De Vere Gardens, Kensington, London
De Vere Gardens Headline Facts:
168 reconstructed stone panels, covering 1,600 square meters.
Contractor : Sir Robert McAlpine
Architect : David Chipperfield
Panel Type: Single Skin
Ashington Leisure Centre, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9JY
Ashington Leisure Centre Headline Facts:
158 reconstructed stone panels, covering 4,737 square meters.
Contractor : Carillion
Architect : Ryder Architecture
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.
Dublin Landings, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1
Dublin Landings Headline Facts:
470 brick faced panels, covering 5,805 square meters.
Contractor : Walls Construction
Architect : ARROW Architects & RKD Architects
The Finer Details:
Dublin Landings is one of two landmark riverfront buildings developed in the historical, heart of Dublin City. Given the historical tone in the docklands it was important that these two buildings aligned with the nature of the area, this meant that RKD Architects and ARROW Architects would have to coordinate their designs. The elevational design was developed to provide a calm foil next to the lively Central Bank of Ireland facades immediately adjacent. Brick cladding was among choices made to refer to and reflect the palette of historical Docklands materials of the area, and also to present an understated elegance in the finished elevations
Walls Construction enlisted both ARROW Architects and RKD Architects to design a building that would be part of Project Wave. A commercial office and residential redevelopment located in the dock lands of Dublin city. Project wave as a whole will deliver up to 65,000 sq. m of commercial offices and residential opportunity. This phase of Project wave is situated on the forefront of North Wall Quay, alongside some of the most prominent office headquarters in Ireland such as the Central Bank of Ireland.
At an early stage in the project it was decided that the facades would be formed in precast elements, partly for programme and cost reasons but mainly to achieve the highest levels of quality and precision in the expression of the brickwork, through meticulous fabrication of the brick façade on the building to the exacting quality demanded for this prime development. Techrete was chosen by RKD due to their proven ability in the industry and the high quality of product which would suit this prime development area. Techrete designed, manufactured, erected and sealed the architectural precast concrete cladding of the façade on the building. The initial task was to find a façade design that would marry the existing tone of the area which already is filled with high rise buildings some with unique façades. It was decided that brick face façade units would be used to both align with the manner of the area and allow the façade to be prominent. The façade covered 5,805 m² made up of 470 nr. of units. These units consisted of brick faced wall panels, mullions and spandrels. The mullion panels were two storey high and although they were difficult to erect the team were able to use less fixtures.
When deciding to use brick on the façade two European bricks were ordered, this caused complications during moulding because of brick tolerances. The installation of the façade was undertaken with tower cranes and was a relatively smooth operation with the exception of the ESB substation where panels had to be installed with a mobile crane. This elevation was restricted access use due to the close proximity of the central bank. Separately installation was in an adhoc sequence due to the tight programme, EPDM and installation needed to be applied in advance of the panel installation and cranage needed to be sequenced on relevant days with two separate crews.
Capital Dock, 82 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2
Capital Dock Headline Facts:
1,105 brick facing, punch window panels, covering 8,279 square meters.
Contractor : Sisk
Architect : O’Mahony Pike
The Finer Details :
Completed in 2018 and situated at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Grand Canal Dock, ‘Capital Dock’ is the tallest residential building in Ireland and with 23 floors, it is the third tallest storeyed building on the island of Ireland. Construction began on this 79 meter, landmark residential building in 2015 and took three years to complete.
Designed by OMP Architecture in a modernist style and developed by American firm, Kennedy Wilson, the total Capital Dock development spans 4.8 acres and features more than 1.5 acres of public space. The design intent was for strong simple forms to clearly reference the traditional industrial architecture of the docklands, while at the same time exuding a timeless quality.
At an early stage in the project it was decided that the facade would be formed in precast brick elements, not only for improvement of the site programme, but mainly to achieve the highest levels of quality and precision in the expression of the brickwork, through meticulous fabrication of the brick façade on the building to the exacting quality demanded for this iconic development.
The brick was incorporated during the casting phase of the panels and the resulting product benefits from all of the advantages of precast whilst maintaining the look and feel of traditional materials and techniques. Reconstituted stone was used for the cills which helped the structural make-up of the panels.
Another key feature of this brick faced project from Techrete’s perspective was the fitting of the windows off-site, some of which included Juliette balconies. This helped considerably with the main project programme as the brick-faced panels along with the windows and balconies were erected together onsite. To minimise the vertical panel joints, the panels were designed to sleeve behind one another, helping to achieve the elongated look of the design brief. The sleeving also helped to form a structural surround for the windows to be fitted off-site.
