Techrete wins British Precast Project Award 2005

Techrete, the largest manufacturer of architectural precast concrete cladding in Ireland & the UK has just won the British Precast Project Award for its precast cladding on Warwick Court in Paternoster Square. Designed by MacCormac Jamieson Prichard and built by Bovis Lend Lease, this seven-storey office building is located in one of London's most challenging and historic settings adjacent to St. Paul's Cathedral. The facade is dominated by Grove Whitbed Portland stone faced panels at ground level and first floor level, while the upper parts are clad with precast units comprising panels of red sandstone tiles set between window openings and recessed bays, which give rigidity.

Commenting on Techrete's work, the judges described the project as "a stunnung and stimulating project in a prestigious location exhibiting an exceptional standard of precast. Innovative and convincing weathering detail, with a wide variety of finishes, was included. In addition, factory fitting of windows and drainage channels was impressively executed."

The panels are framed with exposed precast spandrels acid etched with a smooth finish to contrast with the Portland stone. The panels span 6m and 9m weighing up to 14 tonnes each. The need for precisely engineered and high-quality units was achieved at Techrete's new state-of-the-art factory at Brigg, North Lincolnshire. Double-glazed window units were fixed to the precast panels before being delivered to site thereby improving on-site speed and efficiency. Integral drainage systems were also incorporated at the factory.