74 Pirie Street, Adelaide
APPLICATOR: Mez Contracting
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Maras
74 Pirie Street is the location of an 8-level office building situated in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia. Having been built in the 1980’s, this building was due for refurbishment which included the waterproofing of an exposed, fully self-contained rooftop terrace with facilities perfect for meetings and entertainment.
Challenge
Built in the 1980’s, the buildings exposed rooftop concrete substrate was subject to years of cumulative wear and tear. The concrete substrate also developed static cracking over the years. This exposed concrete required waterproofing as part of the refurbishment to turn the rooftop into an area suitable for entertaining.
As such, a waterproofing system was required to be suitable for the conditions of an exposed area, including a UV stable, trafficable membrane. Due to the required nature of the area, the system required a product that was to be non-slip with the ability to withstand high amounts of traffic.
Solution
The installer/applicator from Mez Contracting initially contacted ARDEX to discuss options for this project. Through site inspections and meetings with the contractor (Maras), a system consisting of ARDEX WPM 801 (Priming), ARDEX 812 (Waterproofing Membrane) and ARDEX WPM 822 (UV Stable Top Coat) was specified, and ultimately chosen.
ARDEX WPM 801 is a fast-drying primer suitable for polyurethane membranes that penetrates and seals concrete and is water resistant which protects the substrate in the event of interruption by wet weather.
ARDEX WPM 812, a single part, polyurethane membrane, is designed as trafficable and impact resistant – ideal for the intended use of the rooftop terrace. This membrane is highly receptive to the finish that ARDEX WPM 801 as a primer provides.
ARDEX WPM 822 was then used as a non-slip surface and top coat over ARDEX WPM 812 waterproofing membrane. It is UV resistant, foot trafficable and provides a chemically resistant finish.
A total of 120 sqm was waterproofed, with the area sand seeded as well. 200 sqm of cold joints were also treated with ARDEX RA 040 – a one component, polyurethane based joint sealant – to ensure complete protection of these joints.
The client was impressed not only with the quality of the finish, but also the technical support provided before, during and after the duration of the project.
Mercedes Benz Autohaus, Newstead
Project Name: Mercedes Benz Autohaus, Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead, QLD, 4006
Applicator: MTS Tiling
Architect: Cottee Parker Architects
General Contractor: John Holland Pty Ltd
As an Australian first for the automotive powerhouse, Mercedes Benz opened a new flagship store in Newstead, QLD. The five-storey, 32,000 sqm Mercedes Benz Autohaus dealership includes a 539 sqm museum, garden pavilion, staff training centre, 45 vehicle maintenance bays, a rooftop restaurant and a function area and is the car dealer’s largest development of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
Challenges
The sheer size of the project posed challenges for the general contractor. The five-storey building required 15,000sqm of wall and floor tiling of various sizes and areas ranging from showrooms, workshops and amenities.
The tiles themselves were chosen specifically by principal and as such, a system was required that could work in conjunction with what was provided.
The project also required a fast turnaround, so a product system was needed that could allow the builders and contractors to proceed at a faster than normal rate to meet the expectations of everyone involved.
Solution
ARDEX tiling products were specified and chosen for this large project. The tiling contractor – MTS Tiling – was also an approved and trained installer of ARDEX products, helping to ensure that the ARDEX system was installed to the recommended specifications and eliminating the risk of product failure.
ARDEX K 15 Microtec self-levelling compound is rapid-drying and contains Microfibre reinforcement. Being rapid-dry the compound achieves high early strength and is walkable after 2 hours with most floor coverings able to be installed 16 hours later, allowing a fast turnaround of work.
ARDEX X 18 Non-Slump wall and floor tile adhesive is fibre-reinforced which provides added strength to the tiled areas – ideal for the intended use of the Autohaus. Being non-slump, the adhesive is also ideal for large format and heavy tiles.
Beyond the performance of the specified ARDEX products, the level of Customer Service and Technical Support provided also proved to be a determining factor in the success of the job.
The Mercedes Benz Autohaus became one of the biggest tiling jobs outside of retail shops completed in Brisbane in modern times.
Cairns Corporate Tower, Cairns
INSTALLER: Touchstone Tiling Services
The Cairns Corporate Tower is a modern 16 storey commercial office tower located in the heart of Cairns’ Central Business District, close to Cairns Esplanade and Waterfront. The building consists of 14 levels of office space and 2 levels for car parking and has served the area for over 30 years.
Unique Elements
Having been built over 30 years ago, the original 300mm x 300mm granite tiles that had been installed in the foyer had become crummy and hollow. The entire installation also had to be completed in small sectioned off areas as the building was still in use by all tenants. This created a challenge as the sections could not be tiled in straight lines as the tiles were all staggered.
As part of the renovation, 3000mm x 1000mm large format tiles were specified into the main foyer area and hallways of this commercial building as well as for the first floor and bathrooms. One section of the main foyer had 1480 pieces of tile that were 90mm x 1000mm and each had to be cut form the full sheets and bevelled to look original.
The bathrooms were designed to have true and flat walls at all junctions, with all grout lines lining up to each fixture. The cubicle doors in the bathrooms were a unique glass composite which were not able to be adjusted or trimmed down to fit, so tiling had to be exact with completely square openings.
The unique layout of the floor also meant that of the 900m2 of tiles on the floor, only 9 tiles were installed as full tiles without a cut. The floor areas are laid on a 45-degree angle and with the unique curves of the walls as well as columns throughout, almost every cut was unique.
Solution
Touchstone Tiling Services had a team check every tile on the floor and mark the tiles that needed to be removed. The drummy granite tiles were then removed, with the existing granite tiles ground then primed with ARDEX P 9 Primer. Once the old tiles were removed, the remaining area was ground to remove any surface contamination. All removed areas were prepared and filled using ARDEX K 250 and ARDEX K 220 Floor Levelling compounds and the entire floor (as well as on all other porous substrates) was then primed using the easy to apply ARDEX Multiprime.
The work was carried out utilising a full system approach utilising both ARDEX and ABA products. The contractor had experience with the chosen products as they had used them on several projects previously.
ABA Choicestik tile adhesive was chosen as it has an extended open time and is non-slump. It was also softer when applied, making it easier to push the large format floor tiles into. ARDEX FG 8 polymer fortified grout was then used as it reduced the likelihood of cracking, and ARDEX SE Silicone was applied to finish the area.
The installation required the team at Touchstone Tiling Services to be split into teams with each team assigned a set role in the project. This included preparation of the existing tiled floor, measuring and marking of tiles, cutting the tiles, and installation of the tiles. Doing this ensured that each part of the installation was consistent and completed to the high standard expected.
Creative Quarter Cycle Hub, Curtin University, Perth
ARCHITECT: Coniglio Ainsworth Architects
PROJECT MANAGER: National Projects WA
The Creative Quarter Cycle Hub is a brand-new storage area located within Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia. It can house approximately 200 bikes, has over 100 lockers and includes the university’s first universal access self-contained shower and change rooms. The new area also includes an open rooftop deck above the cycle hub that contains a communal seating area and an all-weather canopy on a lawn area.
Unique Elements
To provide enough storage for 200 bikes and amenities (showers and lockers), the Cycle Hub was designed using a two-tier bicycle stacking system.
Above the amenities and bike storage area is an accessible green space that students and staff can access by the sloping grass roof or through a purpose-built lift to make the area available to all.
To maximize the height of the ceiling within the amenities and bike storage area, the beams for the roof were constructed on top of the structure which presented several challenges when it came to drainage and waterproofing for the green roof above.
Solution
ARDEX were asked to provide a waterproofing and drainage system with a minimum 20-year warranty that would work with the design elements of the structure.
