Trent Concrete secures further high-quality residential work

Trent Concrete has recently started erecting cladding at the new Echo 24 apartment development on Wear Street in Sunderland, on the site of the former landmark Sunderland Echo building. This is the latest in a series of contracts Trent has secured for up-market urban residential projects, where precast is being recognised for its ability to guarantee a high quality finish, ensure programme certainty and minimise on-site disruption.

Trent's £800k contract covers 2200 square metres of acid-etched white reconstructed stone cladding in 260 units. The wide variety of units falls into six main categories: under-window panels 7.15m long x 900mm high; spandrels incorporating balconies 7.15m long x 2.28m high; curved spandrels 2.65m long x 2.28m high; L-shaped spandrels 3.37m long x 2.28m high; flat storey height panels 3.35m long x 3.3m high and curved storey height panels 2.265m long x 3m high.

Mario Minchella Architects specified precast for several reasons: speed of installation; acoustic insulation and durability given the city centre location; high quality finish and simplified integration with other materials such as curtain walling.

Echo 24 will house 179 apartments and is a key location in the regeneration of Sunderland's river quarter. Trent started on site on 30th May for a 14 week programme.

Contractor: Tolent Construction
Architect: Mario Minchella Architects