Case studies

CPI takes centre stage with Royal Shakespeare Company

The logistical problems of supplying mortar to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) redevelopment of its Stratford-upon-Avon base have been solved with an ingenious silo mixing station from CPI EuroMix.

The project, started in 2007and set for completion in 2010, will transform the RSC’s home to provide a new 1,000 seat thrust-stage auditorium, where the audience surround the action on three sides. The multi-million pound project, designed by architects Bennetts Associates, necessitated the demolition of parts of the old structure whilst retaining key elements of its Victorian and Art Deco design. The new buildings will be integrated into the remaining structure.

Overseen by Construction Manager Mace, brickwork contractor Lesterose used two different mortars from CPI EuroMix – coloured mortar for the new build and traditional lime mortar for the restoration work. To avoid the complications of regular deliveries of mortar to the busy site, coloured mortar was supplied in 30-tonnes bulk silos for efficient on site production whilst the lime mortar was provided in one tonne bags and mixed onsite.

The mortars proved especially popular with the specialist contractors. Contract manager for Lesterose, Lee Ledger, said: ‘’Once again Lesterose has been able to deliver another successful project using CPI’s revolutionary dry silo mortar. As we have found on numerous projects, dry silo mortar can have a dramatic effect in reducing wastage, which is environmentally damaging, and associated costs. Consistency of colour was also a major consideration when pre-start discussions were held with the design team and due to the controlled manner in which the components are batched, CPI is able to maintain a consistent match from the start of the project to completion.’’

Further information or access to any photographs contact Mick Russell at Mick Russell@mineralproducts.org or call 020 7963 8000.