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Concrete for Public Spaces
Description

PeterFell Public Spaces Concrete comprises architectural, high-durability coloured concrete solutions designed for heavy-use public infrastructure, municipal streetscapes, parks, and civic developments. Liquid iron oxide pigments are batched directly into the concrete matrix prior to placement, delivering full-depth, permanent colour that will not chip, peel, or wear away under heavy foot or vehicular traffic.

Designed for plazas, footpaths, shared pedestrian zones, transit hubs, and outdoor civic amenities, the system provides a robust, low-maintenance surface engineered for long service life. The concrete can be specified in a wide variety of textured finishes—including heavy aggregate grinds, acid-etched, sandblasted, and bush-hammered surfaces—and is supported by specialised protective sealers and anti-graffiti coatings to simplify ongoing maintenance in public environments.

Components / Options:

  • Integrated full-depth oxide colour system (custom municipal palette options and natural charcoal/earthy tones)
  • Public-space surface texturing techniques (e.g. Bush Hammer, Sandstone/acid-etched, Sandblasted, Exposed Aggregate, Medium Trowel)
  • Custom formliners, decorative saw-cut joint patterns, and tactile indicators
  • Heavy-duty outdoor protective sealers and anti-graffiti coatings (e.g. PFL Natural Sealer, PFL Anti-Graffiti System)
Key Features
  • Integral Full-Depth Colouring: High-grade iron oxides are mixed throughout the entire concrete batch, ensuring colour consistency across the full slab depth to prevent surface wear or chipping under heavy pedestrian traffic.
  • High-Traffic Durability: Engineered to withstand rigorous public use, heavy footfall, maintenance vehicles, and frequent pressure washing.
  • Public Slip Resistance: Range of tactile, textured surface finishes delivers reliable non-slip traction under wet and dry exterior conditions.
  • Graffiti & Stain Protection: Compatible surface protection systems and anti-graffiti coatings allow easy removal of vandalism and public waste without degrading the concrete matrix.
  • Glare & Heat Reduction: Textured finishes and selected oxide tones help diffuse sunlight, reducing visual glare and thermal absorption in open public plazas.
Scope of Use
  • Suitable for exterior ground-bearing concrete slabs in public plazas, civic precincts, municipal footpaths, parks, waterfront promenades, and shared pedestrian zones.
  • Ideal for urban streetscapes, bus terminals, railway station surrounds, and public park facilities.
  • Suitable for areas exposed to light-to-heavy vehicular traffic such as delivery zones and maintenance access paths.
  • Applicable across all New Zealand geographic climate zones, wind zones, and exposure classifications.
Limitations on Use
  • Structural concrete design, subgrade preparation, slab thickness, and expansion joint layout must be specified by qualified engineers in accordance with NZS 3101 and NZS 3109.
  • Smooth steel-trowelled or polished finishes are not permitted for un-roofed public pedestrian walkways due to wet slip hazards.
  • Final colour appearance may vary depending on local cement supplies, regional aggregate sources, water-cement ratios, and curing methods; site sample mock-up panels are recommended prior to main placement.
  • Protective sealers and anti-graffiti treatments must be applied to fully cured, dry concrete within recommended ambient temperatures per PeterFell technical guidelines.
Statement of Building Code Compliance

PeterFell Public Spaces Concrete, if designed, used, installed, and maintained in accordance with the conditions of PeterFell’s technical documents, will comply with, or contribute to compliance with, the following performance provisions of the NZ Building Code:

  • Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2, and B1.3.4 (contributes to structural performance when engineered in accordance with NZS 3101)
  • Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1(a) 50 years (for structural slab), B2.3.1(b) 15 years, and B2.3.1(c) 5 years (for sealers and surface treatments)
  • Clause D1 ACCESS ROUTES: Performance D1.3.3(d) (slip resistance in public access routes)
  • Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2 (when specified with correct falls and drainage)
  • Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1

Contribution to Compliance:

  • B1 Structure: Contributes to structural performance requirements when concrete mix designs, steel reinforcement, and subgrade preparation comply with NZS 3101, NZS 3109, and project engineering specifications.
  • B2 Durability: Inorganic Bayferrox iron oxide pigments are lightfast and UV-stable for the design life of the structure. Protective surface sealers ensure long-term resistance to weathering and public wear when maintained per scheduled guidance.
  • D1 Access Routes: Exterior textured finishes (such as Bush Hammer, Sandblasted, or Sandstone/acid-etched) achieve compliant wet slip resistance under AS 4586 / NZBC D1/AS1 for public access routes and footpaths.
  • F2 Hazardous Building Materials: Cured coloured concrete and non-toxic surface sealers release no hazardous substances and are safe for general public contact.
In-Service History

PeterFell coloured concrete systems have been manufactured and supplied throughout New Zealand for over 25 years. The system has been specified across numerous high-profile public streetscapes, council parks & skate parks, civic plazas, and urban infrastructure developments nationwide.

Other Performance Attributes
  • UV Stability: Formulated using lightfast, inorganic Bayferrox iron oxide pigments designed to withstand high UV radiation without fading.
  • Slip Resistance Standard: Surface texturing techniques tested to AS/NZS 3661.1 / AS 4586 to confirm compliance for wet public pedestrian safety
Documents
Design: Concrete for Public Spaces
Design: Floors
Masterspec Work Section: Peter Fell Coloured Concrete & Sealers
Masterspec Work Section: Peter Fell Texture Safe Slip Resistance Finishes
PeterFell on Masterspec
Concrete Colour Range
Concrete Patterns & Cuts
Concrete Textures & Finishes
Polished Concrete Floors — Commercial
Sealing & Protecting
Texture Safe Concrete
Sustainability — Coloured Concrete

PeterFell specialises in coloured concrete, polished concrete systems and surface finishes for residential, commercial and public projects throughout New Zealand.

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