Precast facades should be loadbearing wherever possible. It makes sense to have the precast supporting the structure rather than vice-versa.

Efficiencies are attained by the elimination of structural framing and, usually, an increase in available floor area.

Precast loadbearing facades are capable of reflecting the most prestigious of corporate identities, yet can, with good design provide a very economical structural facade.

Hanson has manufactured many loadbearing structures. A great example is the polished, reconstructed facade and internal wall panels on the Westin Hotel at No 1 Martin Place. For details of this and other loadbearing facade solutions, see Product Application.

Precast concrete offers the designer a superb facade medium together with the challenge to utilise its properties to the full.

These include:

  • DESIGN FREEDOM - The initial plasticity of concrete allows the casting of complex shapes. This, together with the available colours and textures allows the designer scope to express mass or space, simplicity or grace.
  • DURABILITY - Durability is defined as the ability of a structure to resist the ravages of its environment. Precast concrete offers a very durable, low-maintainance facade, benefiting from our controlled factory environment, use of quality materials and proven manufacturing techniques. Sophisticated mix designs characterised by low water-cement ratios, good compaction and adequate curing - all associated with durable concrete - are synonymous with Hanson factory produced precast concrete.
  • WEATHERING - Care in detailing the facade, careful selection of surface finish and the appropriate materials, will assist in minimising the need for cleaning and lead to graceful ageing.
  • OFF-SITE WORK - Precast concrete manufacture occurs in parallel with on site construction. Precasting is seldom affected by bad weather which would delay progress on site and it removes environmental issues such as noise, dirt and clean-up activities from the construction site into a controlled factory.
  • For the builder it is important to know that the cladding elements are manufactured in advance of his erection demands are stockpiled off-site and then delivered in his erection sequence. Faster closure of the structure, accelerated perhaps by the use of pre-glazed panels, improves site safety and access for following trades.
  • QUALITY - Hanson's Riverstone and Mulgrave factories have Quality Systems certified by NATA as complying with AS/NZS ISO 9001.
  • THERMAL CONTROLS - The mass of precast concrete offers good thermal control. Additionally, heat gain can be countered by the screening of windows using surface geometry to block out direct solar radiation yet admitting natural light. These factors provide the building owner economy in the initial selection of cooling equipment and eventual running cost.
  • SOUND - The mass of concrete provides good acoustic control.
  • FIRE - Precast concrete is well recognised for its fire-resistance properties, easily providing the fire-resistance levels required by Authorities.