As part of Aberdeen City Council’s £28 million Union Terrace Gardens redevelopment, a centrepiece of the City Centre Masterplan, Plean Precast Limited was appointed to deliver architectural precast concrete elements for all three new pavilions. The project, led by architects Stallan-Brand, sought to blend modern design with Aberdeen’s historic granite character, creating a unified civic space in the heart of the city.
Plean Precast was responsible for the design, manufacture, and delivery of a wide range of precast components, including cladding panels, beams, pilasters, cills, and copes. These were used to form the outer skin of the pavilions and capture the architectural vision of a distinctive “tram” form, a symbolic and sculptural expression at the centre of the development.
The use of precast concrete provided both design flexibility and construction efficiency. Elements were cast with a high level of dimensional precision, allowing for seamless assembly on site with tight joints aligned to architectural specifications. Structurally, the panels were designed as a self-supporting system from foundation level, removing the need for intermediate vertical supports and preserving the clean, uninterrupted visual lines of the cladding.
Designing for such a complex architectural brief required attention to fine detail, particularly at the curved leading edges and slender upper-level components. Every element, from reinforcement to cast-in fixings, was developed and coordinated to BIM Level of Detail 400. This ensured a precision fit across all stages of manufacture and installation.
Durability and refinement were key to the success of the project. Small section sizes in upper mullions and transoms were achieved through carefully specified reinforcement cover and tolerance control, while hidden lifting and restraint systems demanded the development of bespoke brackets and cast-in plates. These engineering challenges required close collaboration across design, manufacturing, and site teams.
In addition to aesthetic and structural goals, precast concrete played a crucial role in delivery. It allowed the main contractor to minimise site labour requirements while achieving a consistently high-quality finish, with reduced risk of damage during handling and installation.
The Union Terrace Gardens project is a striking example of how architectural precast concrete can meet complex design requirements while supporting efficient, sustainable urban redevelopment. Plean Precast’s contribution showcases the possibilities of precision manufacturing and intelligent detailing in delivering modern civic architecture with deep historical resonance.