation to attain the required U-Value.

The two layers can be connected using stainless steel or plastic connectors, which allow suspension of the outer leaf so it can expand and contract within its plane. The thermal bridge through the steel/plastic connectors is minimal (typical diameter of 4mm for steel). The system provides structural integrity without relying on the insulation for any transfer of loading. Thus, fibrous insulation materials can be used, and a cavity may be included.

To fully optimise the system, the inner leaf of the panel should be load-bearing so as to support floor units. This minimises the number of columns needed around the perimeter of the building, thus offering further economies in the building and reducing the need for coordinating different trades.

Featured Sandwich Panel Project

Leeds DHQ, Leeds.


Industrial Sandwich Panels

Precast insulated concrete sandwich panels are an inexpensive, strong, energy-efficient, fire-resistant, and durable cladding system. They offer many advantages for a wide range of industrial buildings, including manufacturing and high-tech facilities, warehouse distribution and food-processing centres, and retail outlets. The panels are well suited for the durable, wide-open spaces required.

The Sandwich panels are available in a wide variety of lengths, widths, thicknesses, and finishes.

Sandwich panels consist of an outer leaf of precast concrete, an insulation layer, and a backing leaf of plain grey concrete. The type and depth of insulation can be varied to achieve the required U-Value.

Featured Industrial Sandwich Panel Project

Techrete Factory, Dublin.

Glass Reinforced Concrete Panels

Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) is one of the most innovative construction materials available and provides designers with complex aesthetics as well as exceptionally high performance.

GRC panels, generally ribbed or sandwich panels, provide durability, fire resistance, sound reduction and energy efficiency as well as the superior properties inherent in the material. With one-fifth of the weight for the same solution in precast concrete, this option is more suitable for areas with restricted access, and gives the building structure considerably less loads.

GRC panels are lightweight but extremely strong, and come in a wide variety of finishes and colours. Tough and impact-proof, they have unrivalled durability, being resistant to acid rain, ultra-violet light and freeze-thaw.

The glass fibres, which are dispersed throughout the concrete, serve a similar purpose to the steel in reinforced concrete.

Featured GRC Project

Tapestry, Kings Cross, London