Product: Precast Staircases
Project location: Rivenhall, Essex
Contractors: P.J. Careys
Ibstock has supplied two of its high-quality precast concrete staircases to a brand-new Energy from Waste (EfW) facility in Rivenhall, Essex.
From the outset of the specification process, it was evident that the tolerance and durability of the staircases, alongside their overall aesthetic appeal, were key factors to be considered in the delivery of the project.
Leading construction and civil engineering contractors P.J Careys were appointed to oversee the project. With more than six decades of experience in delivering major infrastructure projects, P.J Careys has vast experience of working to complex briefs in with sometimes unique caveats or requirements.
This was certainly the case at Rivenhall, with the site among the biggest of its kind in the UK. At a facility on this scale, emergency escapes, and so-called ‘rescue stairs’ for emergency services, is key. In Rivenhall’s instance, this includes easy access to the roof top and for the fire service to access in the result of a conflagration.
With this requirement in mind, two staircases were specified in the initial project plan, both of which would run from the ground to the fourth floor. William Griffith, a Senior Engineer at P.J Carey who played a leading role in delivering the project at Rivenhall, takes up the story.
William says: “From the outset of the specification process, it was evident that the tolerance and durability of the staircases, alongside their overall aesthetic appeal, were key factors to be considered in the delivery of the project.”
With these requirements in mind, William and the team at P.J Carey turned to Ibstock, the UK’s leading clay and concrete building materials manufacturer.
William had first been introduced to Ibstock via Tom Randell, Business Development Lead at Ibstock, who had a long standing relationship with P.J Carey. The product Ibstock recommended was its Plain Finish Precast Concrete Stairs.
William continues: “Right from the outset, Ibstock completely understood the brief and helped us specify staircases that exactly met the end-client’s expectations. One of the best things about working with Ibstock is the speed and responsiveness of the team. We received technical drawings within four weeks of the initial brief, which really helped us move quickly with a crucial part of this development. We also visited Ibstock’s facility where the precast staircases are manufactured, to get a real feel for the product’s look and quality.”
Tom Randell, Business Development Lead at Ibstock, commented: “Aesthetics were hugely important for this project and the stairs required an exposed, directly decorated finish. To that end, our in-house design team worked to create a solution that was inclusive of the staircases invisible connectors, ensuring onsite bearings would not be seen and the overall aesthetics and flow would be seamless upon completion.
“Alongside design, additional care had to be taken within the production process to ensure we offered a completed product which had a high degree of colourand finish consistently. To guarantee this, we utilised high quality moulds in addition to a specifically chosen mixed design with the necessary release agents.”
As a precast unit, Ibstock’s staircases are manufactured off-site and are delivered ready to install. William concludes: “The ease of installation was another major selling point for the Ibstock staircase. As a large project with multiple considerations, elements – such as this – that are seamless both in the specification and installation process are really helpful in maximising efficiency across the project as a whole.
“All told, Ibstock has delivered a fantastic experience and we are looking forward to working with them on future projects".