Precast wall panels can be given an architectural finish, where the concrete itself is coloured and/or textured. Architectural wall panels are manufactured from purpose-built moulds. Mould liners can be used to create patterns. Pigments and aggregates can be added to achieve a variety of different colours and textures. The surface of the panel can then be finished in a variety of different finishes: they can be stained or painted, or polished, brushed, honed, grit-blasted, etched or water washed.
Advantages
- Thermal mass and sustainability benefits
- Faster construction time
- Quick installation by highly skilled crews
- Immediate access below for following trades
- Less weather dependent
- Simplified and safer construction process
- Less trades on site
- Less exposure to WHS and industrial relations risks
- Less waste
- Less materials handling
- Design flexibility
- Many surface finishes and patterns available
- Shop drawing process eliminates on-site surprises
- Smoother design process
- Quality product
- Off-site manufacture means high quality
- Services (for power, water, etc.) can be cast in
- Can be loadbearing or non-loadbearing
- Fire resistant
- Durable
- High strength, factory produced, precast concrete offers the ultimate outcome with minimal maintenance.
Applications
- Commercial offices including high-rise
- Special structures (marine, stadia, monuments, etc.)
- Retail and bulky goods
- Airports
- Car parks
- Railways
- Multi-unit residential
- Correctional facilities
- Housing
- Noise walls
- Education
- Cinemas and theatres
- Health and aged care
- Retaining walls
- Clubs, libraries, churches and community centres
- Industrial – warehouses and factories