29/02/2008
Unitex - a wall to wow the Chelsea Flower Show.

Through residential builders, Atkinson Pontifex, Unitex® have again been asked to assist in the production of the Flemings Trailfinders entry at the 2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Principals, David Pontifex and Dean Atkinson have worked with Unitex cladding and render products for over ten years and knew they were up to the challenge of creating a lightweight, 20m rammed earth-look wall that could be easily transported to London.

Jamie Durie and Patio Landscape Architecture and Design have designed the 200 sq metre garden that reflects the colours, textures and materials of Australia. The tapered, rammed earth wall features an aboriginal mural and sets the backdrop for Australian native planting. Initially, the wall was to be created in England, transported through London to the show then craned into position for the artist Gabrielle Possum to then paint. But costs, timing and OH&S issues made this almost impossible.

David and Dean knew they could save hundreds of man hours and costs by having Unitex custom-make the wall out of lightweight EPS and Hi-Fibre™ render. Each 4m panel is so manageable that two men can lift it. The costs including transport came in at 10-20% less than building a rammed earth wall in England. Unitex have vast experience in custom shapes and with the help of renderers have managed to replicate the appearance of rammed earth perfectly.

Atkinson Pontifex cannot praise Unitex enough, “There is no-one in the market to match the service or quality of products… in less than a fortnight, 40% of the job was complete and delivered to our warehouse for the artist to paint.” In their every day building work, Atkinson Pontifex uses a lot of custom mouldings and always finds Unitex respond quickly and provide thorough documentation and tech support.

The Chelsea Flower Show opens May 20 – wishing the team, the best of luck.

Additional links:

Flemings Trailfinders Chelsea 2008 - Australian Garden Entry

The Australian, February 21, 2008

Progress Report, February 2008