Due to the high rise nature of the build, it was necessary for Techrete to begin installing panels before the steel framework was complete and panels were installed to level 14 with a mobile crane under the concrete frames formwork. This allowed for simultaneous erection of the frame and precast panels, assisting greatly with reducing the on-site programme. The precast cladding seamlessly matched the limited area of traditional brickwork on site. The logistics of manufacturing the panels, followed by co-ordination of window / balcony fitting and finally site installation required in-depth planning and organisation.
Capital Dock won ‘Housing Project of the Year’ at the Irish Building and Design Awards 2019
Visual Control Tower, Dublin Airport
Visual Control Tower Headline Facts:
115 reconstructed stone panels, covering 2,375 square meters.
Contractor: BAM
Architect: Scott Tallon Walker
The Finer Details :
The Visual Control Tower at Dublin Airport is one of the tallest structures in Ireland and it is Ireland’s tallest occupied building. Contracted by BAM and standing at 87.7 metres high, the tower provides clear views for current and future runways at Dublin Airport. Designed by Scott Tallon Walker Architects, the building comprises a 17-storey shaft with a 4 storey control room sitting on top and to help achieve the design brief of an elegant, modern structure, it was essential that the tower shaft displayed no cold joints and that the surface was of an excellent finish.
Techrete were involved on the project with Scott Tallon Walker from the initial concept and design stage of the tower to ensure that their design intent of this unusual project could be achieved. Techrete were engaged to provide and install the curved precast panels for the shaft with feature knuckles arranged in a triangular shape.
Future maintenance was a key consideration for the project and as such, the shaft facade was designed as a rain screen with open drained joggle joints, allowing rain water to funnel behind the panels and drain out at the bottom of the structure, fulfilling the ‘self-cleaning’ intent of the design.
The unusual shape of the shaft and panels required Techrete to design bespoke structural hanging brackets to support the heavy loads of the panels. Multiple curved timber moulds of varying shapes and radii were designed and manufactured to produce the unusual and varying shapes of the panels. The mix chosen for the panels was our popular C190, white mix and panels were given an acid etched finish. A key challenge for Techrete on this project was the limited time to install the panels before the Control Room steel frame was due to arrive on site and be installed.
The Visual Control Tower won ‘Engineering Project of the Year’ at the Irish Building and Design Awards 2019.
10 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2
10 Molesworth Street Headline Facts:
262 brick facing, natural stone facing and reconstructed stone panels, covering 3,515 square meters.
Contractor: PJ Hegarty & Son
Architect: Henry J Lyons
The Finer Details:
Techrete were engaged to design, manufacture and erect over 3,500 m² of architectural brick faced precast concrete cladding panels, as part of the façade of number 10 Molesworth Street. Chosen for our speed of erection and Techrete’s ability to provide for quality control of the brickwork and jointing, the architectural precast element consists of mullions, spandrels, parapets and stone-faced wall panels. The carefully chosen mix was Techrete’s timelessly elegant light, warm, off-white mix with an etched finish. To complement the mix, a natural stone-faced wall panel was chosen.
The brick wall panels offered a striking yet complementary contrast to the reconstructed stone mix. The chosen brick is a blended red colour range with off-white mortar joints. To keep with the Georgian tradition, the bricks were laid in a Flemish bond. The building combines both traditional and contemporary design and with careful selection of materials and modern construction methods, the symmetry and overall appearance of the building has managed to adopt the genre of prestige that is synonymous with this area of Dublin.
UCD Engineering & Materials Science Centre, Stillorgan Road, Belfield, Dublin 4
UCD Engineering Building Headline Facts:
200 GRC panels, covering 2,500 square meters.
Contractor : Cleary & Doyle
Architect : Scott Tallon Walker
St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, Merrion Rd, Dublin 4
St Vincent’s Hospital Headline Facts:
292 reconstructed stone panels, covering 3,020 square meters.
Contractor : John Paul Construction
Architect : Scott Tallon Walker
NIBRT, UCD, Foster’s Avenue, Belfield, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
NIBRT Headline Facts:
150 reconstructed stone panels, covering 3,002 square meters.
Contractor : John Sisk & Son
Architect : Jacobs Architects
Hilton Hotel, Malahide Rd, Northern Cross, Co. Dublin
Hilton Hotel Headline Facts:
250 reconstructed stone panels, covering 2,500 square meters.
Contractor : PJ Walls
Architect : James Smith Architects
Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Herbert Park Hotel Headline Facts:
525 GRC panels, covering 2,500 square meters.
Contractor : McSharry’s
Architect : O’Mahony Pike
5 Hanover Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2
5 Hanover Quay Headline Facts:
484 reconstructed stone panels, covering 5,574 square meters.
