"concrete structures"

Precast concrete Groundwall panels, designed and manufactured by Whites Concrete with a special rock face finish to blend in with existing surroundings, have replaced an integral part of a cemetery wall structure in Wigan. The 2.35m high (1m wide) concrete panels, which were formed with a bespoke liner, were installed on time and within budget by Parklands Services, a leading construction provider in the North West. Shaun Edwards, Managing Director of Parklands Services, commented: “We were very impressed with the turnaround, quality and detail of the precast panels from Whites Concrete".

The challenge was to construct a roof top extension on top of the luxury hotel NOBU in Shoreditch. The plan was to add an additional 1 storey of hotel rooms, suites, dining areas and open terraces that would replace the existing planted roof. The chosen solution was Tarmac Toplight C lightweight structural concrete in a pump mix with the addition of steel fibres, ensuring maximum weight loss of 35% with no compromise on structural concrete performance.By adding steel fibres into the lightweight mix the composite metal deck system could be installed without the need for traditional expensive and slow steel reinforcement across the deck. The use of lightweight concrete, furthermore, reduced the load by 35% which meant the existing structure did not need to be reinforced or under pinned. The construction programme time was also reduced considerably.

A complete rework of a postmodern office building (60 London Wall), situated in the heart of the City of London. The project aim was to extensively refurbish, reconfigure, reinvent and reposition the building.Due to the addition of a composite metal deck floor extension and additional steel frame for the top floors, Tarmac’s Toplight C lightweight structural concrete was seen as the perfect solution as it could be pumped and ensured a weight loss of 30% whiel maintaining the necessary structural performance.

The project comprised of a large scale installation of Square GRC concrete floor tiles in two contrasting colours. Large Hazelnut tiles with Anti-slip Sandblast finish were laid around the main reception are. The remaining floor areas we resurfaced with Silver and Hazelnut tiles in Silk finish to emphasise the predominantly neutral colour palette of the interiors and the existing concrete structures which were left exposed.The tiles were manufactured using our special GRC BTX concrete, which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete. We used our unique eco concrete mix technology with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption and staining. The challenges for this project were working with such large tiles that were pre-cut and only allowed for minor adjustments on site but the project was completed to a high spec for the client.

JORDAHL® cast-in channel provided the versatility of fixing, whilst J&P provided the quality of support for this prestigious project. Loveld Concrete provided the high-quality precast panels used on both end gable elevations. Unitised glazing was fixed into each panel using JORDAHL® JTA K channel. Each panel was then subsequently fixed back to the concrete structure also using JORDAHL® JTA W 72/48 high-load channel. The pods were fixed using JORDAHL® JTA 53/34 channel, which accommodated the greater loads required.

Designed by architects from Qatar, this complex villa has a very different design from the usual house models; Clean and angular forms which are broken up with massive section of timber structures. These structures are not ordinarily large section of timber. They are created in house at Technowood and serve as a “reduced timber option”. Furthermore, with only using 2% when compared to using sold timber for the same project.Stone, metals and glass are the main texture of the design. These white tones of concrete structured against panels of natural timber, it’s most eye-catching feature. Located in Dohada, one of the most modern cities of Qatar, this futuristic house is also accompanied by the tranquil nature of the pool and the wooden sunbathing areas surrounding the secluded exterior.When working with designs for projects, Technowood allows the Architect to think big and realise big at the same time. Unsupported beams of this natural material can span up to 12 metres unsupported… imagine this section in a hard wood, the weight would be tonnes in comparison to the lightweight Technowood option.Credits and Further informationLocationDohada, QatarMaterialsCantilevered Bris Soleil, solid forms and cladding in TechnowoodProjectPrivate Villa

The Living Concrete team are highly experienced at working with leading designers to create bespoke furniture for beautiful spaces. That’s why Charlotte Crosland came to us to discuss the design, manufacture and installation of this stunning outdoor kitchen and entertainment space, housed in a purpose built oak building at her client’s Great Missenden home.We cast a number of items including work surfaces, kitchen cupboards with shelving and drawers, fridge enclosure, BBQ, cast in sink with copper fittings and seatWe used a unique eco concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption and the smooth Silk Mist finish was treated and sealed with Satin Stain protection to make it damage proof. Our high-performance concrete doesn’t corrode or degrade, making it a long-lasting, practical choice that will keep its good looks. It’s fireproof too – a major advantage inside the home, but equally so in an outdoor oak-built structure such as this.

