The Hive is the UK’s first purpose-built joint-use library serving the University of Worcester and the public. The Hive incorporates the county archive, local history centre, accommodation for the County Archaeology team and a ‘one stop shop’ for the local authority.
It is a multipurpose building, effectively designed to meet the challenge of providing a wide range of public services whilst promoting social and environmental sustainability.
Sustainability was a high priority throughout, the Hive maximises daylight and natural ventilation via the seven iconic roof cones that echo the undulating ridgeline of the Malvern Hills and the historic kilns of the Royal Worcester pottery.
Keim Mineral Paints were pleased to be selected as the preferred supplier of paint for the internal concrete surfaces for such an iconic and distinctive building.
Keim Concretal Lasur was the chosen product. Keim Concretal Lasur is a colour wash finish specifically developed for concrete surfaces. It is diluted using a complementary product using differing ratios and opacities to achieve the required colour and coverage, whilst still enabling surfaces to look like unpainted concrete. The system can also be employed to minimise any unsightly repairs to concrete after installation.
Keim Concretal Lasur bonds to the concrete surface creating a microcrystalline structure which allows the free passage of moisture vapour which will not inhibit heat transfer for thermal mass purposes.
Keim Concretal Lasur is highly light reflective, even a strongly diluted application will increase the light reflectivity of the substrate, maximising the effect of both natural and artificial light. Manufactured using natural earth oxide pigments, Keim Concretal Lasur is not affected by UV light, ensuring colour stability throughout its lifetime.
