The chosen mix was a C155 in an exposed finish. This mix encompasses all the design elements one would expect and draws heavily on the design intent to reflect the Scottish cliffs. It was further decided to enhance this mix by exposing the aggregates with the use of a retarder during the production stage. This was effect was further heightened with a light power washing to further expose the aggregates. The overall effect is a striking contemporary structure with all the ruggedness traditionally associated with the highlands of Scotland.
Specifications:
The matieral used during manufacture was reconstructed stone. Techrete utilized a rotating steel mould to manufacture the panels along with a mould family which ensured that the panels would be cast from the same family. By the time the project was complete there was approximately 1000 shapes on the building. The panels manufactured were on average up to 300 mm high, from 600 mm to 1 m wide and up to 4.4 m long.
The product used was produced from crushed granite aggregate and sand, a retarder was used as to prevent the setting of the surface layer of concrete. The product had a light acid wash to expose the aggregates and create a finish that resembled that of limestone. The concrete was mized in our computerised batching plant in our U.K factory and the panels were then transported to site on flat bed trucks. On site a combination of equipment was used to erect the facade; including, a tower crane, mobile crane, and a counter balanced lifting beam.