Precast concrete Groundwall L-Shaped retaining wall panels, designed and manufactured by Whites Concrete (part of the Naylor Group) with a special rock face finish to blend in with existing surroundings have replaced an integral part of a cemetery wall structure in Wigan.

The Scope of the project was to provide a structural waterproofing solution to a private dwelling with new build extension.The property, situated on a sloping site gave the opportunity for the waterproof design to utilise the properties environment to allow for natural discharge of any potential water ingress.The property was detached and retaining to the front and side elevations where the retaining ground slopes down and away from the property to a garden that continues to slope down to a small stream. The retaining walls on either elevation rise at their highest point to approximately 1500mm above the internal floor level.The internal walls of the property were original brick to the front and new cavity built concrete block. The floor to what was the original house is of solid concrete construction joining on to a newer block and beam floor construction.When designing the most appropriate waterproofing system to any given situation, various design factors require addressing such as (but not limited to), final use of the building, the grade of waterproofing requirement under the British Standard, structural considerations based on the form of construction and in some cases, satisfying the requirements of building warranty providers.

Challenge: Concourse Village Plaza houses apartment blocks, retail shops, a multiplex cinema and underground parking. Chloride ingress and weathering has taken its toll on the structure with cracking and spalling of the concrete cover from reinforcement corrosion.Strategy: Significant concrete repair in conjunction with an ICCP system was needed for the structure. LoCem® +chase®, will be used specifically for reinforced concrete structures, where the ICCP anode mortar operates within slots cut and holes drilled strategically into the reinforced concrete structural elements. LoCem® is a low carbon cement alternative that can also act as a cathodic protection anode.Outcome: With the design of the ICCP for the Central podium completed, construction will begin in 2023 before moving to the West and East podiums. The project and is expected to go on for the next 2.5 years. The result of the project will be an ESG compliant strategy that will create a more resilient structure, utilising low carbon build materials that can control the impact of corrosion.

Cann Hall Skate Park in Waltham Forest, East London had been closed after the steel frame and plywood structure had fallen into disrepair. A refurbishment proposal was put together with funding from the Council’s Greenspace department, government funding secured by the Council’s youth service team and a donation from the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team. The designer chose TOPTINT coloured concrete as part of a high contrast design that would emphasise the bold geometric shapes used. Available in a wide range of colours, TOPTINT would deliver the smooth, durable finish required for the skate park surface in the bright, contrasting colours that the designer was looking for.TOPTINT coloured concretes use liquid colour pigment which is UV stable meaning that the colour will not degrade over time from natural sunlight. Also, because this liquid pigment is evenly mixed throughout the concrete, the colour resists surface wear, even in busy locations like skate parks.Read the full story at: https://tarmac.com/case-studies/coloured-concrete-for-london-skate-park/

The Dream is a 20m precast concrete sculpture on the site of the old Sutton Manor Colliery near St. Helens in Lancashire. Created by world-renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, it serves as a memorial to the miners who worked at the site. Because of the sculpture’s exposure to winds of up to 45m/s, all of the elements were connected to form a single monolithic structure. The design required a connection force of 200kN between adjacent elements, both horizontally and vertically. J&P was approached to deliver because of the company’s expertise in working with precast concrete.

Dawnus Civil Engineering were commissioned by Cardiff CC to construct a hydro electric power station at Radyr Weir. The £2.6m scheme comprised of damming the section of works from the River Taff and constructing the structure to house the Archimedes turbine screws. They required a concrete that could take the weight of the screws 3 days after pouring and asked for a 3 day strength of 50N.Tarmac suggested TOPROC ED which is a high performance readymixed concrete suitable for use in industrial, commercial and infrastructure construction where high early strength is required.

