190 The Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1DP
190 Strand Headline Facts:
313 natural stone faced panels, covering 4,500 square meters
Contractor : Berkley Homes
Architect : Grid Architects
Location: England
5 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AG
5 Pancras Square Headline Facts:
146 reconstructed stone panels, covering 1,350 square meters.
Contractor : Kier Construction
Architect : Weedon Partnership
The Finer Details:
This unique building has won many accolades for its design including the RIBA London Regional Award 2015, The RIBA London Sustainability Award 2015, and most recently, the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award. Furthermore it has achieved the BREEAM level of ‘Outstanding’.
It was built as the new headquarters for Camden Council and is clad at the lower levels with Techrete precast concrete panels. There were a lot of constraints encountered on site and the ground to 3rd floor cladding had to be installed in advance of the super structure. Due to the site logistics and proposed crane sizes and positons, normal installation hours could not be accommodated on site as these would have blocked deliveries and affected progress on site. There was also site off -loading restrictions.
To avoid these issues, Techrete panels were installed between 7pm and 7am using the site tower cranes. The line and level works were carried out during the day. Another challenge faced was the installation of the circular columns. This proved interesting as they were underslung units and there was reduced headroom available.
As with other projects in the Kings Cross area, there were network rail restrictions which required the downgrading of all craneage by 25%. This problem was alleviated by using mobile cranes where appropriate, although there was some back propping required to the slab during this operation.
A reconstituted stone mix was chosen in an acid etched finish which gives the building a regal finish, allowing it to blend effortlessly with the prestige of the neighbouring buildings and surroundings.
3 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AG
3 Pancras Square Headline facts:
593 reconstructed stone panels covering 7,725 square meters.
Contractor : BAM
Architect : Porphyros Architects
The Finer Details:
Techrete were awarded the contract for the design, manufacture and installation of the pre-cast elements of number 3 Pancras Square. The building comprises of an architecturally complex precast concrete facade which attaches to a steel-work frame over 10 floors. The building blends effortlessly with the other projects in the Kings Cross area, complementing the other Techrete buildings surrounding it. Production began at our facility in January 2015, with the first panels arriving on-site in July 2015. The project completed in December of that year.
Chiswick Point, 1 Bollo Lane, Colonial Drive, London
Chiswick Point Headline Facts:
803 reconstructed stone panels, covering 7,332 square meters.
Contractor : Graham Construction
Architects : John Robertson Architects
Lombard Wharf, 12 Lombard Rd, Battersea, London SW11 3AY
Lombard Wharf Headline Facts:
1,239 reconstructed stone panels, covering 6,413 square meters.
Contractor : Barrett Homes
Architect : Patel Taylor
The Finer Details:
Situated on Lombard Road in Battersea, London, this 299-foot residential building was designed by Patel Taylor Architects and the construction of this exceptional build was led by Barratt Homes. With stunning views over the Thames and London City, Lombard Wharf was one of the last remaining river front sites in Wandsworth, so it was important that the building made both a positive and dynamic contribution to the capital’s skyline.
The building appears to twist as it rises, which was achieved with very subtle changes to the positioning of the white precast concrete balconies. These subtle twists were to portray an appearance of carved stone and in order to achieve both this extraordinary shape and carved stone impression, Techrete were subcontracted to design, manufacture and deliver the architectural precast concrete cladding for the façade of Lombard Wharf.
It was understood that Techrete would not only deliver this desired stone effect, but also equip the project with their extensive experience and efficiency and provide quality control for each and every balcony, resulting in both cost and time effectiveness.
As the carved stone effect was an intricate and vital element of the build, the mix selection was crucial. Selected was the creamy and light C317 mix with Mica, which added a sparkle. Finally, finished with a light acid etched finish which exposed the natural aggregate and gives the balconies a more realistic stone feel. It was cast in a two-stage process ensuring a quality finish on all faces.
The resulting building went on to win awards in the Evening Standard New Home Awards, The Irish Concrete Society Awards and the What House Awards. Additionally, Lombard Wharf was shortlisted for the Architects Journal Housing Project of the Year (over 10m) 2018.
Two St. Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 3NQ
Two St. Peter’s Square Headline Facts:
546 reconstructed stone panels, covering 7,210 square meters.
Contractor : Laing O’Rourke
Architect : Simpson Haugh
Award : ‘Highly Commended’ – Concrete Society Awards 2018.
Judges comments :
“Visual appearance was a key driver in a very sensitive historic area of the city. The building does not look out of place at all, despite the time differences in construction. The decorative façades are very special and could only be done in precast concrete or an army of stone masons. Materials are standard but the complexity and quality of the finish is exceptional. The difficulty in forming these complex and varied units should not be underestimated. They are true three-dimensional concrete sculptures used as office window façades.
