Challenge

The United Arab Emirates Pavilion, designed by Foster + Partners for the 2015 Milan Expo, is accessed from a canyon-like space consisting of two undulating high walls. The paths through the pavilion suggest the narrow streets of an ancient desert city. To enhance this representation, surfacing was required that would reflect the undulating sand dunes, texture, tones and climate of the desert environment. 

Solution

Addagrip was invited to discuss options for the resin bound surfacing requirement for the pavilion and was asked to produce a number of bespoke shades of Addabound resin bound surfacing using a large percentage of locally sourced Italian aggregates. Once the bespoke blend selected by architects Foster + Partners had been thoroughly tested by Addagrip's Research and Development Department, work on the pavilion commenced and an area of over 1200sqm of resin bound surfacing was installed.

Work had to be carried out with the challenges of numerous tradesmen working on this fast-track project that was due to open in May, and of course the Italian weather in March and April, which can be very wet.

Outcome

The result is a seamless, porous and hard-wearing surface that was installed to create the effect of an undulating sandscape within this compact urban form. The bespoke colour was chosen to complement finishes throughout the scheme.