MYER Building, Launceston
Continuous leaks, numerous failed attempts at remedial work and concrete cancer had left Launceston’s tallest building, the Myer Building in Brisbane Street Mall, in a serious state of degradation. Several contractors using a variety of technologies had failed to remedy the problem of the leaking roof membrane and by 2010 the leaks had led to the spread of concrete cancer throughout the top four storeys of the building.
Further complications were the multi-layered finish of waterproofing products left on the roof from previous unsuccessful attempts at fixing the leaks. These included asbestos-filled bitumen torch-on sheets and HDPE membranes. There were also a collection of mobile telephone towers and safety balustrades present that were responsible for a further 220 penetrations of the existing roofing membrane.
Zaganite Specialised Coatings was commissioned to reappraise the building and specify a means of completely and successfully waterproofing the roof. Zaganite specified ARDEX TPO waterproofing membrane due to its record of achieving 100 per cent success in challenging projects such as RMIT Melbourne and University of NSW, Sydney.
ARDEX TPO is a high performance waterproofing membrane of thermoplastic polyolefin combining polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber. The scrim-reinforced membrane combines the durability of rubber with the heat welding properties of a thermoplastic in a flexible sheet. It is hot-air welded to deliver a fully secure, consistent seam quality.
The presence of asbestos within the existing roofing membrane meant its removal was prohibitively expensive while the HDPE membrane was very difficult to bond to – in fact, previous attempts at bonding to the HDPE had failed completely, but the removal of this membrane was impractical.
Unlike almost all competitive waterproofing membranes the ARDEX TPO product could be fastened mechanically and loose laid over the HPDE. Zaganite Specialised Coatings, the applicators, employed a safe work method that ensured the fasteners were able to safely penetrate the asbestos in the bitumen sheet membrane. All penetrations and corners of the 440 square metre roof area were made easier to complete by virtue of the ARDEX TPO pre-formed corners and boots. Zaganite project manager Stuart James said the entire project was facilitated by the supervision and expertise of ARDEX Australia’s Mark Collins. Other features of the ARDEX TPO membrane are its ease and speed of installation plus its environmental credentials.
The ARDEX TPO membrane comes in 30 metre sheets, two metres wide and weighs just 1.53kg per square metre. This delivers easier handling than most other waterproofing membranes and a variety of installation options for low slope roofing applications in both refurbishment and new construction projects.
The fact that the membrane offers single ply protection with fast, hot air welded seams delivers a rapid, safe (no naked flames) installation process.
Environmentally the ARDEX TPO waterproofing membrane has some definite advantages – its chlorinefree, non-halogenated and plasticizer-free formulation, in combination with the hot-air welded seaming method, produce no emissions harmful to the environment. The membrane can also be easily recycled and has a lower manufacturing footprint than comparable systems.
A further advantage of the ARDEX TPO is that the white colour of the product creates a heat-reflective index of over 70 per cent – and a high proportion of this index is retained for the lifetime of the membrane due to its colour-fast retention properties.
Residential Apartments, St Peters
A block of residential apartments in St Peters (Sydney) has added weight to a pilot scheme currently underway in New York.
The ‘Cool Roofs’ initiative, spearheaded by NY Mayor Michael R Bloomberg and former vice president Al Gore, involves coating the roofs of various city buildings in a reflective white coating to reduce cooling costs, energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Their research reveals a cool roof absorbs 80 per cent less heat than traditional dark roofs and can significantly lower indoor temperatures.
The St Peters apartment block, built in 2002, was experiencing a number of minor roof leaks and the body corporate sought a new-generation refurbishment solution that would give longer service than the original waterproofing membrane and deliver acceptable environmental credentials.
A brand new ARDEX product, launched in November 2009, was specified for the 500m2 flat roof – ARDEX TPO is a white coloured, high performance waterproofing membrane that was originally chosen for its ease and speed of application and exceptional durability.
However, during completion of the job, a resident of one of the top storey penthouse apartments approached the ARDEX accredited installer and reported that, since the application of the waterproofing membrane, he had experienced a significant drop in temperature inside his apartment. “On a hot day, the temperature in my apartment has dropped four degrees since the new roofing membrane has been installed. I am no longer using my air conditioner as much – and my three top floor neighbours have reported the same thing,” said resident Voytek.
The TPO membrane comprises thermoplastic polyolefin combining polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber. The scrim-reinforced membrane combines the durability of rubber with the heat welding properties of a thermoplastic in a flexible sheet. In addition, the membrane can be affixed with a water-based adhesive.
The white colour of the product creates a heat-reflective index of 70 per cent – and a high proportion of this index is retained for the lifetime of the membrane due to its colour-fast retention properties.
