Lunar is the first in a series of planned innovations Marshalls are bringing to market over the course of the next 12 months.
Available now, Lunar is a next generation concrete product offering a versatile range of granite-inspired blends for commercial markets. Lunar pavers are brought to life through the combination of two technologies; our MaxiMix blended layer, working together with a new patented colour application process. We spoke to our Product Innovation Manager, Andrew Stalker, to find out more.
So tell us all about the new product Andrew, what makes Lunar so unique?
Lunar is our new modular paving solution which offers a completely different aesthetic to anything available in the market today. It combines not just one but two different technologies.
The first is our patented colour application system, which creates a distinctly unique finish. Using an innovative colour application method, every Lunar paving block we produce has a subtly different aesthetic, just like a natural material does.
This unique colour finish is combined with MaxiMix Technology, a facemix solution that embeds a durable layer of high-density aggregates onto the surface of the product. This offers ongoing protection and UV resistance, providing a sustainable and durable paving solution, that lasts even in the most highly trafficked areas.
How long did it take to develop the new technology and finishes?
Lunar has been two years in the making while we perfected what are now the final blends. During that time we have trialled hundreds of permutations and mixes to find just the right colour balances suitable for the UK markets. We’re really pleased with the final results!
What made you choose the final blends you’ve gone with?
It was very much a case of capitalising on emerging design trends, both from a colour and patterning point of view. Lunar takes inspiration from the beauty and enchantment of the moon, which taps in to the current trend around biophilic design, connecting architectural details with the natural world.
The subtle and unique colour palette adds a modern twist to the ever-popular grey spectrum, reflecting tonal hues from nature with textures inspired by natural stone.
And what types of project are best suited to Lunar?
Due to the 80mm depth and the range of plan sizes and colours available, Lunar is technically suitable for both pedestrian and vehicle trafficking, making it appropriate for any type of commercial scheme, but especially those of mixed use. Its modern aesthetic – with smooth finish and pencil-chamfered edges - lends itself well to contemporary schemes where designers are looking to offer something new and intriguing while still ensuring a timeless look.
Increasingly today schemes are being designed with the environment in mind. Is Lunar a sustainable product?
Lunar is made in Britain, and most of the aggregates used are also sourced within the UK meaning there is less carbon impact across both the manufacturing and delivery of the product. The use of our MaxiMix Technology™ and the patented colour technology system, in a range of 80mm thick paving units means that Lunar maintains is unique aesthetic even on the most demanding schemes, giving it longevity and avoiding the need for premature replacement.
You mentioned a patented technology, what’s so unique about it?
The use of the patented three colour technology system means that every block has a unique aesthetic. The colour application heads randomly scatter each colour onto the units as they pass before they are compacted and vibrated to lock in the colour. The variables of colour combination, pass speed and applicator size mean that there are almost limitless permutations.
Are you installing the technology in multiple plants?
To offer a low lorry mile solution, we’re installing the new technology at both northern and southern facilities. In the south, Lunar will also be produced in our new £24 million Dual Block Plant, located in St Ives, with commissioning planned for later this year. Our ability to manufacture out of St Ives will provide additional capacity, increased availability and a Southern location to support our Eaglescliffe plant in the North. We’ll have better coverage of the country and be able to reduce haulage miles as a result.
How many blocks can the new machinery make?
We’ll be able to produce more than 200m² of Lunar block paving every hour. The manufacturing time is dictated by the unique Lunar aesthetic that we have created - running faster or slower will create a visually different product. This cycle speed is just one of the variables we can play with to create new visual variations moving forwards.
On that topic, what’s next for Lunar? Are there any other colours or sizes in development?
We’re always working closely with our customers and analysing product performance to create our next innovation - there is always lots in development at Marshalls! So the answer is yes, we’ve already produced over a dozen other colours that we’ll be taking out to show more UK designers, in the hopes that some ‘make the cut’ and come to market in due course.
For more information or to start designing with Lunar today, visit marshalls.co.uk/lunar