Infra-lightweight concrete from research to practical application
19.03.2019
Thanks to using infra-lightweight concrete, this public building could comply with the Passive House standard without any additional thermal insulation layer (Figure: HeidelbergCement AG / Steffen Fuchs)
There is a lot of hype around infra-lightweight concrete. Architects wish for monolithic construction methods using exposed concrete, with being sustainable and authentic. The "concrete oasis" youth recreation and family center in Berlin is the first public building in Germany realized with infra-lightweight concrete. The concrete for this project, conceived by Heidelberger Beton with the collaboration of Gruber + Popp Architekten and professor Mike Schlaich, was configured so that this type can be manufactured and supplied elsewhere for a wide variety of projects, too. Heidelberger Beton, a subsidiary of HeidelbergCement, has implemented the ideas of the architect concerning performance and appearance in a product suitable for application in practice, with now clearly defined raw materials.
Support throughout the entire construction process
The infra-lightweight concrete with the above-mentioned performance characteristics of Heidelberger Beton can be manufactured for other projects in Berlin or somewhere else. The concrete manufacturer accompanies the entire construction process, provides advice already in preparation of the project and provides architects with information regarding the specifications. In addition, the construction companies get specific advice on how to handle this self-compacting concrete in respect of formwork or installation. The "concrete oasis" project enabled infra-lightweight concrete to manage the transition from the research phase to practical application in construction. It is now possible to get the required approval on a case-by-case basis for projects using infra-lightweight concrete with reference to the realized project and the product of Heidelberger Beton.
CONTACT
Heidelberger Beton GmbH
Berliner Straße 6
69120 Heidelberg/Germany
+49 6221 481-0
