Charcon supplies precast concrete materials to Derbyshire adventure centre

Novus Property Solutions has specified Charcon Construction Solutions to supply and install a range of structural precast concrete materials for the new Mount Cook Adventure Centre in Derbyshire that was opened earlier this year.

Set on five acres of grounds, the eco-friendly centre uses solar power to generate hot water and electricity for up to 130 guests, as well as rainwater collection to flush toilets and air source heat to warm the rooms.

Charcon Construction Solutions helped to deliver the flooring and stairs for the build by supplying a bespoke Block and Beam flooring system, composed of pre-stressed concrete beams with standard concrete infill blocks laid in between. This was used to form the hexagonal central core area on the ground floor.

The building’s two rectangular wings were floored using pre-stressed Hollowcore slabs, which range from 150mm to 400mm and achieve a rapid strength of over 60N at only 28 days.

A Hollowcore sound slab was used on the first floor and roof level to meet sound regulations, whilst two pre-cast staircases were also supplied and installed on the ground to upper floor levels.

By specifying both the Block and Beam and Hollowcore systems there was no need to wait for concrete slabs to cure. Once grouted, floors formed a ready-to-work base to accommodate service pipes and electrical wiring, as well as suspended ceilings.

As Hollowcore is easy to transport and requires less material to manufacture compared to solid concrete slabs, carbon emissions were reduced. Manufacturing the stairs offsite also ensured a cost and time effective alternative.

Dean Povey, Commercial Manager at Novus Property Solutions, commented: “Charcon Construction Solutions carried out a difficult project in a difficult location under extreme weather conditions and on budget, a job well done.”

Original link - Building Talk