As the climate shifts and extreme floods cause billions in damage across the UK in recent years, the demand for resilient, sustainable defence systems has never been more important. Across the UK, local councils and contractors are rising to the challenge, building protective structures that not only safeguard communities but also protect the character of their surroundings. Included in these schemes is Colourmix, HATCRETE integrally coloured concrete technology that significantly improves architectural design and helps exterior construction projects blend into the surrounding landscape.
Why Colourmix?
HATCRETE Colourmix is a ready-to-use, UV-stable integral colouring solution for concrete. It ensures consistent colour throughout, eliminating the need for surface treatments and reducing long-term maintenance. Available in a wide range of colours, Colourmix is ideal for infrastructure projects where durability and aesthetics go hand in hand.
A future-proof solution
As flood risks grow, so does the demand for infrastructure that lasts. Long-term resilience is no longer just a goal; it’s a necessity for communities across the UK. By providing durable, low-maintenance colour solutions, HATCRETE supports contractors and councils in building defences that not only safeguard people and property but also preserve the character and natural beauty of their environments.
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From the rivers of Yorkshire to the Highlands of Scotland, Colourmix has been specified in major flood defence schemes across the UK. Here are three major projects where Colourmix was incorporated into the project:
Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme – Phase 2
Led by BAM Nuttall, this £112.1 million initiative protects over 1,000 homes and 470 businesses along the River Aire. A key feature of the scheme is a flood defence wall constructed using concrete integrally coloured with HATCRETE Stone Buff Colourmix. The result is a fade-resistant, low-maintenance structure that blends seamlessly into the riverside landscape, proof that infrastructure can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Apperley Bridge Flood Defence – Woodhouse Grove School
In response to the devastating floods of December 2015, BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald joined forces to deliver flood protection upstream of Leeds Station. This segment of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme features concrete coloured with HATCRETE Pewter Colourmix, supplied by Breedon. The wall not only enhances the resilience of the area but also complements the nearby sports facility.
Caol & Lochyside Flood Prevention Scheme
Nestled beneath Ben Nevis, the village of Caol faced increasing threats from coastal erosion and flooding. RJ McLeod, working with The Highland Council, constructed a flood defence wall using of concrete integrally coloured with HATCRETE Smokestone Colourmix. Supplied by Leiths, the wall features a patterned and textured finish that merges naturally with the surrounding lochs and mountains.
Check out the full range at the HATCRETE website.
This article appeared in Issue 009 of Flood Industry magazine, Nov/Dec 2025. You can view it here.