The exterior of a landmark building in Glasgow city centre has been transformed using one of our high performance, waterproof, anti-carbonation coatings.
Following trials using a number of different coatings, Monodex Smooth was proposed by structural repair and refurbishment contractor Concrete Repairs Limited (CRL) for the protection and decoration of precast concrete panels on the Venlaw Building, a six-storey office complex based in Bath Street in the Charing Cross area of Glasgow. The refurbishment programme was carried out on behalf of Shepherd Chartered Surveyors.
Owned by Credential, the Venlaw Building forms part of the Elmbank Gardens complex, which was designed by celebrated British architect Richard Seifert and constructed in the early 1970’s. Elmbank Gardens also comprises a 14-storey Premier Inn hotel, a train station, restaurants and other leisure businesses. Many years ago the Venlaw Building formed the Glasgow HQ of the Inland Revenue, and it now provides office accommodation to a number of different organisations including Securigroup and Diabetes UK. The building is managed on behalf of the owner by London and Scottish Property Management Limited.
All Flexcrete materials were applied by Concrete Repairs Limited (CRL). Bond-Prime was initially applied to the façade to seal and stabilise the substrate prior to the application of Monodex Smooth which is rapidly and easily applied by brush, roller or airless spray. An advanced waterborne, elastomeric, high build, single component coating,
Monodex Smooth provides excellent protection against carbonation and water ingress, yet allows damp substrates to breathe. It is ultra-fast drying, enabling two coat applications on the same working day and facilitating all year round usage. Ideal for both new construction and refurbishment projects, its flexible nature allows substrate and thermal movement without cracking or flaking and it incorporates an active biocide which inhibits the growth of unsightly mould and lichens.
Monodex Smooth also demonstrates exceptional resistance to weathering and will not degrade even after prolonged exposure to UV light. In accelerated weathering tests (EN 1062-11), Monodex Smooth exhibited no blistering, cracking or flaking after 20,000 hours QUV-B weathering. Monodex Smooth has a design life of up to 15 years before first maintenance and it is CE marked in accordance with the demands of BS EN 1504 Part 2, the pan European standard for surface protection systems for concrete. Monodex Smooth is available in a range of attractive colours, of which white and black were chosen for this project. Following the successful application to the Venlaw Building, Monodex Smooth was also chosen for application to the faҫade of the adjacent Elmbank Gardens building.