Yorkplace (London, UK)

In 2017, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) announced plans for a new headquarters in a prime location between Clapham Junction and the River Thames.Concrete Valley Ltd and Waco were commissioned to design and manufacture a variety of prefab facade and GRC ceiling elements for this purpose.

A complex project to design and produce various prefabricated concrete elements, including beams, lintels, columns, and facade components, aiming to minimise the weight of the concrete elements and achieve a perfect surface finish on all sides.

The judicious use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) for the core of some high-volume elements resulted in a weight reduction of about 60% while maintaining structural performance. To achieve a consistent aesthetic and benefit from economies of scale, a huge production line was set up so that all elements could be manufactured together.