The indoor CrestAquarium at Cresta Shopping Centre allows shoppers to view more than 30 species of fish. Constructed by Concor Buildings and unveiled to the public in June 2019, this \u2018edu-tainment\u2019 feature is on the lower level of the centre\u2019s food, entertainment and cinema court.<\/p>\n
Specialist Italian experts provided the pure cast acrylic blocks for underwater use, and Martin Muller, contracts manager at Concor Buildings explains that one of the first challenges during the project was the logistics of getting these large acrylic panels into place.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe panels were shipped in two pieces, each measuring five metres in diameter and four metres high,\u201d Muller says. \u201cWith each item weighing about four tonnes, they were transported in jigs and trolleyed into the confined space of the shopping centre.\u201d<\/p>\n
To create enough space to access the lower level, one of the shopping centres escalators was removed completely to facilitate access for the trolleys. A spider crane, positioned on the food court level above, was used to lift and position each panel. The weight exerted by the crane\u2019s activities was considered during this operation, with back propping of the slab on which it rested being done.<\/p>\n
Various other technicalities related to the CrestaAquarium\u2019s operation were also attended to by Concor Buildings. This included two pump rooms and acclimatisation baths for the fish which were used before they were introduced to their new home.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter establishing the cast concrete base for the CrestAquarium structure, we also installed service ducts for water reticulation,\u201d Muller says. \u201cAnother important aspect was the pressurised extraction system used to prevent dust ingress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Concor Buildings also built insulated panels around the acrylic structure, which ensured the required heat levels allowing the panels to bond and cure over a number of weeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe next phase was quite technical, with the top of the CrestAquarium being covered with a fibre-reinforced plastic cap, including stainless steel components to avoid corrosion,\u201d says Muller. \u201cAn added consideration in almost all our work on this project was that we were working in a live environment. The centre was busy with shoppers and visitors, so it was important as always that we worked with safety as a priority.\u201d<\/p>\n
The final aspects of the project included the placing of custom-made, marine themed mosaics in the floor around the CrestAquarium, and hydro-testing of water pressures and equipment. Concor Buildings started on the project in August 2018 and completed it in May 2019.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The indoor CrestAquarium at Cresta Shopping Centre allows shoppers to view more than 30 species of fish. Constructed by Concor Buildings and unveiled to the public in June 2019, this \u2018edu-tainment\u2019 feature is on the lower level of the centre\u2019s food, entertainment and cinema court. Specialist Italian experts provided the pure cast acrylic blocks for … Continue reading SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION OF CRESTAQUARIUM BY CONCOR BUILDINGS<\/span>