On your marks

The MCG forms an important part of Melbourne's history. For cladding of entry areas and the exterior of the members' area, the project designers specified Bluestone a material historically used as a building stone in Melbourne and Victoria.

Fabcon Precast was chosen to provide Bluestone tile clad precast panels. Working on the Southbank development in the early 1990s, Fabcon Precast developed the method of tile fixing used at the MCG, says company director, Mike Dawson.

"The concept is to provide a finished panel ready for installation without having further site work. Retro-fitting stone tiles using traditional fixing methods, and providing access and scaffolding, would be prohibitively expensive and time consuming, especially as the specialist labour required for such a task is not readily available."

Bluestone was chosen for the 40mm thick tiles, as it is extremely hard, durable and plentiful. The tile size is typically 400mm x 300mm. Joints between the tiles of 3-4mm are uncaulked.

For further information, contact Fabcon Precast, 1705 Centre Road, Springvale, Vic 3171, phone (03) 9548 1811, fax (03) 9547 9608. Email: ffabconp@bigpond.net.au.

Story by: Trendsideas