Oct 16, 2025
Week 4 – Site Visit with Miller Druck: Material Craft and Urban Detailing
Where stone, water and craft meet to shape the public realm.
Technical
Stop 1: King’s Cross – Detailing the Ground Plane
Our first stop was King’s Cross, an area transformed into a vibrant public realm. The paving used a mix of Caveness stone (flamed and leathered finishes), Cromwell stone and Porphyry near Granary Square by UAL. The flamed texture provided grip and durability for high-footfall areas, while the leathered surface offered a smoother contrast. Dean highlighted how texture guides pedestrian movement subtly. Beneath these surfaces, unseen layers of bedding, drainage and jointing systems ensure performance under constant use and weather.
Stop 2: St Paul’s Reflection Garden – Surface, Water and Light
Next, we visited the St Paul’s Reflection Garden, tucked behind 25 Cannon Street. The bound aggregate ground surface was permeable, balancing aesthetics and sustainable water management. Surrounding Purbeck Limestone added subtle geological depth. The water feature required precise detailing to maintain its reflective surface, demonstrating how technical systems quietly underpin the calm, naturalistic design.
Stop 3: Rathbone Square – Managing Levels and Material Junctions
Our final stop, Rathbone Square, showcased challenges of level changes and detailed material junctions. Spanish Granite covered the main surface with tolerances no greater than 5mm to prevent imperfections, while Canadian Granite provided a contrasting water feature. Picasso Granite formed the planter seating, marrying smooth texture with unexpected comfort. Joints, fixings and drainage layers were carefully coordinated to handle movement, weather and usability - a testament to technical precision shaping human experience.