Aggregate
Industries has supplied a mixture of concrete and gravel aggregate for De
Montfort University (DMU) to remodel and landscape Mill Lane, the main
thoroughfare in the heart of the campus.
The
contract, awarded by Balfour Beatty, saw Aggregate Industries supply concrete
for the development, which has created a visually impressive area of public
paths and seating in the main area of the university.
The Mill Lane remodel,
which was completed by Aecom Landscaping, a leader in beautiful, contemporary
landscape architecture, required 400m3
of Artevia colour concrete, and golden gravel aggregate, to create a visual and
structural layer design. Artevia was not only selected as a complimentary
product to enhance the ‘streetscape’ design pallet, but it offered the
necessary durability required of a concrete being used in a heavily foot
trafficked environment.
To meet the
expectations of DMU and Leicester Council, Aggregate Industries worked in
partnership with Aecom Landscaping to help design the slabs for the development
at every stage of the process from concept to installation. This included
the specification of bespoke concrete mixes, logistical planning to acquire the
highest quality materials to optimise the aesthetics and onsite technical
support during the installation of the ensuring the chosen material would
deliver an aesthetically pleasing construction.
Aggregate Industries’
Artevia, is the perfect material for projects like Mill Lane, making it
possible to create different visually appealing design textures and colours,
and contrast with other materials or surroundings. It is low maintenance, and
naturally slip and skid resistant, making it ideal for busy thoroughfares such
as a university campus.
Neil Cochrane, specification manager at Aggregate
Industries said: “Mill Lane at DMU was a fantastic project to work on. The
requirements allowed us to showcase the versatility or our product range,
especially our Artevia colour concrete, which can help create beautiful
landscapes even within busy areas. Now complete, the project has resulted in a
large grassy area in the grounds of the new Vijay Patel Building, with plenty
of seating for students to enjoy, and Mill Lane itself has been pedestrianised
and resurfaced, with new lighting and landscaping, completing changing the look
and feel of an area at the heart of DMU.”
Tom Jonson, project
landscape architect at Aecom said: “We are delighted with the end result which
is not only visually appealing but incredibly durable, being able to withstand
the high frequency, high volume associated with a University Campus. We’d like
to thank the Aggregates Industries team for their second-to-none specification
and support on this job.”
