SMET feature Streetscape® Helix Park Project in Northern Builder

Smet Building Products Ltd has once again delivered the highest standards as part of a major regeneration project. The Newry-based company supplied Streetscape® BS 7533 compliant laying course materials, including bedding course, jointing and priming mortars, to Scottish-based principal contractor, RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd, for the hardscape element of the new Helix Park project, situated between Falkirk and Grangemount in Scotland.

The Helix Park forms part of the Falkirk Greenscape Initiative master plan, a unique 350 hectare outdoor scheme connecting the communities of Falkirk, Grangemouth and 14 local communities. The Helix Park opened with great success in 2013 providing access to woodland paths, cycle-ways, play areas, performance spaces, water features, public art installations and a vibrant visitor centre.

The hardscape element of the Helix Park, comprising of open-space paving and connecting pathways, totalling 9,000 m2 of granite paving, was expertly laid by paving contractor, Granite Paving Specialist Ltd. In the process of application, the bedding course was mixed using the SMET Site Silo System and placed directly onto the road-base. Priming of the granite setts and slabs with Streetscape® Priming Slurry was then carried out – these were placed into the prepared bedding course and compacted into place.  SMET Streetscape® Priming Slurry is an easy-to-use, high quality slurry used to improve bond to natural stone flags, cobbles and setts, and clay and concrete pavers in a rigid construction.

Once the bedding course set, the granite paving was cleaned and joints jointed/grouted using Streetscape® Rapid-Set Jointing Mortar.  This flowing/liquid BS 7533 compliant jointing material was applied using a squeegee. The process of application can be described as similar to the interior grouting of floor tiles. The final natural granite was cleaned and finished using a sponge machine or belt cleaner. The natural beauty of the granite stone setts compliments the modern aspect of the paved areas and associated features.

“We are proud to supply this prestigious Streetscape project in Scotland,” said Joris Smet, Director of Smet Building Products Ltd. “We supplied Streetscape® BS 7533 compliant bedding course, jointing and priming materials for the duration of the project.  “This type of Streetscape application provides a bonded, rigid construction to BS 7533 requirements. We ensured continual and consistent quality of product delivered right on site, satisfying the needs of RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd, in delivering a timely project.  “The result is a beautiful natural granite paving finish, resistant to pedestrian and vehicular traffic which will endure in a busy outdoor environment such as the Helix Park.

As an ISO 14001:2004 accredited supplier, we are delighted to be associated with this ground-breaking project – winners of the coveted title of Best Environment Project at the National Lottery Awards 2014.”

Part of the company’s comprehensive range, SMET Streetscape® High-Strength Bedding Concrete is a superior quality, polymer modified laying course material, manufactured under an ISO 9001 quality controlled environment, using dried sands, lime, cement and additives. It is specially designed to meet or exceed the requirements of BS 7533 part 7:2010.  The product is used for bedding natural stone flags, cobbles and setts and clay and concrete pavers in a rigid construction. This bedding material is shrinkage compensated, providing very high early strengths and consistent high quality.  SMET can deliver product to site in convenient 25kg bags or via SMET Site Silos System,  depending on space available and applicator preference.

Similarly, SMET Streetscape® Rapid-Set Jointing Mortar is a superior quality rapid-set jointing mortar, manufactured under an ISO 9001 quality controlled environment; using dried sands, lime, cement and additives – specially designed to meet or exceed the requirements of BS 7533 part 7:2010.  The product is used for jointing natural stone flags, cobbles and setts and clay and concrete pavers in a rigid construction. Key drivers for selecting Streetscape® Rapid-Set Jointing Mortar are its suitability for jointing 5-50 mm joint widths, and early drying – allowing light foot traffic within the hour.

The SMET Streetscape® range of materials complies with the rigorous requirements of BS 7533 with products undergoing independent testing and certification to confirm compliance.  SMET demonstrates, once again, best practice in supporting the company’s Smet Supported Partners through offering a comprehensive range of BS 7533 compliant Streetscape® laying course materials, backed-up with the expertise of technical advisors.  SMET is site focused, providing customers with industry specialists, who provide training, demonstrations and support in the use of the BS 7533 compliant Streetscape® laying course materials.

Joris explains the rationale in securing such high profile projects.  “We pride ourselves on executing the highest levels of customer service, not only to our client, but also directly to the paving contractor. By providing this level of customer focus – during the project and after – Smet Building Products Ltd demonstrates best-practice in Streetscape construction partnerships.”

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