The best option for this type of application was a sheet membrane system incorporating a drainage cell with a geofabric matting over the membrane for the green roof system.
ARDEX WPM 612 TPO waterproofing membrane was recommended as this would provide a fully welded sheet system that could be detailed over the building structure to form a continuous membrane.
To provide drainage and a base for the green roof application ARDEX DRS 18 GC drainage cell with built in geofabric was selected and installed over the membrane. The dimple structure of ARDEX DRS 18 GC effectively captures and transports high water volumes.
The roof beams were also waterproofed with ARDEX WPM 612 TPO membrane and drainage was maintained by installing a series of overflow pipes through the concrete beams, by detailing the membrane into the pipes and over-flashing with a pipe flange.
The project included the application of ARDEX WPM 300 as a moisture barrier for the retaining and perimeter walls around the structure including the lift shaft. The moisture barrier was applied and allowed to dry before the walls were back filled and any sections of wall left exposed to the elements were overcoated using ARDEX WPM 908 UV-stable membrane.
The Curtin Bike Hub was entered in the 2019 Bicycle Architecture Biennale held in Amsterdam and was successfully selected to be part of the exhibition which opened in June.
Garden Island Naval Base, Sydney
APPLICATOR: Protective Waterproofing
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Duratec Australia
The Garden Island Naval Base is location North-East of the Sydney Central Business District and forms a major part of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet with approximately half of the major fleet units using its wharves as their home ports.
Challenges
The location of the base and scope of the project meant that work was to be completed approximately 1.5m below the Sydney Harbour waterline. An installer experienced in below ground works was required for this project as the structure had to remain completely dry due to the area being an electrical substation.
The pile caps on this project were found to be extremely poor, and there were raised mounds within the floor area that needed to be detailed. These were discovered on site during work and not detailed into the site drawings or highlighted during discussions.
Being a government project, a tight turnaround was also required. Speed of application was of primary importance for the selection of a system as the project also had a very short window for installation.
Solution
ARDEX was able to provide a solution for below ground works by specifying ARDEX WeldTec WPM 1500 – a pre-applied, fleece-lined, weldable tanking membrane designed for below ground tanking. 300 square metres of membrane was subsequently applied for this project.
ARDEX WeldTec WPM 1500 was detailed around pile caps and a “pitch pocket” was created using off-cuts of WPM 1500. This was then filled with ARDEX EG 800 F flowable commercial epoxy grout system and 5/2 aggregate.
Due to the nature of the project, the ARDEX WeldTec WPM 1500 membrane was installed by an experienced below-ground membrane installer with extensive knowledge on the ARDEX WeldTec range of waterproofing membranes. An experienced ARDEX rep with knowledge on below-ground works was also on site to offer support.
Perth Children’s Hospital
APPLICATOR: Vercon
BUILDER: John Holland
ARCHITECT(S): The Architects Alliance
Perth Children’s Hospital, located in Nedlands, is Western Australia’s new specialist paediatric hospital and trauma centre which provides treatment for serious medical cases, in-patient, out-patient and day-stay care. Having replaced the now-closed Princess Margaret Hospital, the 298-bed state-of-the-art hospital incorporates 270-degree panoramic views and includes outdoor spaces and private courtyards.
Unique Elements
Being a Government health project, not only was quality of the finished product crucial, speed and turnaround was another important factor in the selection of products as 30,000 square metres of tiling and waterproofing needed to be completed on a tight deadline.
Heavy stone (20mm thick) was specified by the architects for the internal lobby, so a strong tile adhesive that could withstand larger, heavier tiles was required. The builders also needed to waterproof internal wet areas, again, with a fast turnaround in mind.
Solution
An ARDEX specification was chosen as it provided a solution that could help contractors meet the tight deadline as well adhesives that could fix the heavier tiles specified for the internal lobby.
For the larger tiles, ARDEX specified ARDEX X 18 wall and floor tile adhesive. ARDEX X 18 contains specially developed fibres that add strength to the tiled area and is non-slump, making this ideal for heavy tiles on both floors and walls.
As the internal wet areas required a fast turnaround, ARDEX specified ARDEX WPM 155 Rapid water-based waterproofing membrane in conjunction with ARDEX STB Tape (an uncured butyl tape with a fleece layer) for rapid installation. ARDEX WPM 155 Rapid has been developed for high performance under-tile waterproofing and has excellent adhesion with ARDEX Tile Adhesives.
The ARDEX STB Tape prevents an otherwise thicker application of ARDEX WPM 155 Rapid in corners and wall-floor-junctions, reducing drying time compared two liquid coats in these areas which allows for tiling work to commence a lot quicker.
As this was a Government health project, a comprehensive ARDEX warranty was also provided for peace of mind.
Optus Stadium, Perth
APPLICATOR: Vercon
BUILDER: Brookfield Multiplex
A high-profile Government project located in Perth, Western Australia, the new Optus Stadium is a 60,000-seat venue that hosts a variety of sports (Australian Rules, Rugby League and Soccer, through to international and domestic cricket) and entertainment/concerts.
Unique Elements
With such a large stadium, 30,000 square metres of tiling was to be completed on a strict deadline. There were multiple areas that needed to be tiled and/or waterproofed, ranging from wet area floors and walls, training and recovery facilities, kitchens and food prep, bars in executive lounges/boxes, lift lobbies and main foyer areas. Being a Government backed project, the finished product also needed to reflect a high standard.
Solution
With indoor and outdoor, and wet and dry areas to be tiled and waterproofed, the builders required a specification in which products could perform in a variety of conditions and uses as well as speed up and ease the process of installation in order to meet that deadline.
ARDEX X 10 and X 18 wall and floor tile adhesive were chosen due to their flexible and non-slump properties. ARDEX X 18 was ideal for the larger and heavier tiles. ARDEX X 10, suitable for wet areas, contains specially developed fibres that add strength to the tiled area, ensuring a strong and consistent finish.
ARDEX WPM 002 two-part undertile waterproofing membrane was specified due to its rapid drying time. Tiling could commence 16-24 hours after application which helped ensure a quick turnaround to meet the strict deadline.
Harbour Town Eats, Gold Coast
APPLICATOR: Vercon
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Saba Bros Tiling Contractors
ARCHITECT: The Buchan Group Gold Coast – Stephen Jarvis
Harbour Town Eats is a multimillion-dollar dining space and food court in Australia’s largest outlet shopping centre. Based in the Gold Coast, Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Harbour Town Eats has an iconic outdoor open-air design. As one of the prime locations in Australia, it was important that the food court had excellent floor tiling solutions in line with the modern design of the surrounds.
The project involved renovating the food court from the cinema complex at one end to the decorative fountain at the other, which is a total of 4000m2 plus an extra 1000m2 of tile adhesive fixed direct to the new concrete.
Challenges
The primary challenge was that the substrate was formed in many small separate panels of concrete and/or brick paving with a central dividing walkway of pebblecrete and broken mosaics. One section of asphalt had to be removed and new concrete cast for the new tiles near the fountain.
Work had to be completed between 9pm and 6am every day as the cinemas and retail food outlets had to remain operating throughout the period.
Additionally, the tiles in the al fresco dining areas had to be laid in a French bond pattern using a mix of square and rectangular tile shapes up to 600 x 600mm in size. Whilst a similar style was laid in the central walkway.
There were some moisture concerns as the ARDEX system had not been used externally prior to this project. Finally, the thresholds of each retail food outlet had to be finished with minimal slope.
