Bison Concrete Products has supplied a high quality, precast concrete solution in the construction of a new 218-bed hotel at Gatwick airport.

As part of the £2.1 million supply and erect contract, Bison provided over 8,600 square metres of hollowcore flooring, 10,000 square metres of Crosswall, along with an additional 18 precast stair flights and 18 landings. To speed up the client’s build programme, Bison worked closely with the main contractor, Kier Regional Ltd. to supply approximately 700 square metres of fully finished, insulated ‘sandwich’ panels, which once installed, required minimal finishing and jointing works.

The quality achieved by Bison in its precast floor slabs and Crosswall products enabled an immediate paint or wallpaper finish to be applied directly onto the concrete once installed on-site. Whilst not in the original production specification, the capability of Bison’s flagship, state-of-the-art production facility in Swadlincote, Derbyshire ensured that a significant reduction in the construction programme could be achieved.

The resources, quality and skill base available at Bison’s Swadlincote site was a key factor in winning the contract, alongside Bison’s reputation as the leading supplier of precast concrete products within the UK. As the project progressed, Bison demonstrated market-leading innovation and a flexible approach to the demands of the construction schedule which ensured that all products were supplied within budget and programme requirements.

Working in such close proximity to Gatwick airport, careful consideration was given to the issue of crane heights interfering with the radar signal along the flight path for incoming and outbound aircraft. To overcome this, Bison manufactured a large quantity of the precast panels in split sections so that a reduction in the lift-height of the panels could be achieved.

Bison were able to demonstrate, following its recent experience on the Arora T5 Hotel project that the Crosswall system could achieve the rigorous noise reduction requirements, without any additional treatment, as specified by the client.

John Devereux, Technical Director at Kier Regional Ltd comments:

“We required products with a high quality finish for this project and we have been thoroughly impressed with Bison’s approach. The team has continually demonstrated a willingness to work closely with us to achieve the project requirements and the added value we have received from Bison has been excellent.”

Bob Martin, Commercial Manager for Special Projects at Bison comments:

“By becoming involved in the earliest stages of the project we were in a position to design and supply products that could ultimately reduce the overall build time. Our production and manufacturing techniques are the most advanced in Europe and we have confidence in the exceptional quality of our products. Our ability to supply precast concrete walls to site that were ready to be painted and finished is testament to the standards we have set for the industry within the UK.”

Throughout the project, Bison and Kier’s health and safety record was exemplary, with commendations provided by the British Standards Institution (BSI) Inspectorate and the client’s own Health and Safety Director.

Email: neil.malcolm@slgmarketing.com