"We worked very closely with the architects right from the beginning to ensure that the exterior plaza integrated with the overall conceptual theme of Te Awa," said Michael Graham, Director of Mansergh Graham, Landscape Architects. "The design incorporates key cultural elements including inspiration from the Waikato River, which is represented by the mall, and the landscaping which is an abstraction of the river bank with its reeds and flaxes."

"We have poured about 4,500m3 of concrete for the floor of the new Farmers building and have also supplied all the concrete for the landscaping to Peter Robinson Contractors," said Alison Durning, Waikato Sales Manager for Firth. "The decorative exposed concrete for the landscaping incorporates glass and additional contrasting pebbles in the mix."

"We find that concrete is extremely versatile as we can achieve almost any colour, make it into any shape, add texture by exposing aggregates and add, in this case, glass beads," explains Michael. "Firth has been instrumental in sourcing the various materials we needed. We are very happy with the result."

Oxide options and mixes used:

• Golden Harvest aggregate with Awarua pebble and Hikamata oxide
• Fine Aggregate with Keys oxide; amber glass beads and amber glass beads with Ayers oxide