Solution
A specific ARDEX system was recommended to ensure a consistent and high-quality look. This system included ARDEX Flexbone UI 740 which is a high load-bearing, bonded, uncoupling membrane which is ideal for use with tiles and stone in high traffic areas. The system helps neutralise underlying substrate movement and supports and distributes heavy loads from above. It also helps prevent grout joint and tile damage from movement and deflection.
ARDEX Quickbond and ARDEX E 90 admix was the adhesive used which provided a quick-dry solution so no retail outlet was affected and could continue trade as normal. ARDEX FG 8 cement-based grout provided excellent workability and ensured a smooth finish.
The builder decided on using the recommended ARDEX Flexbone system as a result of moisture concerns. As the tiling contractor was not a familiar with ARDEX products, ARDEX provided resources onsite demonstrating the correct installation techniques.
Heirloom Apartments, Fremantle
APPLICATOR: Vercon
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: BUILT(Builder)
DEVELOPER: Match
Located in the heart of Fremantle, the Heirloom apartments is situated a short walk from the South Terrace café strip, popular swimming beaches and the Fremantle Town Centre. The building itself was originally Fremantle’s Dalgety Wool Stores – a heritage listed building. This project helped demonstrate the versatility of converted industrial spaces.
Unique Elements
The building itself was an old heritage listed wool store with old timber structure floors. The floors were also sheeted with JH Scyon, so special materials were needed to suit the system.
As part of the aesthetic, the architect had designed an open courtyard on the roof, which meant the roof had to be removed. This then exposed the Scyon flooring to external elements, which could cause liquid applied membranes to crack on the sheet joints.
With ARDEX WPM 002 Liquid applied membranes originally specified over the Scyon walkways which were covered by the roof, the original specification had to be rethought.
Solution
Sheet applied membrane systems was specified due to concerns about movement. If movement were to occur underneath a sheet membrane, it would then decouple from the substrate, thus eliminating issues of cracking with liquid membranes.
As ARDEX were the only manufacturer of fleeced and tileable sheet waterproofing membranes, ARDEX were able to provide the perfect solution. The contractors decided to proceed with ARDEX WPM 750 WeldTec Undertile Butynol as it resists tearing, flex cracking, bubbling and abrasion.
As an adhesive for the ARDEX WPM 750 sheet membrane, ARDEX WA 98 adhesive – specially formulated for Butynol applications – was used. ARDEX X 18, a strong fibre reinforced, flexible tile adhesive suitable for external applications, was then applied to fix the tiles down.
As opposed to liquid membranes, ARDEX WPM 750 sheet membrane gives a thin and consistent waterproofing gauge with tile installation able to commence 60 minutes after the membrane is installed. It is a sheet membrane designed for waterproofing tiled areas.
Marina Square, Wentworth Point
APPLICATOR: Team Members’ Project
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Billbergia
The Marina Square Shopping Centre is a popular retail precinct located at Wentworth Point, one of the most prime spots in New South Wales. With many specialty and brand name stores, it was important that they had excellent grouting and tiling solutions in-line with the stunning design of the area.
The client required durable tiling, adhesive and epoxy grout solutions for the shopping centre main floor that didn’t compromise on aesthetics. The contractor opted for the distinctive and popular look of terrazzo tiles (400 x 400 x 20mm with 3mm joints) for this project as they could be put down quickly and provide a consistent, hard wearing flush finish once ground and polished. ARDEX provided a solution consisting of ARDEX X 18 tile adhesive and ARDEX EG 800 F commercial epoxy system. Combining these products ensured a high quality finish.
Challenge
As a high traffic area, the shopping centre needed to have its flooring and construction done quickly with minimal disruption to leasees and patrons.
The sheer size of the area (3400 square metres) meant that the project required a solution that could be laid quickly, in a short timeframe and in a way that didn’t take excessive manpower.
Solution
ARDEX was specified for the tiling throughout for its rapid drying and non-slump properties.
The adhesion used for this project comprised of ARDEX EG 800 F Flowable epoxy grout and ARDEX X 18, a fibre reinforced flexible non-slump wall and floor tile adhesive. This was the ultimate solution because it contains specially developed fibres that add to the high compressive strength required for such a high traffic area.
Unique Elements
Often, grout needs to be applied individually into each tile joint. However, for such a large area and quick turnaround time needed, the ARDEX EG 800 F was ideal for this application method because it meant that the entire area could be flooded and ground back afterwards, ensuring an impressive amount of surface area was covered in a short amount of time.
Another aspect that made this a favourable choice is the broad coverage. Each kit is estimated to cover approximately sixteen square metres.
It is also extremely durable, stain proof and waterproof making it the best choice for the busy levels of traffic in the shopping centre.
Box Hill Pool Refurbishment
ARCHITECT: A1 Office Fitouts
CONTRACTOR: Bravada Building Services
Challenges:
The size of the project coupled with the tight timeframe resulted in various challenges for the contractor, Bravada Building Services. Firstly, the contractor was given only seven weeks to complete the pool refurbishment project, which is located between Spotlight and Anaconda in the Spotlight Retail Centre. In all, nine different ARDEX products were used, including 570sqm of WPM 002 Waterproofing Membrane and 540sqm of X 17 tile adhesive, FG 8 grout on the pool surrounds, change rooms, foyer and mosaic walls. Also used was 285sqm of WPM 405, an ARDEX additive that enhanced the strength of the screed.
ARDEX products were selected as they are completely compatible, easy to use, as well as being supported by a dedicated Technical Support Team and manufacturer’s guarantee.
Problem:
Bravada Building Services were confronted with a significant challenge as the pool surround was quiet shallow for the screed (minimum thickness and achieving minimum fall requirements 1:100). Due to the thickness issues and the Scyon installation patterns, Bravada Building Services decided to use a self-supporting screed which included a slip sheet with expanded metal reinforcing. ARDEX WPM 405 additive was also used to increase the compressive strength, ultimately giving the contractor’s peace of mind.
The tiling also resulted in a challenge due to tile choices and the layout of patterns. However, the reliability and consistency of ARDEX X 17 tile adhesive provided the contractors with the confidence they needed. ARDEX X 17 was installed in multiple locations and environments such as the pool deck surround, change rooms, showers and foyer areas.
Solution
With a project of this magnitude and complexity it was crucial that all products and techniques selected were not only suitable for the environment but were also compatible. Given the confidence in the ARDEX range of products, Bravada Building Services had no hesitation in using an ARDEX System for this project.
Unique Elements:
Without doubt, ARDEX WPM 002 and WPM 405 were the two key products that made this project such a success. However, ARDEX does not believe that their responsibility ends with the manufacture of innovative and specialist solutions. ARDEX’ Sales Representative, Brett O’Loughlin, provided Bravada Building Services with technical support before, during and after the installation. The support provided from the ARDEX Team, including in-depth training on a huge variety of products and techniques all influenced the outcome of this installation.
The Elan, Sydney
CONSULTANT: Diagnostech
BUILDER: Biltbeta
At 136 meters, 40 stories, The Elan is one of the tallest residential apartment blocks in Sydney. The building is also situated in the highest part of Kings Cross, 45 meters above sea level. Built in 1997, there are 18,200 cubic meters of concrete and 2,550 tonnes of reinforcing steel in The Elan.
Challenge
20 years after it was built, The Elan required a complete façade overhaul that included crack and joint repairs, she-blot repairs, spalling concrete, render repair, concrete crack injection, balustrade post repairs and façade coating systems. Furthermore, several balconies required re-waterproofing. ARDEX Australia in conjunction with the consultant specified a wholistic solution that included a complete, fully warrantable SystemARDEX approach. Works commenced in May 2016 and are expected to be completed early 2018. The size of the building makes it one of the largest façade restoration projects currently in Sydney.
