University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine

By Firth

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Products used: Walkway™ Paver, Exposed Aggregate, Self Compacting Concrete, EnviroBlend®

Summary:

After 4 years the new student services building at the University of Waikato is now finished - officially opened by Prime Minister, John Key in November last year. The project is the first educational building in New Zealand to attain the 5-star green design rating.

The building features outstanding architecture and combines a variety of Firth's products from GreenCrete® concrete (containing recycled aggregate and flyash and now called EnviroBlend®), Self Compacting Concrete  (used in the 11+ high waterfall in the entrance) and a variety of aggregates and pavers creating fabulous and funky zones around the new campus.

"Having a number of designers involved in this large dynamic project - Warren and Mahoney, Mansergh Graham, and Maunsell - has allowed a variety of Firth product to be show cased," says Alison Durning, Customer Development Representative for Firth. "Innovative styling has created a central location to be enjoyed by a wide number of people."Walkway pavers used in a grey blend of colours with bush hammered texture - black sands, graphite and natural - emulates a river bed theme along an extensive pathway throughout the University.Six metre long pre cast panels, with groove detailing on their surface, have been used as modern stepping stones in the reflection pool. The water in this area is recycled and features a two metre waterfall featuring 19mm Awarua aggregate concrete. Boulevard pavers in chocolate brown and cream sands have been combined with Awarua pebble exposed aggregate concrete which also includes Firth element oxide - Thunder cloud.Exposed aggregate with a band of large polished river stones creates additional interest to the dry river bed theme in this part of the grounds. "Tony Brown and the team at Fletcher Construction have done an amazing job at bringing together the various designs using our products," adds Alison. "It's a very impressive facility."

University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine
University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine
University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine
University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine
University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine
University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine
University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine
University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine

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University of Waikato - Art and concrete combine

Firth
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About the
Professional

Firth is one of New Zealand's best known and most trusted trade names in concrete. They have been developing, manufacturing and delivering concrete and concrete products to New Zealanders for almost a century. 

90 year proud history

The history of Firth is part of the history of New Zealand. Firth's capability extends through the construction industry, roading & infrastructure, industrial and commercial projects to residential builds.

Industry leading

All of our products are formulated to meet strict NZ standards. Our engineers ensure Firth customers consistently receive delivery of the highest quality product that they can rely on. Our concrete products are tried and trusted so customers can be sure what we make, makes the grade. Always.

Our national, dependable brands include: Firth Certified Concrete®, Firth Masonry, Firth RibRaft® floors, Dricon® bagged concretes, mortars and sands.

Innovation that endures

From day one innovation has been at our core, but not at the expense of long lasting durability. In 1925, the 'original' Firth family with their entrepreneurial spirit created innovative concrete products that made life easier.

Today's wider Firth family still carries that same can-do spirit into today's market challenges. Our designers work alongside our engineers to ensure new designs will stand up to the rigors of time.

Kiwi Made

Like the people who manufacture them, our concrete ranges are all products of New Zealand. We employ 650 people spread across 70 plant sites throughout the country.

Firth's strength lies in its regional relationships delivering a quality service locally to loyal customers, every day.