The reservoir had an estimated 180 metres of cracks that needed repair, as well as the main element of the concrete that required coating to waterproof and add durability to the concrete structure. The Reservoir was taken out of commission but it needed to be returned to service as soon as possible. To do this, we looked at the order of the processes to ensure the tight time frames could be met.  

This major expansion of the deep-water container terminal at Liverpool docks would significantly increase the footprint and capacity of the site. The site handles the world’s largest container ships and connects road, rail and canal networks directly to the heart of the UK mainland. As part of this project, external concrete surfacing was needed that would deliver long term resistance to the high volumes of HGV traffic using the terminal. After discussions with the contractor, the solution proposed was Tarmac’s TOPFORCE fibre reinforced concrete with a combination of synthetic macro and micro fibres. TOPFORCE can eliminate the need for some traditional steel reinforcement, making it quicker and easier to place. It offers excellent longterm durability making it ideal for commercial and industrial sites used by HGV traffic. This solution would deliver a saving in both labour and material costs and avoid the budget impact of the rising cost of steel. As well as improving the durability and structural performance, the use of macro fibres also improved sustainability significantly by reducing embodied carbon compared to traditional steel reinforcement. 

Crown House is a change of use project from an old 1960s office block into modern student accommodation and highlights the opportunity to repair and refurbish concrete structures to provide much needed housing for local communities. The refurbishment and repair approach is of course, significantly greener than a complete demolition and rebuild, particularly in a busy town location such as Brighton. The concrete surveys found issues with the underlining substrate, including carbonation, so the project required a specification which would ensure protection of the concrete, in addition to a pleasing aesthetic finish for the client and student residents of the new block.

In this project Stoneworld have supplied and installed a totally bespoke sandstone staircase, created by cladding a poured concrete structure. Stoneworld create a digital template for each piece by using the latest portable scanning equipment onsite. This data is then used to waterjet individual pieces for the step treads and step risers. Read on to see the details of this project

This stunning bespoke stone staircase, created from La Roche limestone, forms part of a large project that Stoneworld have collaborated on: After digitally templating the bare concrete structure onsite, individual step treads and step risers have been cut on the water jet cutter in our masonry factory. These have then been expertly fitted by the contractor.

Located between St. David's and Aberdour, the tanker terminal at Braefoot Bay is a base for the export of liquefied petroleum gas. The terminal consists of two jetties located on the north shore of Incholm Island. The gas is piped to the Mossmoran Plant in Fife direct from the North Sea, broken down to form ethane and then converted into ethylene, the basic hydrocarbon 'building block' of the petrochemical industry. The products are then piped the final three mile journey to the Braefoot Marine Terminal where they are fed into tankers and gas carriers for markets in Europe and the USA. The terminal is operated jointly by Shell Expro and Exxon.The jetty was suffering from increasing levels of deterioration of the reinforced concrete structure due to the relentless corrosive action of the marine salt environment on the reinforcing steel. A remedial plan was developed to carry out repairs and to introduce a cathodic protection (CP) system to greatly enhance the protection level and therefore extend the life of the structure. The plan was prepared by structural engineers from Shell, led by Hans Verheyde, and Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK (BBCS) was awarded the contract.Two major factors had to be accommodated within the repair programme. Firstly, the tidal flow that submerged the lower part of the jetty twice every 24 hours and secondly, the jetty is a fully live and very active transport hub and shipping schedules had to take precedence at all times. Round-the-clock flexible working maintained delivery of the twelve-month project.Saint-Gobain Weber's specialised repair concrete products were specified for the remedial actions on the Braefoot Bay jetty and technical application advice was provided for the active phase of the project. A suspended scaffold was designed and installed which allowed fast access when the tide ebbed so that productivity could be maintained. Traditional techniques were used to breakout the spalled and cracked concrete and to wash out the surface chlorides and clean the existing reinforcement steels.webercem five star repair concrete CP is a shrinkage-compensated, high strength, low resistivity, flowing repair concrete designed for use in conjunction with CP systems. This pre-blended cementitious concrete fully complies with the Highways Agency Specification Class 29F for high-strength flowing concrete for major structural repairs. It contains non-reactive aggregates with a low soluble-alkali cement content which is particularly important where CP is to be used. The rapid strength development and dimensional stability of webercem five star repair concrete CP – which reaches 27N/mm² in 24 hours – was especially valuable in the tidal conditions in Fife. Tight shuttering was used on the wide beam sections of the jetty to take the poured concrete which reached an integral bond with the original concrete. This process reformed the structural integrity using products with proven durability.An innovative CP system using Duogard® hybrid anodes from CPT was installed to protect the steel reinforcement with the anodes fixed into the soffits with a special CPT mortar. Where the CP installation required chases to carry the cabling, webercem HB40 high-build structural repair mortar was used to fill and seal the chases. webercem bondcoat, a polymer-modified, cementitious bonding aid and steel reinforcement primer, was first applied into the chases to ensure enhanced bonding. webercem HB40 is an acrylic-polymer modified, single component mortar and is lightweight with high build qualities. It can be applied in layers up to 75mm thick vertically, and 50mm on overhead soffits, and can be used without formwork. It was then applied onto the tacky webercem bondcoat primer and finished flush to the concrete surface.The Braefoot Bay terminal project has been completed successfully and Dewi Miller, contracts manager, BBCS, is confident that the jetty protection will extend the working life of the structure. "The products we have used are excellent and the application methods have enabled us to deliver a high degree of protection and reinstatement to the concrete structure. Working on a live site in a tidal zone has required a flexible work schedule but the whole project has worked exactly to plan and the client is very pleased with the result. The Weber materials have been the key to achieving this success."