Solution
Before work on the façade coating could start, concrete repairs were essential on parts of the building. Spalling concrete and she-bolt hole repairs were rectified with ARDEX BR 345 MICROTEC® Fibre-Reinforced, High Resistivity, Polymer-Modified, Structural Concrete Patching and Repair Mortar and ARDEX BR 120 FC Polymer-Modified, Fibre-Reinforced Fairing Coat.
Areas that were affected by cracks in concrete were reinstated by using ARDEX RA 88 Multi-Purpose Epoxy Repair Adhesive to adhere ARDEX T-Ports, a unique pressure injection port system, before injecting ARDEX RA 142 Super Low Viscosity Structural Concrete Crack Injection Epoxy for hairline cracks and ARDEX RA 144 Low Viscosity Structural Concrete Crack Injection Epoxy for cracks that were wider than 1mm. For render repairs, ARDEX WR Prime Performance Enhancing Polymer Primer & Additive was used in conjunction with ARDEX WR 100 General Purpose Acrylic Render.
There was a large number of joints that needed to be repaired and re-sealed. Throughout the project, a range of ARDEX sealants were used including ARDEX CA 20 P Multipurpose Construction Adhesive and Sealant, ARDEX RA 030 One Component, Moisture-Curing Expansion Joint Sealant and ARDEX RA 040 Polyurethane Joint Sealant.
The specified façade coating system included the use of two coats of ARDEX WPM 300, a two-component water based epoxy polyamide membrane/barrier coating, followed by two coats of ARDEX WPM 330 External Anti-Carbonation Façade Membrane.
Unique Elements
Due to the size of the structure, there was a significant amount of product required to coat the façade. In total, there are approximately 35,000 litres of WPM 300 and an additional 35,000 litres of WPM 330 that were used for the façade coating system.
Dennis Stephenson, Managing Director of Diagnostech Pty Ltd provided the following comment: “We selected ARDEX at the design stage because ARDEX were really the only supplier who offered the full system warranty. The project required compatibility between all products including sealants, render repairs, concrete repairs and coatings. This ultimately provided a level of comfort to the client, knowing that this full system compatibility had been considered and agreed between Consultant, Supplier and Contractor.
We also appreciated the fact that ARDEX were willing to assist Diagnostech with ongoing quality control inspections as the works progressed. This has certainly contributed to what has been a very successful façade refurbishment project.”
MYER Shopping Centre, Cairns
The specification of 10,000m of timber flooring at Myer Cairns, a market leader in Australian retailing, required a guaranteed system to overcome the high moisture levels in the concrete slab.
ARDEX WPM 300, ARDEX K 15 and ARDEX E 25 provided the system.
A tight construction schedule, as is often the case with new shopping centres, did not allow for the natural drying of the concrete slab. In addition the air-conditioning could not be operational at the time of installation of the timber flooring (a recommendation of both Australian Standards and the flooring manufacturers).
Recognising that the concrete moisture content was over the allowable limit, the specification was written to install ARDEX WPM 300, topped with a 4mm layer of ARDEX K 15. The former, as the name suggests, prevents moisture in the slab from travelling to the floor covering and causing it to warp or delaminate. ARDEX K 15 provides a smooth flat porous surface for the conventional laying of floor-coverings and also protects the moisture barrier against damage.
A number of years and millions of footsteps later the timber flooring continues to look great, testimony that the system works.
Dubai Mall, Dubai
INSTALLER: ASCON Marble & Granite LLC Plus Painting Works LLC
BUILDER: Dutco Balfour Beatty LLC Al Ghandi & Consolidated Contractors Company
ARCHITECT: DP Architects PTE LTD
CHALLENGES:
- Largest shopping mall in the world
- Very heavy traffic requirements
- Fast track project
- Avoid cracking or staining of the 200,000 m2 natural stone floor that was light in colour
- Work schedules of contractors
PROBLEMS:
Stretching over 1,114,800m2 (12 million ft2) with a floor area of 548,110m2 (5.9 million ft2), the Dubai Mall is one of the largest retail shopping malls in the world. Containing a mixture of urban design principles, this amazing structure contains more than 1000 stores and offers leisure area attractions including a shark tank, an Olympic size skating rink and theme park. To date, the mall contains more steel than the total amount used in the Eiffel Tower and 193,000m2 of stone has been placed. Originally scheduled completion in 2006, the Dubai Mall opened in 2008.
SOLUTION:
Working with the ARDEX Singapore Representative, the specification written by DP Architects listed specific ARDEX products by name, recommended ARDEX qualified contractors for installation and all recommended testing to be completed for the project.
For this flooring installation the existing concrete was primed with ARDEX P 51 Primer, this would seal the substrate and help ensure a strong bond. ARDEX EP 2000 Epoxy Primer was used to prime and fill cracks in preparation to receive the ARDEX K 15 Self- Levelling Underlayment.
Because this was such a large floor installation, ARDEX K 15 Self-Levelling Underlayment was specified. ARDEX K 15 is ideal for large installations, because it can be pumped or poured into place making it easy to use. ARDEX K 15 is formulated with a special blend of polymers to prevent shrinkage and create a smooth, flat surface.
To ensure there would be no tile staining from moisture caused by vapour diffusion a layer of ARDEX WPM 002 Waterproofing Membrane was used. WPM 002 is a strong, fast drying two-component waterproof membrane that is formulated with synthetic microfibers to increase strength and eliminate the need for a separate reinforcement mat. WPM 002 has been designed to use with ARDEX tile adhesives. It does not re-emulsify and accommodates normal building movement which eliminates steps that would be needed with competitors’ products. WPM 002 is fast drying and controls excess construction moisture in the subfloor, so it helped the crew move forward on the project at a steady pace.
ARDEX A 35 Screed was the next step in the Dubai Mall floor installation. A 35 is a rapid setting and drying cement for floor screeds with a compressive strength of 40 N/mm2 (5,800 psi) and can be applied bonded, unbonded or floating. It was developed with ARDEX RapiDry Technology which allowed
the installers to move onto the next step of the installation.
The final part of the installation included placing the natural stone tiles. ARDEX S 16 Natural Stone Adhesive was used to place the stones and then grout with ARDEX MG Grout. S 16 is the preferred adhesive when placing natural stone tiles in areas that are intermittently damp. This would further help prevent the staining of tiles in areas that can get wet, since staining is often associated with moisture issues. MG Grout was selected because of its ARDEX RapiDry formulation, which allows it to dry internally preventing moisture from staining the natural stone. It is also suitable for areas that are intermittently wet, so it would not be affected by potential water spills from one of the many fountains in the mall.
The Dubai Mall had the largest single day retail mall opening with nearly 600 stores present on November 4th, 2008. To ensure there would be no tile staining from moisture caused by vapour diffusion a layer of ARDEX WPM 002 Waterproofing Membrane was used. ARDEX WPM 002 is a strong, fast drying two-component waterproof membrane that is formulated with synthetic microfibers to increase strength and eliminate the need for a separate reinforcement mat. ARDEX WPM 002 has been designed to use with ARDEX tile adhesives. It does not re-emulsify and accommodates normal building movement which eliminates steps that would be needed with competitors’ products. ARDEX WPM 002 is fast drying and controls excess construction moisture in the subfloor, so it helped the crew move forward on the project at a steady pace.
The Dubai Mall had the largest single day retail mall opening with nearly 600 stores present on November 4th, 2008.
The Hub Apartments, Richmond
CONTRACTORS: Waterproofing – Better Waterproofing Pty Ltd; Tiling – Becca’s Tiling Services
The Hub Apartments provide residents with the heart and soul of Richmond’s inner urban lifestyle.