Contractor : Bennett Construction
Architect : RKD Architects
The Finer Details :
5 Hanover Quay stands in an enviable position in the heart of the prestigious South Dublin Docklands, in an area dubbed “silicon docks”. Situated at the impressive waterfront of the Grand Canal Basin and on its northern boundary, it boasts high-tech neighbours such as Google, Facebook and LinkedIn. The aim of this building is to be an instrumental component of Dublin’s Dockland Regeneration.
RKD architects were appointed by APTIV Global Operations Ltd. to design this 161,300 sq ft, impressively, unique building. One of the main elements of the design brief of this seven storey building, was a strong emphasis on quality. One of the design elements decided on was to feature, high quality, reconstructed stone outer frame. With concrete being such an integral part of the design, the façade had to demonstrate an iconic design element. RKD worked closely with Techrete as they deemed Techrete to possess the specialist skill and experience of working with concrete to the highest quality.
With such a strong design element placed on the use of concrete, the mix chosen had to be mindful of the projects location, to ensure it was placed appropriately within the surrounding architecture of this dense urban docklands area. The mix chosen was Techrete’s C190. This light, timelessly sophisticated mix, when lightly acid etched post production, resembles natural limestone. Due to the nature of the columns a steel column mould was used to guarantee a blemish free finish to the three exposed faces. The architectural precast element consisted of reconstructed stone columns, beams, wall panels and mullions .
The installation of the façade was undertaken with two tower cranes was a typical installation operation one would expect from such a project. Due to the nature of the columns which spanned across two floors the mullions were engineered so that they could be rotated on site without the use of any mechanical tilting equipment. The eastern elevation, which is opposite an adjacent site and over an underground car park raised significant challenges including the application of mastic. Techrete’s site team overcame these challenges using a spider MEWP, which allowed the application of mastic to areas that otherwise may have proven inaccessible.
Opus, 6 Hanover Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2
Opus, 6 Hanover Quay Headline Facts:
Award Winner : ‘Highly Commended’ – Irish Concrete Society Awards 2020
850 reconstructed stone panels, covering 6,700 square meters.
Contractor : Cairn Homes
Architect : McCauley Daye O’Connell
The Finer Details :
Opus 6, Hanover Quay, is a landmark residential development of 120 apartments over 2,600 sqm, located in the heart of Dublin’s Grand Canal Square district. Having gained the nickname “Silicon Docks”, this area has been regenerated from a working industrial dock to become Dublin’s premier business and technology district. The design was developed as a response to the context of the site taking influence from the maritime history, evoked in the dynamic curvilinear form defined by the fluid black horizontal precast bands stretching across glazed façade.
The building cantilevers over the footpath at the front and rear, floating above the tall glass walls. This horizontal band and loop design extends from the waterfront around elegant curved corners at Hanover and Chocolate Park and into and around the ground level and individual lobby entrance door of the inner courtyard. The curtain wall façade with continuous glazed balustrades and curvilinear polished reconstituted stone, reinforces the maritime aesthetic that was key to the scheme. The heavy black, curved panels appear to float over-head, giving the building an exciting and distinctive dynamic.
Techrete were engaged by Carin Homes to design, manufacture and install the precast elements of the striking facade of this McCauley Daye O’Connell designed project. Techrete were chosen for our efficiency in terms of material use, time and quality control that this highly engineered building required, which would otherwise be difficult to achieve.
Techrete’s black mix with a polished finish consists of black basalt, sands and aggregates. Additionally, white cement was used to guarantee consistency of colour and finish between the panels. The elegant tight curved panels were all hand polished. Specially designed moulds were created to overcome the complex geometry of the black precast facade and contrasting white balcony designs. In addition, the panels could only be installed after the glazing which required precision handling. The panels were erected with tight tolerances as any slight movement could have caused breakages to the glazed curtain wall elements.
The concrete floors above ground level consist of post-tensioned slabs, which allows for slabs which use over 20% less RC concrete to be utilised throughout, representing a significant reduction in the overall carbon footprint. This highly engineered construction further allowed the building to cantilever beyond the extent of the ground floor, while still supporting the dynamic precast stone loops providing views and forms, that would otherwise have been unachievable.
Griffith College, South Circular Rd, Merchants Quay, Dublin 8
Griffith College Headline Facts:
550 reconstructed stone and brick faced panels, covering 5,700 square meters.
Contractor : PJ Hegarty
Architect : Aidan Powell & Associates
Gallery Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2
Gallery Quay Headline Facts:
500 reconstructed stone panels, covering 4,400 square meters.
Contractor : Pierse Contracting
Architect : HKR Architects
Five Lamps, Amien Street, North Strand, Dublin 1
Five Lamps Headline Facts:
120 natural stone faced and brick faced panels, covering 1,200 square meters.
Contractor: Townlink Construction
Architect : CMP Architects