The 'HOOLA' in Tidal Basin Road in East London, gateway to the soon-to-be regenerated Royal Victoria Docks area, has transformed a brownfield site into two rippling 23 and 24 storey glass towers, that offer 360 apartments with a mix of studios, along with one, two and three-bedroom units.The buildings are super-insulated and the concrete frame will act as a heat sink – absorbing heat on warm days and releasing it back into apartments when it cools. An innovative link-up with the neighbouring ExCel Exhibition Centre will also see excess heat piped directly into the two towers. This will provide all the necessary heating and hot water requirements and significantly reduce maintenance costs by doing away with the need for individual boilers. A critical design requirement for such a super-insulated building was the avoidance of any risk of thermal bridging at the many concrete-to-concrete balcony connectivity points – so highly efficient structural thermal breaks were required throughout. The preferred solution was the Schöck Isokorb® T type K for cantilever balconies.Luke Smerdon-White, Technical Director at Thorp, takes up the story: "We had to design, manufacture and deliver 1410 precast concrete balcony sections that had to then be cast integrally with the in situ concrete structure." "The exposed front-face is curved, with almost 50 different dimensional configurations, while the internal face has a facetted line that had to correlate with the glazing line and opening doors."

Manufacture and installation of bespoke white concrete kitchen worktops and concrete cladded central island. The large format concrete panels were wrapped around the central island with 3D concrete tiles completing the design. All worktops and tiles were fitted using mechanical and chemical fixings.

On this fast turnaround project we worked closely with Apteriors; Interior Design and Furniture Specialists and McLaren Construction to manufacture and supply outdoor concrete furniture for new multipurpose recreation and study area for New Regent’s College in London. Living Concrete supplied 4 large Let’s Dine Concrete Tables and 12 concrete cube seats with oak cladding which were assembled on site and finished with a specialist sealant. Product Spec: Let’s Dine Table Size: height 70cm x length 200cm x width 100cm Finish/ Colour: Mist Hand-cast GRC concrete Indoor and outdoor use

