Case Study - Medici - Byron Place, Seaham

Project Description

The combined technical capabilities of Forticrete Architectural Masonry products and its personnel have provided major benefits at a £12.5 million retail development in Seaham, County Durham. Byron Place, a 105,000 sq ft town centre scheme includes a covered mall, a 45,000 sq ft Asda and 350 space car park. The project was completed on behalf of Modus Properties and Easington Borough Council by main contractor Bowmer and Kirkland and architect's Browne Smith Baker.

Three Forticrete Architectural Masonry products were specified on the project; Splitface masonry in Diamond Hallmark, Medici and Florentine polished masonry in Spirito and Pewter colours respectively. The highly-polished, bright white Medici masonry, complemented by Florentine band courses, forms the major structure and finish to the lower storeys of all four elevations, with a series of complementary pilasters breaking up the visual mass. At each corner and also along elevations of the development, there are towers of polished masonry with Splitface panels providing textural contrast at upper storey levels. Internally, the external design theme is continued with Medici Spirito and Florentine banding featuring prominently at each floor level. The scale and nature of the project demanded the production of high quantities of pre-cast elements, including bespoke pre-cast quoins to the pier detailing.

Nick Watson, architect at Browne Smith Baker commented: "We wanted to create a very modern, bright environment, both inside and out. But given the sometimes harsh weather conditions in the North East, it was also crucial the materials we specified were hard-wearing.

"Foritcrete's masonry products combine long-lasting strength with an appealing aesthetic appearance, making them ideal for this project. For instance, Splitface in Diamond Hallmark incorporates fine, random, light aggregates that catch the light to create a natural sparkle, helping us to achieve the clean, prestigious finish we desired."

Mark Robinson, (Title) at Bowmer and Kirkland added: "The scale of this project demanded that all suppliers take a partnership approach to the development. Forticrete not only met our requirements in terms of supplying the right quantity and quality of product to match our timescales, but they also provided invaluable technical advice and expertise."

The development includes major retailers Wilkinsons, Argos, Greggs, Peacocks, Specsavers and Farmfoods, in addition to the major Asda store.

Description: Hallmark Diamond Splitface at Byron Place, Seaham

Description: Medici Spirito feature panel

Description: Hallmark Diamond Splitface, Medici Spirito and Florentine Pewter at Byron Place, Seaham

Description: Medici Spirito and Florentine Pewter piers internally at Byron Place, Seaham