In addition, the TPO membrane exhibits excellent resistance to the propagation of discolouring bacteria that reduces the heat reflectivity and energy efficiency. This membrane has also been designed to support ‘green’ roofs – the product has passed the FLL (German Landscape Research, Development and Construction Society) test for root penetration resistance for roof gardens using lightweight and low maintenance sedum vegetation.
An immediate advantage of the TPO product over more conventional waterproofing membranes is its ease of installation.
The fact that the membrane offers single ply protection with fast, hot air welded seams delivers a rapid, safe (no naked flames) installation process. Environmentally the TPO waterproofing membrane has some impressive advantages – its chlorine-free, non-halogenated and plasticizerfree formulation, in combination with the hot-air welded seaming method, produces no emissions harmful to the environment. The membrane can be easily recycled – and has a lower manufacturing footprint than comparable systems.
One Eleven St Georges Terrace, Perth
One Eleven St Georges Terrace is a medium sized office building that has been prominant on the Perth skyline for some time.
Located within the CBD, One Eleven St Georges Terrace waterproofing had reached its use-by-date many years ago.
Attempts had been made to maintain the existing two layer torch on system including over coating with acrylic membranes but ultimately a new waterproofing system was the only long term solution. When Mick and Simon Douglas from Waterproof Products WA were asked to look at a replacement system for this roof they immediately thought of ARDEX TPO.
As with any replacement of an existing waterproofing system one of the biggest problems is the removal of the old membrane especially from high rise buildings with limited access.
With TPO this is no longer a problem as the TPO sheets can be simply installed over the existing membrane with a minimum of preparation.
On this particular project the old waterproofing membrane was covered with 600 x 600 concrete pavers which in most cases, would need to be removed and stored while the work was carried out.
Working around plinths, vents, drains and other fittings proved to be no problem using TPO as the material can be formed and moulded to complete a watertight seal and any exposed edges were finished using ARDEX pressure seal.
TPO is one of the fastest growing low maintenance forms of roof waterproofing in the world and will prove an effective long term and low maintenance waterproofing system for One Eleven St Georges Terrace for many years to come.
Old Parliament House, Canberra
INSTALLER: Andrew Nott from S & A Sealant Canberra
Old Parliament House was opened in 1927 as the house of the Federal Parliament until 1988. Today, this significant historical building is home to a Museum depicting Australia’s rich political history. As a heritage building, constant conservation and sympathetic upgrading is required. Recent upgrading included installing a VIP disabled lift by excavating under the main entry stairs.
It was discovered during the excavation that the main entry stairs leaked severely causing minor flooding.
Eric Martin and Associates were commissioned to produce documentation and specifications for the
rectification and upgrade of the main entry stairs.
In January 2011, ARDEX products were specified and used throughout the project.
Following removal of the existing tiles and multiple applications of various membranes, ARDEX LQ 92 was used to re-establish correct falls, followed by two applications of ARDEX WPM 300 and two applications of ARDEX WPM 002 waterproof membrane. Tiles were directly applied to the membrane with ARDEX Optima tile adhesive and grouted with ARDEX FG 8.
Lure Apartments, Nelson Bay
The dream of a quiet, serene, luxury apartment within a brand new prestigious development in Nelson Bay, NSW is now a reality with a new, easily installed acoustic barrier from ARDEX Australia.
Developers of the prestigious LURE apartments stressed the importance of creating an effective sound barrier between each apartment that would not impede on strict completion deadlines or create undue strain on projected costs, yet still provide a high quality finish.
The project comprised 900 square metres of tiling over both bathrooms and external balcony areas. Local tilers, Newcastle Tiles, utilised a system of compatible ARDEX products for all aspects of the tiling and soundproofing which streamlined the process of specifying, ordering and seeking on-site technical advice during installation.
ARDEX WPM 002, a fast-setting two-part waterproofing membrane, was applied first to both balconies and bathrooms to create a waterproof barrier. This was followed by the combination of ARDEX X 56, a highly flexible tile adhesive, and ARDEX DS 40, an impact sound reduction system, to form the soundproof barrier. Tiles were then fixed directly to ARDEX DS 40.
The ARDEX DS 40 impact sound reduction system was a pivotal product in the overall project due to the pre-cut mats being a consistent thickness of 4.5mm, meaning an overall lower build height was achieved. In addition to providing an excellent uniform acoustic barrier that is essential in helping prevent noise travel between apartments, it is also an extremely fast and easy product to install, using pre-cut mats compared to traditional, messier methods. Field tests have shown that ARDEX DS 40 can reduce noise by 14dB and 18dB when used in conjunction with ARDEX X 56 flexible tile adhesive (as was the case in the Lure apartment project). Utilising the ease of application, Newcastle Tiles was able to have apprentices installing the pre-cut mats while its more experienced tilers laid the tiles – hence reducing installation time and costs.