Forum "Gold und Silber" with its impressively unusual facade incorporating a thermally separated steel structure. The unusual facade with its warm golden colouring and square cut-outs is fastened to a steel substructure that, in turn, is anchored to the reinforced concrete building with Isokorb® T types SK and K. The design of the magnificent envelope made from aluminium slabs with gold-coloured coating is testament to the goldsmithing that has been a traditional craft in Schwäbisch Gmünd for more than six hundred years. The concept envisaged strict separation of the core from the envelope: A multi-angled lightweight structure made of square façade panels coated with a substance that is reminiscent of gold leaf encases the five-floor reinforced concrete skeleton structure measuring 19 x 19 metres. The aluminium skin is set at a distance and features more than 1000 cut-outs of various sizes at interestingly different intervals.Getting a grip on thermal bridgesThe aluminium panels are fastened to a steel frame anchored with Schöck Isokorb® T type SK elements to the load-bearing reinforced concrete skeleton structure. In addition, Isokorb® T type K elements transfer the loads from cantilevered concrete slabs into the concrete structure. Without these load bearing thermal insulation elements, it would not be possible to implement such a facade design nowadays, given the thermal bridges at the joints. Schöck Isokorb® T type SK transfers negative moments and positive shear forces from steel components, such as cantilevered facade substructures, balconies and canopies, to concrete components. Whereas Schöck Isokorb® T type K is designed for cantilever reinforced concrete balconies and concrete slabs. This Schöck Isokorb® T variant also transfers negative moments and positive shear forces.Modern precious metal designAccordingly the Schöck Isokorb® T plays a key role in enabling implementation of the unusual facade design, which turns the building into a striking statement of modern architecture. A total of 767 aluminium panels were used. Their unmistakable, warm golden colouring comes from Duraflon coating, which is enormously resistant to bleaching and colour changes. Depending on the angle of the sun and the position of the observer, the Swabian nugget on the banks of the River Rems shimmers in different shades of metallic gold, while at the same time proving "all that glitters is not gold". Nevertheless, the Forum Gold und Silber still knows how to impress, long after the State Garden Show has finished.

On this fast turnaround project we worked closely with Clarke Penman Architecture to manufacture and install polished concrete kitchen worktops and splash-backs.Concrete worktops are extremely strong and durable and designed to withstand busy family use. These were cast to the client’s individual and unique specifications using our BTX Ultra High Performance Concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The worktops were cut to fit various kitchen appliances and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof.Spanning over 6 metres, separate large BTX concrete panels were carefully assembled on site and fitted with brass sink and taps by our experienced team. The finished effect is a modern, industrial look that complements client’s design style and blends perfectly with the raw plastered walls and concrete floors, which together create a truly unique and highly functional kitchen.

The Living Concrete team provided design consultancy and were selected to project manage the delivery of a new kitchen for a celebrity chef.The glass fibre reinforced concrete central island, table-come-workbench was manufactured using our special GRC BTX concrete, which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete. We used our unique eco concrete mix technology with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The individual elements were precast in our workshop for assembly on site and then hand polished and treated with a specialist sealant. Large format GAP wall panels with concrete caps in Mist Rough finish completed the design.Living Concrete’s worktops and tables are extremely strong and durable and can be used indoors or outdoors. By using the best of modern technology, we have created a contemporary and elegant space that demonstrates how concrete can be both good looking and functional.

Project: Manufacture and installation of 10 bespoke concrete pendant light fittings for newly refurbished London gym and changing rooms. Materials used: Hand-cast concrete sphere shaped lamp shades with hand applied metallic internal finish and stainless steel fittings. We were asked to manufacture 10 bespoke extra large sphere-shaped concrete pendant lamps with hand applied metallic internal finish and stainless steel fittings. Product Spec: Size: diameter 47cm, shade height 28cm, maximum suspension height 120cm Weight 6.25kg Finish/ Colour: Rough finish – GREY Cable / cord : Herringbone brown linen Ceiling rose : Concrete GREY Colour temperature: 3000k LED WARM WHITE

