Transitions Polishing and Grinding played an integral role in the second stage of the Cairns Foreshore redevelopment project.

The restoration of Wharf Shed Number 2, the second of the reconditioned 100-year-old wharf sheds at Trinity Inlet in Cairns included the installation of Transitions polished concrete and Transitions honed concrete flooring.

The Cairns foreshore is a landmark site in North Queensland that has undergone major renovations since 2010 beginning with the restoration of Wharf Shed Number 3 for use as an international cruise liner terminal and functions centre.

Stage 2 of the Cairns foreshore development aimed to harmonise the look and feel of Wharf Shed Number 2 with its award-winning neighbour. This area will be a multi-use public space and retail precinct, designed to complement the arrival of passengers and visitors who frequent the cruise liner terminal just next door.

The project consisted of:

1,500m² of Transitions mechanically polished concrete
1,000m² of Transitions honed concrete
Transitions honed concrete staircases
Installation of polished concrete outdoor BBQ benchtops

A key objective for the Stage 2 restoration was to seamlessly match the high level of quality finishes with the polished concrete and honed flooring installed by Transitions Polishing and Grinding in Stage 1. The concrete floors were to be exactly matched in terms of aggregate colour, exposure and finish.

Key requirements for Transitions' polished concrete and honed concrete floors:

Minimal maintenance
Hardwearing, durable and functional
Withstand the large and constant amounts of foot traffic
Minimum R9 slip rating for internal flooring areas and R11 slip rating for external flooring areas
Low VOC sealers to suit the harsh environment and weather conditions
High level of abrasion resistance

Transitions Polishing and Grinding was able to match the specifications of the polished concrete and honed concrete floors, resulting in a seamless flow from Shed No. 3 through an adjoining courtyard, into Shed No. 2.

Transitions completed the works in half the allocated time. The sealer enabled the concrete to be cut early within 7 days, and sealed within the first 21 days without impacting the curing times or product life.

The concrete floors spill out into the outdoor space to find honed concrete pathways, parkland and the foreshore, as well as the existing public art space with Transitions decorative shotblasting.

Architecture & Design Team

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Transitions Polishing and Grinding

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