As part of a 5 year upgrading programme for Royal Prince Alfred Hospital a new clinical block was constructed on the RPA East Campus at Camperdown. This major hospital building was designed to be clad in polished reconstructed stone. The building has an unusual "S" curved plan dictated by the existing gardens between the hospital and the University

The upper level panels are unusual in that they were slotted into the openings created by the columns and beams of the concrete structure and project outside the frame to add texture to the façade. They were manufactured using white quartz aggregate in white cement. The image is crisp clinical, mirroring the quality of the medical services within the building while sitting comfortably with the adjacent earlier heritage listed buildings. The lower three levels are clad with dark grey panels manufactured from black granite and grey cement. They lean into the building at 15 degrees and cover the concrete frame to provide a solid base for the building, strengthening its attachment to the ground and providing support for the ward floors above.

Project Architect, Peter Quigley, said, "The flexibility of the precast system enabled the architects to accommodate the unusual plan form, the different architectural requirements of the upper and lower levels, and the varying floor to floor heights dictated by the adjacent buildings. The overall impression is of a fresh, contemporary building which respects the varying architectural styles of its campus neighbours".

"The polished reconstructed stone finish provides a durable, low maintenance surface of high quality which was cost effective and matched the anticipated life of the building".

Hanson was able to develop finishes with sufficient depth of colour to satisfy the criteria that no oxides should be used and that the colours of the panels were to be generated from the natural colours of the materials used for their construction.

Individual panels were able to be faceted at the false joints so that each surface was flat while appearing curved. This ensured that polishing could be carried out economically to the high standard required. Individual panels weighed up to 13 tonnes and with lengths up to 8 metres and heights over 4 metres. Specially adapted low loaders were used for transport to site. There was a total of over 300 panels and 5,000 square metres of polished surface.

This project, with its sophisticated finish on massive panels is testimony to the capabilities of the Australian precast concrete industry and of Hanson in particular.

Hanson will give any assistance required by architects, from advice on detailing to the development of finishes, textures and shapes.

Contact Details

To discuss whether we can assist you contact our estimating manager.

Phone: 02 9627 2666

Fax: 02 9627 5161

Email: precast@hanson.biz