Date of Project: August - September 2014Project Owner: Occidental PetroleumProject Contractor: Hugh Roberts ConstructionMarket/Environment: Oil ProductionSubstrate: Gunite from the 1960sProduct Used: Five Star Structural Concrete V/0®Project Size: 500+ PailsProject DetailsIn 1965, four artificial islands were built in San Pedro Bay off the coast of Long Island to conceal oil pumping stations. In the year 2000, Occidental Petroleum purchased the islands, known as THUMS Islands or Astronaut Islands, and operations. The islands contain significant landscaping, a waterfall, and tall structures concealing the drilling rigs, including one known as The Condo and often mistaken for "a ritz hotel" by those on land. Island Grissom is the closest to land and contains more sculptured screens than the other islands.The ChallengeOver the years, wind and water have taken their toll on the concrete structures around the island, causing a great deal of deterioration. A few obstacles to overcome were:The depth of repair (Tapcons were driven into the substrate for added reinforcement in the deeper areas of repair)Direct sun/heatHeight of repair was as high as 100 feetLimitations on water saturation for presoak and wet cure.Deliveries had to be scheduled precisely as all products had to be shuttled over to the island via ferry.Five Star® SolutionChosen for this demanding repair project was Five Star Structural Concrete® W/O because of its rapid-setting properties and ability to be used on vertical and overhead surfaces. Moisture-sensitive coatings could also be applied in 8 to 24 hours, speeding up repair time.This high-strength, permanent concrete repair material allowed the workers to make repairs quickly and efficiently, using only one product for thin and thick placement.

Project: Manufacture and installation of bespoke 3D GRC cladding panels in Tempest Grey colour and Silk finish Client: Morgan Lovell Materials used: Panels were produced using BTX GRC high performance concrete in 3 meter length and only 20mm thickness. Bespoke 3D BTX GRC high performance concrete cladding panels were installed by Living Concrete to the famous 10 Old Bailey entrance. The panels were 3 meters in length each but only 20mm thick. Panels were double fixed to a steel frame and sealed in a Silk finish.

Project: Manufacture and installation of concrete worktops at the office canteenClient: Everybody’s Music ManagementMaterials used:  Bespoke BTX GRC 2500 x 65 x 30 mm precast and hand polished concrete worktops in Silk Mist finish.Three large concrete panels; each 2500 mm long and 650 mm wide with side returns; were installed by the Living Concrete team in the communal office space at Everybody’s Music Management offices in North London.The worktops were cast to the client’s individual and unique specifications using our BTX Ultra High Performance Concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The worktops were cut to fit various kitchen appliances and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof. Concrete worktops are extremely strong and durable and designed to withstand high level of use.

The Royal Blackburn Hospital, located in Lancashire, England, was dubbed a “ticking time bomb” that could “collapse without warning” due to the failure of its existing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) roof. This issue was part of a larger nationwide crisis, with 34 NHS buildings, including Blackpool Hospital, and thousands more schools, offices and more at risk of collapse due to the deterioration of RAAC structures. The estimated cost of repairs for these buildings loomed at over £1 billion. In the face of this urgent and challenging situation, The Royal Blackburn Hospital sought a solution to ensure the safety and integrity of its infrastructure.The Royal Blackburn Hospital's existing RAAC roof had reached a critical state of disrepair. The risk of a catastrophic collapse was real and imminent, posing a serious threat to patients, staff, and the hospital's ability to provide essential medical services. The financial burden of repairing or replacing such a roof was substantial, and the hospital needed an innovative, cost-effective, and expedient solution.The hospital administration and engineering team explored various alternatives to address the RAAC roof crisis. After careful evaluation, they opted for Britmet's Tactray 90 Structural Liner System as the best solution to mitigate the risk of a roof collapse. Tactray 90 offered the necessary structural reinforcement while ensuring long-term durability and stability. The installation could be completed with minimal disruption to hospital operations, a critical consideration given the hospital's 24/7 operation.Project Outcomes:Implementing Britmet's Tactray 90 Structural Liner System at The Royal Blackburn Hospital resulted in several significant benefits. The hospital's roof regained its structural integrity, mitigating the risk of collapse. The hospital saved a substantial amount by opting for the Tactray 90 system as it provided a weatherproof roof covering to minimise the impact of construction so that the hospital could resume full medical services quickly, ensuring continuity of patient care. Conclusion: The Royal Blackburn Hospital's adoption of Britmet's Tactray 90 Structural Liner System offered an innovative solution to a critical structural problem caused by the failure of the existing RAAC roof. This case study demonstrates that even in challenging situations involving aged infrastructure, cost-effective and efficient alternatives exist to safeguard structural integrity, ensure safety, and enable the continued provision of vital healthcare services. The success of this project serves as a model for other NHS facilities grappling with similar RAAC-related challenges, providing hope for the resolution of the wider national crisis.