The complex consisting of one and two bedroom apartments features balconies with spectacular views in addition to a unique central garden courtyard that provides natural light and a private environment from the outside world.
ARDEX Australia was nominated as the preferred supplier as a company that could provide holistic solutions that catered for the needs of the project. The waterproofing and tiling contractors worked seamlessly to deliver the project on time and in a smooth, efficient manner.
The Hub was completed using a full System ARDEX solution, from waterproofing through to the finished tiled surfaces.
A number of ARDEX products were used in construction of The Hub Apartments including ARDEX WPM 155 Rapid. 5000 square metres of ARDEX WPM 155 Rapid was used due to the quick turnaround times and ease of substrate preparation. In addition to ARDEX WPM 155 Rapid, the ARDEX system included ARDEX Grout for internal wet areas and the tiled balconies. ARDEX WPM 179 was used in conjunction with a catalyst to waterproof over 200 square metres of planter boxes. The catalyst was used so that the membrane formed an immediate skin, so that rain threatening rain wouldn’t wash off the membrane. Also, over 300 square metres of ARDEX WPM 002 was used to waterproof external terraces over basements. Finally, ARDEX WPM 150 and ARDEX WPM 185 torch applied membranes were used to waterproof 2000 square metres of roof and terraces.
Sandgate Apartments, 51 Ashburner St, Manly
INSTALLER/APPLICATOR/GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Tecorp Constructions
CHALLENGE:
The 8 storey building “Sandgate Apartments” is approximately 45 years old and located in what has been described as a “severe marine environment” within 100 metres of the South Steyne Beach, Manly NSW. The existing clay brick façade has deteriorated due to salt penetration and crystallisation over the years that have resulted in fretting/spalling of the exposed brick faces.
PROBLEM/SITUATION:
Bricks needed to be high-pressure water blasted to remove surface salts in order to get a good bond of the render system. Due to the location of the building in a severe marine environment, the façade needed adequate protection from salt ingress and sea spray. Also, in combination with the ARDEX Render System, the application of ARDEX WPM 310 would provide a weather-proof barrier and a contemporary look of the façade.
SOLUTION:
- Remove and replace defective bricks and cut out any sections where the brick mortar is deteriorated to expose sound solid mortar and re-point with new mortar as necessary to achieve a flat surface. Allow to harden before proceeding.
- All existing painted surfaces to have a 2-3 mm scratch coat of ARDEX WR 60 and WR Prime.
- On all existing masonry brickwork to install ARDEX WR 100 and WR Prime applied as base coat.
- One coat of ARDEX WPM 270 as the prime coat prior to the application of the façade coating.
- Apply the ARDEX WPM 310 Façade Coating over the dry primed surface in two coats at a minimum 300 microns per coat.
ARDEX was able to provide a complete compatible system for the rectification of the façade of this prime water-front apartment block along Manly beach, adding value for the owner’s investment for the years to come.
Oracle Apartments, Broadbeach
INSTALLER: BAT Tiling
BUILDER: Niecon Developments Pty Ltd
ARCHITECT: Niecon Developments Pty Ltd.
CHALLENGES:
– One 40 level and one 50 level tower
– Mixed use development
– Multiple tile applications
PROBLEMS:
As part of a redevelopment plan to turn Broadbeach into a high-end ‘live-work-play’ destination, an $850 million investment was provided to build two modern towers, the Oracle Broadbeach Apartments. Niecon Development specified ARDEX products as the solution to this challenge. In doing so, they received complete peace of mind knowing ARDEX tile adhesives are high quality products compatible with marble, vitrified and ceramic tile.
SOLUTION:
BAT Tiling worked with ARDEX Australia to offer a SYSTEMARDEX solution. SYSTEMARDEX is a complete regiment of high quality, compatible tiling, flooring and waterproofing products matched with unparalleled technical and field support. Each product is engineered through meticulous research and developed with feedback from contractors, specifiers, manufacturers and clients.
Starting with one of the markets fastest drying acrylic membranes, installers applied ARDEX WPM 002 Superflex Bathroom and Balcony Two Part Waterproofing Membrane where needed. WPM 002 specifically addresses internal moisture issues under tiles. Because WPM 002 is microfiber reinforced, a reinforcing mat is not needed In non-exposed permanent immersion areas.
Once the waterproofing membrane was sufficiently dry, screeds were placed throughout the building. To ensure the screeds would have strong bonds, high shears and tensile strengths ARDEX Abacrete Bonding Agent was addedAbacrete is a non-toxic liquid polymer additive designed specifically for use with screeds and renders. This additive also improves water resistance in the flooring.
To ensure the tile adhesives would bond appropriately to the substrates, ARDEX Multiprime Water-Based Primer was recommended. Multiprime is easy to apply using a sponge, brush or roller. This process saves time and creates a strong bond between the screed and adhesive. Where necessary, ARDEX Abaflex Premium Polymer Modified Flexible Tile Adhesive was applied, and ARDEX DS 40 Impact Sound Reduction and Decoupling system was placed. Abaflexs’ eight-hour cure time allows contractors to quickly move forward with the project. Abaflex is a good choice because of its flexibility in accommodating cracks (up to .9mm) created by building movement. DS 40 enhanced the luxury of the multipurpose building by reducing impact noise transfer from tenants above. DS 40 acoustic mats are pre-cut for easy application and can be placed over various substrates. DS 40 can also be directly tiled over using an ARDEX tile adhesive.
To accommodate the variety of tiles used in the building, ARDEX X 10 Flexible Non Slump Wall and Floor Tile Adhesive was recommended. X 10 is a polymer modified, cement-based wall and floor tile adhesive created with mastic properties ideal for all tile types. The mastic properties prevent sagging and movement in flooring and wall tile installation, maintaining the level of quality required by general contractors.
Once tiles were placed, ARDEX grouts were used as the final step. Where pigmented grout was required, ARDEX FG 8 Flexible Coloured Grout for Tile Joints 1 to 8 mm wide was used. FG 8 may be used on floors and walls and is easy to apply using a rubber trowel. Because it contains anti-mould agents and water repellents, the appearance and overall cleanliness of the rooms is easily maintained. FG 8 also cures to a smooth finish reducing the amount of trapped dirt and airborne contaminants.
Wherever a wider joint width occurred, ARDEX Wide Joint Sanded Cement-Based Grout was applied. This grout is shrink-resistant, and is especially suited for wider joints ranging from 5 to 15 mm. It can be used for floor or wall applications, around swimming pools and showers, and is available in a range of colours. For all carpeted areas, ARDEX AF 266 Outdoor Carpet Adhesive was recommended. This water-based adhesive has a low odor, so it is ideal for indoor use. ARDEX recommended this product, because it is resistant to the frequent, commercial grade cleaning expected in a luxury multi-purpose high rise.
Each of the products used for this project are part of the SYSTEMARDEX solution.
Ocean Marina Pointe Apartments, Mandurah
ARCHITECT: Eames and Associates
Nothing says sophistication like the seamless, mirrorlike quality of polished porcelain. Fixing porcelain requires skill and the right materials as the slightest uneveness (lip) will stand out a mile away.
The vision for Ocean Marina Pointe Apartments was to provide a seaside lifestyle with a touch of sophistication – catamarans, cafes and campari. Not surprisingly the architects of Eames and Associates & Dibstone Group chose Granitogres’ Casalgrande Padana, a 400 x 400mm honed porcelain.
When it comes to the tolerance of the tile itself, with quality porcelain there should be no lippage. The next requirement is that of an even surface – the larger the tile the more critical it is. Therefore, often a sand/cement screed or levelling compound is used to patch up any unevenness in the floor or to ramp up the slab, prior to fixing the porcelain with a suitable tile adhesive.
