Precast Solution

Trent concrete is nearing completion on the first phase of a new 540 apartment development in Dublin, Ireland.

The € 14 million combined structural and architectural precast concrete contract covers a 30000 m2 cross wall frame system, covering a total floor area of around 37000 m2, 7300 m2 of external cladding, 2400 linear metres of external party walls and 2700 linear metres of balconies.

“We had an open mind on the structural solution, and as part of the tender process invited specialist contractors to offer their ideas,”explained Chris Timmins, contracts manager at McCabe Builders.

“Trent's solution to precast the entire building was the simplest and offered several major advantages. Firstly it gave us a one-stop shop, and secondly it minimised the number of trades and operatives on site.

“This results in a more controllable situation, as well as a safer site operation. In addition there are big cost savings, as well as safety and operational benefits, in being able to dispense with scaffolding. Trent was the only specialist contractor that could offer grey, decorative and structural concrete as one package.”

The external cladding includes 4000 m2 of terracotta-faced panels featuring a blue/black coloured tile and 1000 m2 of reconstructed Portland stone units. An additional 2300 m2 of Hardwall insulated sandwich panel cladding is also being used structurally on the gable ends. The party walls and balconies are both in a reconstructed Portland stone finish to match the cladding.