Cardiff Barrage Embankment

Client: Cardiff Bay Harbour Authority
Type of works: Dragon design, using natural aggregates and recycled glass

The landscaped Cardiff Barrage embankment provides an attractive promenade where the public can view the estuary and Cardiff Bay. It also has The Age of Coal, an outside exhibition that celebrates the historical link between Cardiff and the valleys.

From more than 1,000 available SureSet formulations, The Age of Coal Dragon uses natural aggregates and recycled glass in an assortment of colours. The crystal-clear resin enhances the colour of the raw materials, and the versatility of SureSet has enabled intricate patterns to be designed and built for the Dragon.

For the Dragon's construction, 3mm Bright Red recycled glass created the main body, with natural gravel for the surrounding areas. The eyes use 3mm black and elsewhere 4mm Green, 4mm Grey and 3mm Dark Terracotta are used.

The edging needed to be totally accurate, so SureSet incorporated a metal strip which enhanced the overall appearance, keeping a strong contrast between the principal colours. Coal bands were laid colour to colour to provide subtler colour changes, as they would have been in reality.

Harbour Authority Operations Manager, Roger Thorney, says:
"The Age of Coal Dragon is a clear reminder of our region's heritage, and the choice of colours was critical in its success. This selection of SureSet ensured a consistent, accurate and durable finish for this very popular project."