Flexcrete Solution Specified for Exterior Refurbishment of Landmark Tower
Background
Spinnaker Tower is a visitor and educational attraction which stands at 170 metres tall, offering views spanning 23 miles across Portsmouth Harbour, the city, the Solent, the South Downs and the Isle of Wight. Originally a Millennium Project, the tower was built as the centrepiece of the Renaissance of Portsmouth Harbour Project. Designed by HGP Architects, engineering consultants Scott Wilson and built by Mowlem, the Spinnaker Tower has a distinctive sail design reflecting Portsmouth’s maritime heritage.
The iconic structure was first protected with Flexcrete’s Monodex Smooth coating back in 2015 when the exterior was painted blue, metallic gold and white as part of a five-year naming rights partnership between Portsmouth City Council and Dubai-based Emirates Airline. Monodex Smooth was once again chosen for a revamp of the tower in 2021. In this latest application, specialist access contractors The Abseilers returned Spinnaker Tower back to its original white colour, following supply of Flexcrete Monodex Smooth to site through Resapol’s Southampton branch.
Monodex Smooth Provides Long-Term Protection Once Again
Monodex Smooth is a water-based, high build, elastomeric, decorative coating which was specified again due to its protective properties, fast curing nature and ease of application. This was crucial for The Abseilers, as they were able to rapidly apply the coating by brush and roller to the concrete legs of the structure whilst using roped access equipment and techniques.
Monodex Smooth is a single component, water-based coating which is user-friendly and cures without the release of strong odour or hazardous solvents. It is ultra-fast drying, enabling two coat applications on the same day and can be applied all year round. It has excellent colour retention, strong UV resistance and provides excellent protection against carbonation, chloride penetration and water ingress, yet allows damp substrates to breathe. Its chloride protection makes it ideal for use in marine environments and it is able to provide exceptional weatherproof protection even in typhoon conditions, incorporating an active biocide which prevents the growth of mould and fungi on its surface. Due to its elastomeric properties, it is able to withstand thermal and structural movement without cracking or flaking – an important factor for this project as the tower can flex by up to 150mm in high winds.
Client
Portsmouth City Council
Contractor
The Abseilers
Spinnaker Tower 2021 - Project Profile