Due to time limitations, the specification by Project Manager, Steve Maru, called for an adhesive which could be patched up in places without the requirement of a screed.
After careful consideration, ARDEX STS 8 was selected. ARDEX STS 8 unique non-sink, non-slump formulation allows the use of heavy tiles without the risk of the adhesive bed giving way. On balconies and other external areas, ARDEX STS 8 was mixed with Ardion 90 to accommodate movement.
The tiling contractors were delighted to return the next day and find the porcelain exactly the way they had left it – no lip. What’s more, the tilers liked the workability of the product, with Kevin Byron going as far as claiming “STS 8 is the best adhesive on the market to use to lay porcelain.”
University Hospital, Gold Coast
INSTALLER: Master Floor Preparers
CONTRACTOR: Bovis Lend Lease
The new Gold Coast University Hospital is one of the largest public health infrastructure project.
Bovis Lend Lease worked in partnership with Queensland Health as the Stage One Managing Contractor on the new A$1.76 billion hospital. The 750 overnight-bed tertiary level hospital provides a greater range of specialised care to patients, including new and expanded services such as cancer radiotherapy services, neurosciences, neonatal intensive care, trauma response services and cardiac surgery.
ARDEX products have been used extensively throughout the Gold Coast University Hospital with over 100,000 square metres of ARDEX K 12 being used in areas subject to vinyl installation.
Courtney Dunn from Master Floor Preparers in Queensland confirmed that they were also using ARDEX WPM 300 moisture barrier due to moisture being retained in the substrates across the entire project.
Courtney Dunn said that “ARDEX products gives me peace of mind when undertaking large projects” and “ARDEX offers premium products that my staff like working with”.
Paediatric Hospital, Melbourne
GENERAL CONTRACTORS: Bovis Lend Lease
CONTRACTORS: Omni Flooring / Floor 91
The world-class, billion dollar paediatric hospital went under construction in Melbourne by Bovis Lend Lease and was built to meet the current and future health care needs of children and young people.
It was developed on the existing hospital site which was originally built in 1963; however the new hospital will combine new facilities, innovative models of care, leading edge research and education to provide the best health care and environment for patients, families and staff. The new hospital will be able to treat 35,000 additional patients per year and there will be more single rooms for the children.
ARDEX Australia are pleased to be involved in the construction of this state-of-the-art hospital and have supplied several products. The products were installed by two contractors specialising in ARDEX – Omni Flooring and Floor 91 in Victoria. Both contractors commenced work at the hospital early 2010.
ARDEX was successful in being specified on this project by offering a full product system from substrate to surface.
The Royal Children’s Hospital is Australia’s first five-star green hospital with a 45 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases and 20 per cent reduction in water demands. It features attractions from the Melbourne Zoo, Scienceworks, a cinema and an aquarium.
International Airport, Canberra
ARCHITECT: Guida Moseley Brown Architects
CONTRACTOR: PDA Marble and Granite
Canberra’s Airport is located on the eastern edge of North Canberra and is the eighth busiest airport in Australia. The new terminal features duty free shopping, free Wi-Fi and a café bar.
Luxurious furnishings and striking sculptures compliment stone floors and floor to ceiling windows that provide natural light and a clear view to the runways. The vision for the airport was to provide a stimulating point of difference for passengers resulting in a variety of sculptures being commissioned by renowned artists.
The system used for this project comprised of ARDEX DS 60 Decoupling Mat which is ideal for large areas where crack isolation is imperative. The unique floating system isolated base movement while only being 0.4mm thick.
ARDEX A 38 screed was laid because of the high compressive strength required for the high traffic area. Finally ARDEX X 18, a Fibre Reinforced Flexible Non Slump Wall and Floor Tile Adhesive was used to adhere the Terrazzo Tiles. ARDEX X 18 contains specially developed fibres that add strength to the tiled area.
CHALLENGES:
ARDEX A 38 screed was incorporated into the system because it provided high compressive strength and could manage the high levels of traffic that were expected in the terminal. It also provided rapid drying properties which allowed tiling to commence earlier, which greatly assisted in meeting deadlines for the new terminal to open and receive flights.
Airport, Newcastle
A major $80 million expansion of Newcastle Airport has recently been completed to transform the existing airport and create a second international airport for NSW. The expansion saw the terminal size double and facilities improved to cater for international ights. ARDEX was specified for the tiling throughout.
ARDEX S 16 (with ARDEX E 90) was used to lay 1600 sqm of natural stone throughout the arrivals and departure lounges of the airport. ARDEX S 16 locks in moisture and reduced the risk of eflorescence and water marks on the natural stone tiles that were laid. Recently, ARDEX S 16 has been replaced with the superior ARDEX S 28 Neu, an Ardurapid, Microtec stone and tile adhesive.
ARDEX X 10 was ideal for use over the membranes and provides excellent slump resistance for both wall and floor tiles. ARDEX X 10 provides mastic type properties.
In addition to the Natural Stone, a further 1000m2 of bathroom tiling that included both walls and floors was also laid and waterproofed using the ARDEX WPM 155 Rapid Waterproong System with ARDEX STB Tape. This system allowed the wet areas to be tiled in as little as four hours after the application of the membrane, an added benet particularly for projects with a tight timeline.
CHALLENGES:
A sample of the Natural Stone was supplied by Newcastle Tile Company to the ARDEX Technical Team and a specication was issued for the complete tiling system catering for this type of natural stone. The natural stone was thermally sensitive (susceptible to the effect of heat and light) so a speciality tile adhesive ARDEX S 16 along with ARDEX E 90 was specied and used. In addition, the floor was also levelled where necessary to x undulations between old and new slabs.
“The development of Newcastle Airport to accommodate international flights is a huge step forward for both tourism and the growing population in the area,” explained ARDEX Account Manager, Jeff Anderson.
“It is exciting to witness investment in infrastructure and ARDEX is proud to be involved in such an iconic project.”
Water Playground – Elizabeth Quay, Perth
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: MRA (Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority)
WATERPROOFING/SCREED CONTRACTOR: Vercon
TILING CONTRACTOR: J Shed Art Studio (also the artist of the mosaic)
ARTIST: Jenny Dawson
The BHP Billiton Water Park is part of the Elizabeth Quay Development which is located on the North Foreshore of the Swan River and is part of a wider vision to connect Perth CBD with the river. The design is indigenous and represents the dreaming story of the creation of the Milky Way.
Elizabeth Quay opened to the public in 2016 after much debate, drama, dredging and dollars.
The development of the water feature playground faced various challenges, including:
Severe levelling issues (footings were 120mm instead of 50mm);
The project included 46sqm of an intricate tile mosaic where the tiles were hand-made and traditionally fired;
Being next to the river and below the water table – the site flooded after drains were blocked;
Being behind schedule.
Various ARDEX products were used during the construction of the water playground. ARDEX WPM 300 was used to control hydrostatic moisture that may have been below the slab followed by two layers of ARDEX WPM 002 waterproofing membrane to protect the slab and also increase the build thickness where needed.
The tiles were fixed using ARDEX X 18 with ARDEX E 90 additive which aided tile adhesion during high surface temperatures and also to repel water. The installation was completed with ARDEX EG 15 Epoxy Grout which controls efflorescence, has superior chemical resistance and is an easy clean-up making the installation much faster for the contractor.
To ensure the project ran seamlessly, a System Recommendation was sought from the ARDEX Technical Services Department and on-site support was provided by ARDEX Representatives with inspections at various stages.
