Heidelberg Materials UK supplies waterproof concrete for Hertfordshire Zoo refurb

Heidelberg Materials UK has supplied a waterproof coloured concrete mix for the refurbishment of Boulders Beach Splash Park at Hertfordshire Zoo in Broxbourne.

The project used around 30 cubic metres of ColourCrete in a Cotswold shade to replicate the appearance of sandy beaches, reflecting the attraction’s theme inspired by Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa.

The mix incorporated the Sika Watertight Concrete System, designed to prevent water ingress in wet leisure environments. The works were carried out by Decorative Concrete Specialists Ltd ahead of the attraction reopening for the summer season.

The installation forms part of wider refurbishment works at the splash park, where durability and resistance to water exposure were key design requirements.

Waterproof concrete systems such as those used on the project are increasingly specified in leisure and water-based environments where long-term resistance to ingress and reduced maintenance demands are required.

Coloured concrete used for design and environmental integration

Heidelberg Materials’ ColourCrete range was used to achieve the beach-style finish. The system is designed to be used in place of conventional concrete, with the option to blend structures into surrounding environments or create more visually distinct finishes.

The range includes nine standard colours achieved using a colour-fast admixture supplied by Hatcrete, with bespoke colour options also available.

“All of our concretes can be supplied as coloured concrete, providing design flexibility across a wide range of applications,” said Lee Netting, Regional Director at Heidelberg Materials UK.

“The precision-manufactured admixture ensures consistent colour across batches and is fade resistant. It was the perfect solution for the zoo’s splash park to replicate the colour of a sandy beach while providing the durability and low maintenance benefits of concrete.”

Contractor highlights previous use of system

Decorative Concrete Specialists Ltd said the system had been used previously in similar water play environments.

Barry Pimble, Managing Director at Decorative Concrete Specialists Ltd, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Heidelberg Materials and the communication and attention to detail on this project were excellent.

“We have previously used the same concrete at another water play park with excellent results so it was an obvious choice for us to replicate that at Hertfordshire Zoo.”