Exterior visuals concrete walls of the new Durham Civic Centre showing illustrations of local history, cast using Graphic Concrete

About project

Period: 2022

Client: Techrete

Project: Durham Civic Museum

Consultancy and supply of Graphic Concrete paper for the creation of visually etched structural precast panels.

Result

A beautiful series of 11m high panels depicting a visual story of Durham.

As the graphics are etched into the concrete, the pattern is exposed aggregate, the visuals are as robust as the concrete itself. The etched patterns also offer a highly satisfying sensory experience though touch.

Purpose

To consult with the architects, graphic designers, contractor and Techrete on how to successfully achieve the desired outcome of crisp, clear large format visual precast panels.

Process

Working with the designers to produce graphics that would transfer to precast as expected. in particular, the visual impact of the contrast between the smooth fair face and the etched exposed aggregate. Other areas included converging joint details, print tiling etc.

The precaster was advised on mix designer graphic concrete, setting out, handling the paper. The latter was important as the castings were over 11m long by 1.5m.

Sample sheets of the final graphics were issued for test casting and stake holder evaluation, also for practicing the casting curing process.

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