Heidelberg Materials deploys lower carbon concrete at Piccadilly scheme
Heidelberg Materials UK is supplying a lower carbon concrete solution for the basement floors of the redevelopment of 33-35 Piccadilly in London’s West End.
The project marks the first UK use of Heidelberg Materials’ evoBuild low carbon concrete containing both evoBuild low carbon cement and evoBuild low carbon ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS).
Around 3,000m³ of the concrete is being supplied to the project from Heidelberg Materials’ King’s Cross plant.
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The lower carbon cementitious content is expected to deliver a 35% carbon saving compared with standard CEM I concrete, while the inclusion of GGBS is intended to improve durability.
Lower carbon concrete
Heidelberg Materials developed the concrete solution with groundworks contractor Realtime Civil Engineering (RCE) for main contractor Kier Construction.
The evoBuild cement used in the concrete is produced at Heidelberg Materials’ Brevik plant in Norway, where carbon capture and storage technology reduces associated production emissions by around 50%.
The concrete also contains evoBuild GGBS, a by-product of steel production. The material has lower permeability than standard CEM I cement, which can improve the durability of concrete and extend its service life.
Heidelberg Materials is also supplying evoBuild low carbon concrete incorporating its waterproofing system to help protect the basement floors from water ingress.
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Phillip Rice, Concrete Key Account Manager at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: “The project at 33-35 Piccadilly is set to be an exemplar in sustainable redevelopment.
“Through collaboration with The Crown Estate, Kier and Realtime Civil Engineering we were able to offer an innovative concrete solution that met the rigorous demands of the project while minimising its carbon impact.”
Piccadilly redevelopment
The redevelopment involves the existing office building at 33-35 Piccadilly, which is owned by The Crown Estate and designed by architect DSDHA.
The scheme is targeting a NABERS 5*1 rating, WELL Platinum Certification and BREEAM Outstanding.
Colm Henry, Contracts Manager for RCE, said: “Realtime Civil Engineering had the pleasure of working with a progressive client team on 33-35 Piccadilly, which allowed us to engage Heidelberg Materials to successfully develop the evoBuild low carbon concrete mix.
“Previously, low carbon saving mixes affected the concrete performance on initial curing times but the evoBuild mix has overcome this issue. This benefits our overall carbon footprint with no compromise on our construction programme.”
The concrete solution was developed to address both carbon reduction and construction performance requirements, including curing times.
Graham Potts, Regional Director, Kier Construction London & Thames Valley, added: “33-35 Piccadilly is the latest example in our growing commercial portfolio in London and highlights the value of embedding carbon considerations from the outset and maintaining that focus throughout delivery.
“Through our strong partnership with The Crown Estate and Heidelberg Materials UK, and by combining our in-house design and engineering expertise, we’re proud to introduce this lower-carbon concrete solution to the UK for the first time.
“This innovative approach enables us to closely monitor and reduce carbon throughout the project lifecycle while helping meet growing demand for lower-carbon, cost-efficient buildings.”
Construction carbon reduction
The use of lower carbon concrete forms part of wider efforts to reduce embodied carbon associated with the construction of the Piccadilly development.
James Atherton, Development Director at The Crown Estate, said: “Across 33-35 Piccadilly and our wider portfolio, we are taking a holistic approach to reducing carbon, including looking at the materials and construction methods we use to deliver high-quality workplace. This is central to our ongoing long-term work to create a more future-ready West End.
“We are delighted to be working with Heidelberg Materials UK and the wider project team to bring an innovative lower-carbon concrete solution to the UK for the first time.”