Picture credit: Peter Zuvela
Opera House Western Foyer, Sydney
INSTALLER: Better Tiles
BUILDER: John Holland
ARCHITECT: Original Architect: Jørn Utzon & son Jan Utzon
COLLABORATOR: Johnson Pilton Walker
CHALLENGES:
Reproducing Jørn Utzon’s original vision
Irregular shaped glass reinforced concrete tile was produced specifically for the project the first of its kind in Australia, as Jan Utzon wanted a seamless floor finish construction while building was being used
Floor movement from stages & loading docks underneath foyer
Silicone used in perimeter & expansion joints needed to match the floor to create a seamless look
PROBLEMS:
Design improvements included irregular tile shapes & glass reinforced concrete tiles with clear silicone expansion joints to create a seamless floor. Frequent floor movement was expected because of the stage & loading docks below the foyer, which could potentially cause the tiles to crack.
SOLUTION:
To prepare the original substrate for the new tile installation, ARDEX recommended ARDEX Multiprime Water Based Primer which is designed to improve adhesion of ARDEX products to various porous substrates. This primer dries fast allowing subsequent products to be installed quickly.
When applying the screed, ARDEX Abacrete Bonding Agent was specified. It is a liquid polymer additive that greatly improves the shear & tensile bond strength of the screed.
To place the specialty tiles, ARDEX X 77 high performance, fibre reinforced polymer modified adhesive was used in addition to ARDEX E 90 Admix for Cement Based Tile Adhesives. ARDEX X 77 is reinforced with ARDEX Microtec ® Technology. The combination of these two products enhances bond strength for use in high volume foot traffic areas. When mixed with the ARDEX E 90 additive, it has water repellent qualities & improved sag resistance. By using the combination of the two products together, the specialty tiles were less likely to move while the adhesive was drying, maintaining an even surface.
ARDEX SE Coloured Silicone for Sanitary Installations was used to fill perimeter, expansion joints and ARDEX Abapoxy High Performance Epoxy Grout was sprinkled over the silicone for a matt finish. This enhanced the seamless look of the tile installation. To grout the rest of the area, ARDEX Abapoxy was selected for its permanent colour capabilities. It also has a high resistance to chemicals, so commercial cleaning required for a high traffic area would not have an adverse effect on the grout.
Each of the ARDEX products used were low in VOC, allowing the Sydney Opera House to remain open during the installation.
Springs Day Spa & Fitness Centre, Noosa
INSTALLER: Thorburn Tiling Pty Ltd M&M Waterproofing Contractors & Sales
BUILDER: Starco Developments Pty Ltd.
ARCHITECT: Alan Starkey & Associates
CHALLENGES:
High quality materials & finishes needed to match the expectations for the $400 million five-star resort (1,030,000 m2 / 11,087,190 ft2)
Areas with large temperature fluctuations caused by infrared heating systems
Fear of erosion to specialized flooring materials from underwater jets
Use of high concentration chemicals with a history of destroying Portland cement structures
Areas with heavy gym equipment
PROBLEMS:
When Noosa Springs Resort decided to upgrade to a luxury five-star venue, only top performing materials would ensure the prevention of flooring failures in their state of the art facilities.
The fitness centre includes heavy exercise equipment & free weights. Therefore, the floor had to be durable to withstand the weight of the equipment. Onsite spa amenities include infrared saunas, steam rooms, blitz showers, a HydroMassage pool & large floating pools.
Each of these features created demanding challenges for the builders, as flexible & strong products were necessary to ensure a quality & long lasting installation.
SOLUTION:
To prepare the new concrete for tile and stone applications, installers used ARDEX WPM 265 Water Based Primer. ARDEX WPM 265 is an acrylic primer system that creates a positive bond between substrates & water- based coatings.
ARDEX WPM 300 Water Based Epoxy Membrane was used because it has superior water resistance & prevents efflorescence while withstanding hydrostatic pressure. It provides excellent adhesion to most substrates, including damp surfaces & freshly laid concrete, & it can be used as a one coat primer for other applied finishes like ARDEX waterproofing membranes & tiling adhesives. ARDEX WPM 300 is also safe for potable drinking water, removing risk of water contamination from materials in the many resort pool areas.
Next, ARDEX WPM 002 Two Component Undertile Waterproofing Membrane was applied. Recognized as one of the fastest drying acrylic membranes on the market, it can be tiled within 16 to 24 hours at ambient temperatures of 23˚C. Its advanced acrylic polymer technology makes it completely resistant to re emulsification.
ARDEX STS 8 Superior Tensile Strength Tile Adhesive was chosen because of its improved adhesion of heavy, large-format wall tiles otherwise prone to lipping and slumping. In a five-star resort, it was crucial that floor tile and wall treatments were not only functional but visually appealing. When necessary, ARDEX E 90 Mortar Admix was used to guarantee the adhesive was water repellent for resort showers and pools.
To finish the job, ARDEX ABAPOXY High Performance Epoxy Adhesive and Grout was selected for its strong resistance to harsh chemicals. This product was developed by ARDEX for applications requiring strict hygiene standards. It is completely solvent-free and suitable for walls and floors. Starco Developments Pty Ltd. selected ARDEX Australia to supply numerous products for the project that would perform well, provide longevity and expedite the installation process.
ARDEX products contributed to the successful completion of a world class standard in the Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort.
Lightning Ridge Olympic Pool
Lightning Ridge, well known amongst Australians as the home of the black opal, is located nearly 800 kilometres from Sydney with an official population of around 3000 people. Earlier this year, the ARDEX NSW Sales Manager and NSW Key Account Manager made their way to the Lightning Ridge Olympic Pool Site. Both were excited about potentially being involved in this project and later worked with the tiling contractor to ensure the project ran seamlessly.
CHALLENGES:
There were various challenges that had to be overcome for this project to run to schedule. The indoor heated pool (25m by 33m) had a depth of 2.5 metres at the shallow end through to the middle and 5 metres at the deep end. The time frame was only two months, which in itself was a huge challenge. The pool had never been emptied since it was opened in 2011, so there were a lot of unknown factors, such as, how long would the pool take to empty, to dry out, how difficult would it be to get the old paint off, would anything happen to the overall structure of the pool when the water was drained and what tiles would be best for the project.
PROJECT REQUIREMENT:
To complete the project from beginning to end in two months – empty; repair; tile; refill; treat water; choose a tile that would look great but at the same time suit a commercial heated pool; and a tiler who could work within the two month timeframe.
UNIQUE ELEMENTS:
The complex’ staff were able to purchase Italian glass tiles for the project which look outstanding and give the pool a contemporary look. In addition, the tiler and his team who completed this project were town locals.
To date, a children’s 200 sqm pool and the diving pool spanning 1200 sqm have been tiled.
ARDEX provided a System for the project that included ARDEX X 18, a superior polymer tile adhesive for wall and floor because of its extended open time and non-slump benefits.
In addition, ARDEX E 90, a synthetic dispersion additive provided a water repellant mortar for the two pools.
The grout used was ARDEX FG 8, a flexible coloured grout for tile joints 1 – 8mm wide,in addition to ARDEX Grout Booster that provided improved adhesion, strength and flexibility.
The Canberra Centre, Canberra
CONTRACTOR: PDA Marble & Granite
CHALLENGE:
The challenge posed to ARDEX was that the 6000m2 of walkways at The Canberra Centre needed an upgrade; however, minimal disruption to the walkways was of key importance to allow shoppers to move freely around the centre.
This meant that the new screed and tile adhesive would be subject to heavy foot traffic in a matter of hours.
