Photographic Works
Charcoal UHPC Facades for Award-Winning Project.
A Fusion of Art and Modern Architecture
Client - Hatchbury
Main Contractor - Mac Group
Architect - BPN Architects
Location - Birmingham
REKLI Concrete Design
Ribbed pattern to create striking architectural feature
Urban Architecture
Dynamic facades that stand the test of time
Project Overview
CubeX Industries played a pivotal role in the award-winning Photographic Works development, a boutique four-story complex in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. The development, comprising 50 apartments and duplex townhouses, is enhanced by landscaped podium gardens, creating a seamless blend of urban living and nature-inspired design.
Our involvement in crafting the charcoal-coloured UHPC facades and coping stones was essential to highlighting the exterior’s artistic appeal and maintaining the site’s rich heritage. The design of Photographic Works draws inspiration from its historical roots as the former Photographic Processing Works for Munn’s Brothers, a company known for developing film for brands like Boots.
The architectural vision combines the location’s heritage with a contemporary aesthetic. We used our Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) to bring this vision to life. The result is a striking façade that merges the past with the present, showcasing the versatility and artistic potential of UHPC in modern residential architecture.
Technical Specifications
Project Scope - 100m2 of UHPC panels & coping stones
Moulds - RECKLI
Mould Pattern - RECKLI Artico Neo (acid etching pattern) and RECKLI Ribbed 1/31 RIB TYPE C
UHPC Panel Size - Ranging from 1,000mm x 200mm to 3,800mm x 1,200mm
Weight - From 30kg to 1,000kg per panel
Installation Method - Engineered SS brackets and fixings tailored to load requirements
Timescales -
Manufacturing and installation completed in 6 months
The bespoke RECKLI moulds and patterns used for this project demonstrate our capability to craft highly detailed and customized facades that align with the architectural vision. Using 80 different moulds, we ensured that each panel fit perfectly within the overall design, enhancing the dynamic look of the building's exterior.
A Showcase of Artistic Versatility
The Photographic Works project underscores the artistic potential and flexibility of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) in creating dynamic outdoor facades. Our charcoal-coloured UHPC panels provided the necessary depth and texture, accentuating the building’s contemporary style while paying homage to its industrial past.
Our involvement in this project not only contributed to the development’s aesthetic elegance but also showcased the durability and versatility of our UHPC solutions.
Using a variety of bespoke engineered brackets and fixings ensured that each panel was securely installed, maintaining structural integrity and safety while enhancing the building’s visual appeal.
Interested in seeing how our UHPC solutions can bring your architectural vision to life?
Contact us today to learn more about our precast concrete design services and explore the potential of sustainable, high-performance concrete.