Project: Cast GRC concrete bespoke floating steps and concrete tiles for private residence in CobhamMaterials used: GRC concrete with hydrophobic agent and stain proof finishThe Living Concrete team were commissioned to design and create 180 square metres of large format exterior concrete tiles to surround the pool area, patio and paths of an exclusive private residence in Cobham.Working closely with the client, we drew up plans which also involved a cascade of floating steps to create seamless access on what was quite a difficult tiered site. Having assessed all the practical and logistical issues, we worked out a tight schedule of measuring, landscaping, pre-cast and on-site casting and, finally, staged installation of all the elementsas well as laying the pool area and surrounds, we undertook on-site casting of fair-faced concrete garden walls in our Storm-coloured plain Rough finish.This project had many challenges in its design and execution and covered a large external area on different levels incorporating very heavy concrete elements – creating this stunning feature.

Project:  Refurbishment and restoration of 6 flights of concrete stairs and landings at Pennybank Chambers, London     Client: Emrys Architects, DDC LTDMaterials used:  MicroConcrete coating in Grey colour and Satin finishThe Living Concrete team were commissioned by Emrys to refurbish and restore an old concrete staircase. This was followed by hand application of Microconcrete coating with Anti-slip agent around the cast iron step threads which were cast in brass finish.  MicroConcrete coating is especially suitable to this type of artisan restoration and it is ideal for tougher environments such as stairs, shop and office floors, bars, hotels and exteriors with no need for joins or breaks. It can be applied over existing materials which reduces the time needed for application and maintenance.

On this redevelopment project we worked closely with McLaren.Excell Architects to manufacture and supply bespoke concrete kitchen worktops and concrete cladded central island in a newly renovated penthouse flat at a warehouse in Shoreditch.The glass fibre reinforced concrete central island, splash backs and worktops were manufactured using our special GRC BTX concrete, which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete. We used our unique eco concrete mix technology with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The individual elements were precast in our workshop for assembly on site and then hand polished and treated with a specialist sealant. Living Concrete’s worktops are extremely strong and durable and can be used indoors or outdoors. By using the best of modern technology, we have created a sleek contemporary look that demonstrates how concrete can be both eye catching and functional.

On this high profile development project the Living Concrete team worked to very tight deadlines installing 580m2 of self-levelling FluidConcrete flooring throughout the house. FluidConcrete has a smooth, Polished-Concrete-like finish, that makes it perfect for a modern, minimalist design that can be easily combined with materials like wood and ceramic and it is also suitable for under-floor heating. It can be applied to interior surfaces, with no need for joins or breaks.The large format bespoke Plain and Corner concrete panels were cast to the client’s individual and unique specifications using our BTX Ultra High Performance Concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The panels were cut to fit around the staircase and walls and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof.The finished effect is a modern, spacious look that complements client’s design style and creates a truly unique and highly sophisticated space.

The Assembly Rooms is a new office block development on a site of a former 1870’s cinema situated on Werter Road, just off Putney High Street.Living Concrete team used an innovative concrete application technique to create ultra-sleek custom-built reception desk for Morgan Cox at Assembly Rooms. A special mix of spray concrete in Mist colour was applied onsite to MDF frame, seamlessly achieving a very complex and detailed design.In addition two large planter units with sitting benches were constructed and finished in the same style.

Project: Design and manufacture of 2 reception desks and browser in GRC cast and sprayed concrete with brass finishes for ROMO GROUP. Materials used: Hand cast and sprayed GRFC concrete in Silk Mist finished with brass detailing. For Romo’s flagship store in London’s Chelsea Design Centre, the Living Concrete team were faced with the challenge of converting complicated geometrical designs into two precast reception desks and a browser. The single casts were made offsite, with each being over four meters long. They were treated and sealed to make them stain proof.