Duke of York’s Headquarters, Chelsea

Duke of York’s Headquarters, Chelsea

Type of works: supply and installation of Natratex and Colourtex surfacing.

Natratex and Colourtex from Bituchem have been used as part of the refurbishment of the listed Duke of York’s Headquarters and associated running track in Chelsea, providing attractive and versatile surfacing.

The building, originally a military school, is steeped in history, with the running track used by Roger Bannister to practice his world-famous four minute mile. Part of the redevelopment includes the relocation of the Saatchi gallery, which is due to open later on in 2008.

Working for Cadogan Estates Ltd, JMP Consultants Ltd was tasked with providing the hard landscaping for this prestigious project. Commenting on the project requirements, Terry McLaughin, associate at JMP Consultants Ltd said, “The need for a high quality surface to complement the use of both yorkstone and granite was essential, as was its ability to accommodate both pedestrians and vehicles.”

JMP recognised that a coloured asphalt would meet these criteria and approached Bituchem, a leading manufacturer of coloured asphalts. Bituchem was able to supply its Natratex surfacing to blend perfectly with the surroundings, and Red Colourtex for the resurfacing of the running track.

In total some 3,000m2 of Natratex was installed to complement the surroundings. The Natratex supplied was tailor made with ‘highway standards’ materials, making the surface not only suitable for heavy goods vehicles but also easy to clean and maintain. Natratex is a hot applied process with a similar manufacture and application method to traditional macadams, but with the soft appearance of natural stone. Once applied it forms a fully bonded natural aggregate wearing course which is low maintenance and robust enough to withstand vehicle trafficking. Bituchem offers a wide choice of aggregate, which can be locally sourced to blend perfectly with the surroundings.

Natratex is often a more cost effective alternative to other hard landscaping surfaces, can be applied in nearly all weather conditions and offers a quick installation time. As Terry McLaughlin added, “Natratex provided a versatile surface which met with the original brief. The end result is not only in keeping with the architecture it is also strong and hardwearing. We are very happy with the finished project.”

JMP specified an additional 3,000m2 of Bituchem’s Red Colourtex for the running track, with Terry McLaughlin commenting, “The existing running track had a standard red surface which had faded in time and the replacement surfacing needed to be suitable for vehicles. After considering various options, we decided on Colourtex due to its durability under vehicle loading and colour options available, allowing us to achieve the desired result.”

Colourtex is another highly versatile surfacing, offering a durable and strong asphalt-style surface in a variety of vivid, long lasting colours. Like Natratex, Colourtex is a hot applied product which has proved popular in both the public and domestic sectors. Typical applications include parks, supermarket car parks, carriageways, cycle paths, areas of demarcation and private driveways.

Further information on Natratex and other Bituchem products is available from Bituchem Asphalt Ltd on 01594 826768 or by emailing info@bituchem.com

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