External column cladding was complex, multiply curved and feels appropriate for the location. The complexity, level of overall detail and quality is excellent. The joints of the units were lined up to show geometrical symmetry from vertical face to horizontal soffit. The judges were very impressed by this project. The decorative façades are superb and it would not be surprising if this level of decorative façade became more popular.“
The Finer Details:
2 St. Peters Square, is a truly distinguished building with its 12 floors rising majestically over the surrounding streetscape. The gable end faces onto Princess St and the building is adorned with delicate filigree tracery panels. Drawing inspiration from the Lancaster Rose which adorns the county flag and from the Cotton Bud fountain, the tracery panels were designed to incorporate these elements whilst drawing on further inspiration from the Town Hall extension stair turrets. The tracery panels are both decorative and functional and offer natural shading from the full height glazing which is situated behind them.
This choice of mix with a polished finish gives the building a timeless elegance appropriate to its prime location amongst such buildings of historical importance. The panels on the main façades embraced the ethos of off-site construction. The windows were installed at Techrete production facility and were delivered and installed as one complete unit . This resulted in a reduction in programme time and in the amount of trades required on site. This project won ‘Highly Commended’ at the Concrete Society Awards 2018.
One St. peter’s Square, Manchester M2 3AE
One St. Peter’s Square Headline Facts :
584 reconstructed stone panels, covering 6,800 square meters
Contractor : Carillion PLC
Architect : Glenn Howells Architects
Two New Ludgate, 26 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7HW
Two New Ludgate Headline Facts:
1,230 GRC panels covering 5,000 square meters.
Contractor : Skanska / Gartner
Architect : Sauerbruch Hutton
One New Ludgate, 60 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7AW
One New Ludgate Headline Facts:
1,850 reconstructed stone panels covering 5,900 square meters.
Contractor : Skanska / Scheldebouw
Architect : Fletcher Priest
The Finer Details :
1 New Ludgate, is a retail and commercial development located two blocks east of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and was named the City of London Building of the Year 2016. The system was designed to be installed without the necessity of external access. The vertical fins were supported by a bespoke unitised curtain walling system and they were installed on-site with the glazing. The horizontal ledges are supported on the concrete fins, acting as the horizontal restraint for the cladding as a whole and without interfacing with the glass cladding weather line.
The ground level columns and upper face of the spandrels are polished, which allows for better weathering and lower maintenance. The vertical fins and bottom face of the spandrels are grit blasted for a homogeneous street view. The mix has been specifically designed using Spanish dolomite aggregates and pigments, to achieve this unique impact in the City of London. Awards for this project include RICS London Award 2016, ‘Best Commercial Building’ and ‘City of London Building of the Year’ 2016.
Tapestry, 1 Canal Reach, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AZ
Tapestry Kings Cross Headline Facts:
2,400 GRC panels, covering 9,000 square meters.
Contractor : Kier Construction
Architect : Niall McLoughlin Architects
The Finer Details:
This is perhaps one of the most distinctive buildings in the Kings Cross development set along St. Pancras Lough.
It is a mixed use structure combining, residential, retail, bars, cafes and a multi-storey car park. The influence for the design of this building comes from ancient Assyrian textiles, along with other patterns from ancient Egypt right up to the twentieth century.
In addition, the building features intricate tapestry like grooves, which draws inspiration from the past when lavish tapestries would be hung on buildings to separate the outside from the inside. Techrete have a long established relationship with the architect. This was developed when they worked on the Olympic Athletes Village together and created reproductions of the Elgin marbles. The process Techrete developed involved using CNC machines to create the moulds and the methodology developed on the Olympic Village project was employed in this project. This method allowed Techrete to create sharp formal patterns using concrete moulds and the resultant intricate pattern on the panels, gives them an almost sculptural quality.
The precast elements were created with a Techrete bespoke deep red mix of GRC. The balconies were manufactured off site and were erected as individual complete units.
St. Barts Hospital, W Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE
St. Barts Hospital Headline Facts :
680 natural stone faced panels, covering 6,100 square meters.
Contractor : Skanska
Architect : HOK
Regent’s Place, 338 Euston Rd, London NW1 3BT
Regent’s Place Headline Facts :
580 stone faced and reconstructed stone panels covering 6,100 square meters.
Contractor : Lendlease
Architect : Terry Farrell Architects
Plough PLace, Holborn, London
Plough Place Headline Facts :
150 brick faced panels covering 1,500 square meters.
Contractor : Mowlem
Architect : Hamilton Associates
Paternoster Square, London
Paternoster Square Headline Facts:
630 natural stone faced and reconstructed stone panels, covering 6,100 square meters.
Contractor : Bovis Lendlease
Architect : McCormack Jamieson Prichard
Pan Peninsula, Isle of Dogs, London
Pan Peninsula Headline Facts:
1,900 reconstructed stone panels, covering 18,000 square meters.
