The design brief was to produce a stylised map of the Sydney Harbour southern shoreline in brass. This was to be inlaid into a high quality polished concrete floor with no exposure of the aggregate.
The design inspiration came from the architect, Russell & George, who wanted to create a bespoke floor deserving of the sales office location and outlook. Located on an arm of Sydney Harbour, the display suite is the public face of renowned Japanese builder, Sekisui House. Prime building contractor, Parkview Constructions, settled on Concrete by Design as the company most able to provide the system development to satisfy the design criteria and to achieve the aesthetic required.
The pattern development was very involved with considerations to mapping and fitting the foreshore pattern to the floor space, ensuring concrete workability and continuity, optimum width of the design graphic and the ultimate fixing procedure. One of the most interesting features was the joint design for each of the brass elements. A “jig saw” pattern was finally settled on which allowed for some movement during the installation while avoiding the joint opening up which would have been the case with a straight joint for example.
Installation was a challenge with a waterproof substrate being installed which had to be isolated from the concrete. A laser cut metal form was placed on this for the concrete pour. This was later removed and the linished brass installed laser cut metal form was placed on this for the concrete pour. This was later removed and the linished brass installed after the floor polishing was complete.
A vital component for the works was the concrete finish of course. Not wanting any aggregate exposed, the finish achieved on pour day was the key. The contractor had no option of grinding to remove any imperfections. Despite the floor being only 2300 sq.ft., the pour was divided into two separate days to ensure complete control was maintained and enough time was allowed for attention to the fine detail.