As some of the work conducted was to outside areas in the middle of winter, the temperature also provided a challenge to ARDEX as the temperature would get down to as low as 2 degrees.
SOLUTION:
Working with Marble and Granite specialist PDA, ARDEX specified the ARDEX A 38 Rapid Set Screed to be used to re-screed the walkways after existing tiles and screed were removed. Large areas of the project could all be done in the one night as the ARDEX A 38 screed has a walkability time of 8 hours and achieves 20MPa compressive strength after 1 day and 35MPa after 28 days. The shopping centre walkway could then be covered to allow foot traffic in the morning and throughout the day.
Areas which had a smaller depth to level before tiling were levelled with ARDEX LQ 92 Under Tile Levelling Compound, which can be accessed in 4 hours after installation in suitable conditions, to a thickness of up to 25mm.
The ARDEX S 16 Rapid Drying and Hardening Tile and Natural Stone Adhesive, mixed with ARDEX E 90 Admix was then used in order to allow the tiling to be completed on the second night. With it being trafficable after 2-3 hours in suitable conditions, ARDEX S 16 allowed the tiling component of the project to be performed efficiently to allow the walkways to be open and ready for foot traffic at the start of the day.
A special batch of the ARDEX A 38 Rapid Set Screed was produced for the 500m2 external areas, which experienced single digit temperatures throughout the winter installation.
In addition to the high performing system components, ARDEX’ Key Account Manager for Tiling NSW, ensured that the products were on site when the project required; and installation guidance combined with advice was always available to ensure the project ran smoothly.
Using a complete system by ARDEX ensured that all components were working together to provide an efficient, robust base and floor at The Canberra Centre which was backed by an ARDEX System Warranty. A special batch of the ARDEX A 38 Rapid Set Screed was produced for the 500m2 external areas, which experienced single digit temperatures throughout the winter installation.
In addition to the high performing system components, ARDEX’ Key Account Manager for Tiling NSW, ensured that the products were on site when the project required; and installation guidance combined with advice was always available to ensure the project ran smoothly.
Using a complete system by ARDEX ensured that all components were working together to provide an efficient, robust base and floor at The Canberra Centre which was backed by an ARDEX System Warranty.
Westfield Miranda, Sydney
BUILDER: Westfield Design & Construct
CONTRACTOR: Terrazzo (Aust), Marble Pty Ltd (Existing areas), Saba Tiling (New areas)
CHALLENGE:
In consultation with Westfield Design & Construct, Terrazzo (Aust) Marble Pty Ltd engaged ARDEX to investigate different options for the re-tiling of the existing centre of the Westfield Shopping Centre at Miranda, in Sydney’s south.
The main criteria when looking at the different options were speed of curing for the screed and tiling adhesive as work had to be completed at night and the centre to be ready in the morning for minimal disruption to walkways.
A traditional sand and cement screed was compared against the ARDEX A 38 Rapid Set Screed to view what the best solution for the project.
SOLUTION:
The ARDEX A 38 Rapid set screed was chosen to rescreed the walkways following removal of existing tiles and screed. Having the ability to accept heavy foot traffic within 8 hours of installation, the ARDEX A 38 screed system ensured that strict timeframes were met during the installation of this critical part of the project.
Achieving a compressive strength of 35 MPa and being dimensionally stable, the ARDEX A 38 ensures the base of the tiling system contains the perfect mix of strength and flexibility.
With its high compressive strength, scissor lifts can be employed directly on the screeded floor, something that is difficult to do with traditional sand and cement screed. The ARDEX A 38 and ARDEX S 16 system meets the low VOC emission requirements of the Green Building Council of Australia Green Star IEQ-13, which were also a consideration for this project.
As ARDEX are committed to ensuring contractors are exposed to high quality training in the installation of their products, ARDEX conducted on site training of the ARDEX A 38 rapid set screed at Terrazzo (Aust) Marble’s head office, with representatives from Terrazzo (Aust) Marble and Westfield attending.
The following night the areas containing the A 38 screed were cleaned and prepared for the ARDEX S 16 Rapid Hardening and Rapid Drying Tile and Natural Stone Adhesive to install the terrazzo tiles and natural stone.
Besides being ideal for installing natural stone Susceptible to moisture sensitivity, the main benefit of using this adhesive on the project is the curing time and the ability for traffic to walk on the flooring, 2-3 hours after installation in suitable conditions. This allowed large areas to be tiled overnight and ready for trading each morning with no disruption to shoppers.
Although the system was originally specified on the existing shopping centre flooring, Westfield were so happy with the performance of the products and the response from ARDEX to ensure the project ran smoothly, they specified the system on the new areas of the shopping centre being installed by Saba Brothers Tiling. In all, the project totalled approximately 12000m2.
Warnbro Shopping Centre, Warnbro
ARCHITECT: Hames Sharley
CONTRACTORS: Marble & Cement Works
When Marble & Cement Works were approached to retile the Warnbro Shopping Centre, there were some stringent expectations placed on them.
Work had to be completed at night with the flooring sections needing to be reopened and trafficable by the public by the morning.
Coupled with this were weight & moisture concerns with a 25mm x 600mm x 300mm Chinese Granite weighing approximately 70kg m2.
Working in close conjunction with the ARDEX team in Western Australia, and ARDEX technical services the
recommendation was for ARDEX S 16 white natural stone adhesive which is a rapid hardening & fast setting adhesive for natural stone.
The unique ARDEX Rapidry Formula Technology locks in moisture, thereby reducing the risk of efflorescence and water marks on certain natural stone tiles.
The ARDEX S 16 natural stone adhesive also allowed the newly tiled floor to be trafficable after 2 – 3 hours, which meant night work did not disrupt the ability of the shopping centre to be functional in its opening times.
The original plan was to utilise the ARDEX S 16 adhesive in a grey but were changed to the white at last minute to assist with cleaning up due to the tight time frame.
Although this was on the Western side of the country, ARDEX head office in Sydney responded quickly to ensure material was available in a short period of time.
To ensure things were installed to ARDEX’s recommendations an ARDEX trained applicator was used on the project. This gives peace of mind as the high quality training ARDEX invest in is beneficial to the contractors undertaking courses.
The Emporium, Melbourne
CONTRACTOR: De Fazio Commercial Tiling
De Fazio Commercial Tiling has recently completed the tiling of all common areas at The Emporium, a premium retail space in the heart of Melbourne CBD. The overall project took three years to complete with the tiling component taking twelve months.
ARDEX Australia supplied a complete system for the tiling installation including waterproofing, tile adhesive and grouts to all public areas. The tiling covered an enormous area of more than 21,000m2.
ARDEX S 16 Rapid Hardening and Rapid Drying Tile and Natural Stone Adhesive, the main tiling adhesive used, was chosen for its rapid drying and reduced risk of water-staining. Early access to the tiled area was viable which helped to fast track the installation.
ARDEX A 38 Rapid Set Cement Screed was also installed. It is a screed that improves on-site efficiencies by allowing traffic shortly after application and the laying of the floor covering on the same day.
The project presented a number of challenges with much time spent on-site assessing and supporting the various areas of the project and undertaking quality assurance for the ARDEX system. Tiling was specified above 2.7 metres which required particular attention and utilised the ARDEX WA 100 Epoxy.
The central CBD location made deliveries more challenging with ARDEX having to adhere to very exact delivery times. The centre contains 225 stores over five levels so product had to be distributed throughout the entire centre.
“ARDEX Australia was thrilled to be involved with the overhaul of such an iconic building,” explained Robert Cameron, National Sales Manager, ARDEX Australia. “The project demonstrated the scope of ARDEX tiling products and combined with quality and skilled workmanship, has achieved an outstanding result.”