The Project
Project Aim and Challenges
The aim of this project at Downhill Beach in Derry was to create a high-spec pedestrian walkway located beneath a Translink railway bridge. For this award-winning build, Vision Fabrications Limited required a high-performance flooring material that could withstand the constant exposure of a harsh coastal environment. The primary technical challenge involved integrating the walkway into the existing landscape, which featured both a natural stone wall and a metal structure. This necessitated a versatile product that could be precisely scribed into the rugged stone to achieve a seamless, professional finish. Furthermore, the location demanded a surface with maximum slip resistance and total immunity to saltwater rot and corrosion to ensure long-term public safety.
The Project
The Outcome
Polydeck’s dark brown, EPD certified castellated POLYplanks™ provided the ideal solution for this standout project, which led to Vision Fabrications Limited winning the Unique Metalwork Award at the Irish Steel Awards 2025. The plank’s versatility allowed Vision Fabrications to scribe the planks perfectly into the stone wall, resulting in a clean, high-end aesthetic that impressed the awarding body. With a slip resistance value of 92 even when wet, the castellated surface ensures a safe environment for pedestrians despite the spray-heavy coastal conditions. These GRP planks are designed for an over 75-year low-maintenance lifespan, far outperforming traditional materials in terms of durability. Additionally, the project reached a significant environmental milestone; the recycled plastic bottle foam core used in the planks saved over 5,000 500ml PET plastic bottles from landfill.
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