Contractor : Ballymore Properties LTD
Architect : Skidmore Owings and Merrill
Merrill Lynch, 2 King Edward St, Farringdon, London EC1A 1HQ
Merrill Lynch Headline Facts:
1,050 natural stone facing, brick facing and terracotta facing panels, covering 8,650 square meters.
Contractor : Mace
Architect : Swanke Hayden Connell
Ludgate West, London
Ludgate West Headline Facts:
250 natural stone faced panels covering 2,700 square meters.
Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine
Architect : Skidmore Owings and Merrill
Urbanest, Canal Reach, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BD
Urbanest, Kings Cross Headline Facts:
1,000 reconstructed stone panels, covering 8,000 square meters.
Contractor : Mansells (Balfour Beatty)
Architect : Glenn Howells
The Finer Details :
This 26 storey student accommodation dominates the Kings Cross skyline. Techrete designed, built and installed, 1,000 precast panels covering 8,000 sq m of the facade. The lower levels, in a dark acid etched grey, are complemented by the Portland look-a-like, with two varying depths of a grit blasted finish to the panels at the upper levels.
The installation of the precast took only 34 weeks. The overall construction time was reduced as the installation of the panels (using a telescopic crawler crane) allowed an earlier site start date, whilst the reinforced concrete frame was still under construction. The downgrading of cranage due to the proximity of the Channel Tunnel Railway Line (CTRL) on the northern boundary of the site was an added constraint for the project. A monorail was required for the installation of the panels on the north elevation immediately adjacent to the boundary fence of the CTRL. This was also undertaken whilst the frame was being constructed above.
2 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AG
2 Pancras Square Headline Facts:
427 reconstructed stone panels, covering 5,907 units.
Contractor : BAM
Architect : Allies & Morrison
The Finer Details :
This 11 storey, 130,000 sq ft office building was designed by Allies & Morrison. The design of the architectural precast cladding gives it an interesting rhythm. As the building rises, the precast mullion sections reduce in width but deepen in depth. This was achieved by specially designed adaptable moulds. The curtain walling / glazing was prefixed to the frame, above level 2, in advance of the cladding. A delicate installation operation ensued and the fixing system had to be adjusted to the depth of the reveals. In order to increase the speed of erection, reduce cost and improve general efficiency, some of the panels were 2 storey high “F” panels. This allowed for a rapid rate of enclosure to be achieved.
The immediate impression of this building is of mullions and spandrels but a keen eye can see upon closer inspection that the mullions actually decrease in width towards the top of the building and the windows at these levels are set back further to create deeper reveals and create greater solar shading. The key to the manufacture of this was mould adaptability. To ensure minimal staining from rainwater on the face of the building, the spandrels were designed to guide the water towards a vertical drainage system in the mullions, which keeps the water off the face of the building.
The concrete mix contains some Spanish Dolomite aggregate which adds a sparkle to the façade. The uppermost level has an unusual feature of a winter garden. This comprises of 3 storey high colonnades with free standing cantilever structures. This is a very uncommon feature and structural modelling was utilised in the design process. Due to the size of the panels, some challenges were encountered during the installation process. Prior to installation these panels (10m in length) had to be rotated with the use of the tower crane and then hoisted into position.
1 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AG
1 Pancras Square, Kings Cross Headline Facts:
1,065 reconstructed stone and cast iron column panels covering 3,586 square meters.
Contractor : BAM
Architect : David Chipperfield
The Finer Details :
Techrete were engaged in 2012 to supply and erect the external façade of this 55,000 sq m office building. In addition to supplying the precast cladding panels, balconies and GRC soffits, Techrete were also engaged to design, coordinate and erect the cast iron columns, due to the proximity and interface with the cladding. These were manufactured by Hargreaves at their facility in Halifax, West Yorkshire and were then transported on specially adapted trailer frames and were subsequently painted and erected by Techrete.
The precast cladding and other features were to be erected outboard of the completed curtain wall cladding and this presented handling challenges and also required a bespoke fixing system. Due to its proximity to the rail lines, Techrete had to contend with a downgrading of all craneage by 25%. The windows were pre-installed and external access for this installation was via MEWPs. Above level 6 mast climbers were used.
The GRC soffits were up to 2.8m wide and specially adapted trailers, frames and lifting equipment were used to assist site handling of the panels in under-slung areas which were not accessible by the tower crane. Trial lifts were carried out at the factory, prior to delivery to site. A tower crane was used for the majority of the installation with the exception of the balconies which, due to their weight, were hoisted by a mobile crane. To ensure the uniformity of finish Techrete undertook to construct the paving and steps beneath the colonnade.
The reconstituted stone mix chosen was to complement the adjacent building B4 (Two Pancras Square) and a warm acid etched finish was used to achieve this intent.