White cement can be admired worldwide

In a world that is subject to change and where many things are uncertain, it is nice to know that there are companies that make products of consistent quality. Such is the case with Aalborg White, which, with over 100 years of experience and representation in more than 70 countries around the world, makes white cement characterized by reliable, consistent quality. This can therefore be admired all over the world.

Zikawei library in Shanghai

Located in southwest Shanghai, this new library shares its space with the well-preserved St. Ignatius Cathedral, an outstanding piece of architecture built by Jesuit missionaries in the early 1900s in Zikawei. The Zikawei Library covers 18,650 square meters and has three above-ground levels and two underground floors, with nearly 800 reading spaces. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect David Chipperfield and Wutopia Lab, the library's architectural fusion with the natural landscape demonstrates mastery in design and material application. From form to maintenance, the concrete structure reflects high-level craftsmanship and engineering. The design elegantly softens the mass of the building and creates a rhythmic spatial experience.

The facade of the library is characterized by slender vertical slats that extend from the first floor to the top floor, elegantly enveloping the entire structure and creating a harmonious and uniform architectural form. The design team chose GRC material as vertical slats and cladding, finished washed stone. All elements were manufactured by Hui Liao Group and made with Aalborg White cement. The light beige color of the entire facade beautifully matches the vibrant red bricks of St. Ignatius Cathedral. In addition, the library has an external colonnade on the first floor and loggias on the second and third floors, which offer picturesque views of the square and cathedral.

Multisports Polytechnique Hall in Palaiseau

In this building, south of Paris, several spaces are dedicated to martial arts. Combining aesthetics and technical aspects, it was surrounded by DNA-shaped white concrete sections called "volutes. With a height of 9.30 meters, the 43 white concrete sections protect a pedestrian passageway. In addition, they act as blinds and give passersby a glimpse of the athletes in action. A larger number of elements are arranged on the south side of the building.

The volutes consist mainly of Aalborg White cement and were produced by three molds with a metal base covered with a wooden covering. Filling had to be done slowly to avoid "explosion" in the formwork. Indeed, the pressures were very high. To give the concrete time to degas and stabilize, 5 minutes of downtime was required every 10 minutes. Dismantling and removing the formwork, the day after pouring, took only 2 hours.

The installation involved the use of a self-propelled crane with a double winch. The first to hoist the part, the second to tilt it. The 43 curls were installed at a rate of four curls per day. This new multi-sport hall, shared by several institutions present on the Paris-Saclay campus, is destined to become a part of the DNA of the campus.