Tarmac were tasked with the development of flood defences including the erection of a flood wall structure, replacement of residential access bridge and ancillary works, along with landscaping and associated works access.

The project is part of the flood defence required to protect the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children and nearby properties from the risk of flooding.

The walls were erected on both sides of the Burdiehouse Burn, they will be between 0.8m and 1.7m high and be of a colour that blends in with the surrounding natural environment. The client was using a Rekli mould from Germany to give the concrete an authentic brickwork appearance in the facia.

After carefully studying and discussing the customer’s requirements, it was agreed that the suitable colour match was Tarmac’s TOPTINT buff colour. An initial trial was setup to reinforce the product quality and colour consistency and to allow the client the benefit of testing colour consistency in different temperatures.

Carl Tidy (Site Engineer - George Leslie) expressed that the trial had exceeded the client’s expectations and had provided a sharp finish from the Rekli mould and an aesthetically pleasing enriched colour finish. This was also echoed by the design team after a visit to site. Tarmac were then awarded the contract to supply 600m3 of TOPTINT from their Loanhead plant for this contract.