A new ‘glow-in-the-dark’ luminescent concrete that absorbs energy from ultraviolet rays to generate light has been used to bring a Derbyshire commercial development to life
Tarmac in collaboration with developers Blue Deer Ltd, installed the Toptint Glow solution to the main walkways and balconies in the new Glass Yard development in Chesterfield.
The development is a mixed-use scheme that will combine office and retail space, including an artisan food hall.
Toptint Glow is a type of decorative concrete that uses light-sensitive chippings that glow and help illuminate areas such as footpaths, cycleways, and pedestrian areas, as well as being available to use in architectural and landscape design as an alternative to conventional pavements to enhance the night-time-built environment.
The solution works by using recycled composite luminescent chippings into a matching coloured concrete mix, which picks up and emits light after dark.
‘New and exciting materials that can complement bold design’
Glanville Norman, product development manager at Tarmac, said: “New developments such as the Glass Yard or other existing high-profile sites often require something visually distinctive that will set them apart, and we’re always looking to develop new and exciting materials that can complement bold design.
“This is the first time that Toptint Glow has been used on a major commercial development and we were delighted to be able to propose a solution that not only has high aesthetic and environmental quality but also helped to improve safety and visibility.”
‘Exciting, safe and sustainable’
Tim Turner, managing director of Blue Deer Ltd, also commented: “One of the key principles of our design at the Glass Yard was to introduce a new kind of working environment that is exciting, safe and sustainable and one that people enjoy travelling to and working within.”
“We challenged Tarmac to come up with something that was a bit different for the central walkways and were impressed by Toptint Glow, as it gave us something that was durable but also serves as a design feature that puts a smile on people’s faces.”
The final project is expected to be completed before the end of this year.
