At 20 Fenchurch Street in the City of London, more than 300 tonnes of CPI EuroMix mortar has been specified for the construction of a new 37-storey skyscraper – nicknamed the Walkie-Talkie because of its distinctive shape.
Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly to feature a highly unusual top-heavy form, the new 160 metre tall building replaces an ageing 1960s high-rise block. Upon completion in 2014, the ‘Walkie-Talkie’ will contain over 28,000m3 of concrete, 13,000 tonnes of steel and approximately 33,000m2 of glass.
During construction of the building’s deep basement levels, brickwork contractor Lesterose faced several logistical challenges. With no hoists or means of access to the basement below, as well as extremely limited space on the city centre site, the company utilised one of CPI’s ‘hurricane’ remote mixing stations and 300 tonnes of special pumpable natural mortar.
“We have worked with CPI EuroMix for a number of years and consistently receive a very good service,” said Lee Ledger, Contract Manager at Lesterose Builders Ltd. “At 20 Fenchurch Street the silo and remote mixing station was the natural choice as it helped to cut down on waste, deliver consistent levels of mortar and provide the highest quality of material where it was needed.”
Easy to move around the 690,000 sq ft site, the remote mixing station utilises a standard silo that pumps dry material to the remote mixer where water is then added.
The space saving system takes up much less area than an equivalent amount of Readymix tubs or skips of raw materials. It also helped to reduce the need for constant deliveries – ideal for 20 Fenchurch Street where tight logistics meant a holding yard and carefully scheduled deliveries had to be put in place.
Whilst the remote mixing station was used to construct the building’s basement levels, CPI EuroMix’s standard silo system was used to produce mortar for the ground and upper floors. Capable of containing up to 30 tonnes of dry material, the system eliminates waste whilst ensuring a consistent high quality supply of mortar for Lesterose.
In addition to pumpable natural mortar, CPI EuroMix also supplied more than 150 tonnes of dry 40n concrete in bulk bags for use in the blockwork. The bagged RC40 concrete has been used in the creation of all the building’s new blockwork as well as a series of plinths and plant bases.
With mortars accredited to the industry standard accreditation for quality control, BS EN ISO 9001:2000, CPI EuroMix ensures all projects benefit from quality mortars with high bond and compressive strength, durability and consistency. At 20 Fenchurch Street, the company’s high quality mortar and collaboration with Lesterose is playing a crucial role in the delivery of one of London’s most iconic developments.