LURE Apartments were completed on time and to great acclaim.
Jim Haworth of Newcastle Tiles puts it this way: “ARDEX constantly provide reliable, premium quality products and we were delighted with the installation of the ARDEX sound reducing system which, with its many benefits, allowed us to complete the project on time and with cost savings”.
Hoppers Crossing Warehouse
INSTALLER/APPLICATOR: Bravada Waterproofing
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Bravada Waterproofing
CHALLENGE:
50 linear metres of injection to multiply panels
100 linear metres of cosmetic repair using ARDEX RA 88
Timeline concerns (fast turnaround); painting had already commenced
Scissor lift access, difficulty working around fixed equipment (T-Port application)
Multiple tenancies
PROBLEM/ SITUATION:
Structural repair and cosmetic repair to concrete tilt panels. Panels had cracked due to land settlement and had become apparent to building tenants due to leaks coming into the building. Engineering assessment conducted and advised cracks requiring injection and cosmetic defects.
SOLUTION:
Ronald Rose (Vic Sales Manager) was initially contacted by the owner of the building via an enquiry from ARDEX Technical Services, due to his extensive knowledge gained whilst working for ARDEX New Zealand after the Christchurch earthquakes, to conduct a site visit and ascertain if ARDEX products were suitable.
A recommendation was given that repairs could proceed with the ARDEX Crack Repair and Injection System; however, an engineer’s assessment was required on cracks that were substantial. The asset owner engaged engineers and it was identified which cracks required structural injection using ARDEX RA 142, 144 and 146 and which only required aesthetical repairs with ARDEX RA 88. Bravada were engaged after an ARDEX recommendation to carry out the repairs. Due to electrical conduits and pallet racking in place on a number of walls in the varying tenancies, ARDEX RA 146 Blindside Concrete Crack Injection Epoxy Gel was chosen for these areas as the injection material due to the ability to be blindside injected.
UNIQUE ELEMENTS:
Scope of works provided onsite to Bravada team members on products to be used and where.
Using ARDEX RA 146 Blindside Concrete Crack Injection Epoxy Gel
Fast cure of ARDEX RA 88 allowed porting and injecting on the same day
Tech support onsite for initial start-up and routine visits from ARDEX representatives throughout the project
Onsite training provided to new staff members of the contractor
External painting project was not delayed and was able to be completed with minimal disruption to building occupants
Elevation Apartments, Perth
BUILDER: BGC Construction
ARCHITECT: Hassell
CONTRACTORS: Direct tiles Mandurah, All waterproofing solutions
The Elevation Apartments are a prestigious development right in the heart of Perth’s Central Business District.
Reaching over 100 metres into the Perth skyline, the Elevation Apartments consist of 138 luxury apartments spanning over 29 levels that offer stunning views from every direction.
North facing apartments offer district and city views whilst South and South West facing apartments overlook the Swan River, Kings Park, South Perth to Applecross with glimpses of the Indian Ocean.
The main challenge faced by the building contractor was that all the balconies were falling towards the apartments instead of away.
To resolve this, ARDEX was asked to provide a system recommendation that would correct the falls and waterproof the balconies before the tiling commenced.
ARDEX K 005 was selected as a screed to create the required falls. K 005 was an important component as it enabled tiling to commence a lot sooner than conventional sand cement screeds.
Following the K 005 screed, WPM 002 was used as the waterproofing membrane, then Abaflex adhesive and FG 8 grout.
Internally all the wet area’s were installed with WPM 002 waterproofing membrane, X 10 and Abaflex adhesive.
Two layers of WPM 180 shelterbit torch applied membrane was used on the entire rooftop, pool deck, plant rooms and podium levels prior to being ballasted by a brick paving system.
The Elevation Apartments were completed in July 2010 and are destined to become an icon of the Perth City Skyline.
215 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
The refurbishment of this office tower complex included a complete revamp of the ground floor foyer and throughout level one to external entries and bathrooms. Also included in the scope of the work was the lift lobbies within the tower itself. The stunning overhaul took the Peter Johnson Tiling team over eight months to complete, on behalf of Hutchinson Builders. The finished work was nominated by the Master Builders Association of Queensland, with Peter Johnson winning the Commercial Trade Contractor Award for the Year.
ARDEX X 18 was used (with ARDEX E 90 additive) due to the complexity of the installation. ARDEX X 18 provided additional strength to the tiled areas (up to 3 metres high) from the specially formulated fibres within the adhesive.
ARDEX WA 100 – Two Part Epoxy Adhesive for use with Natural Stone. ARDEX WA 100 was used for sections of the wall up to 8 metres high. This product was designed for fixing and bedding natural stone such as marble on walls.
A huge amount of co-ordination was required for coating the 8.5 metre high entrance and foyer with more than 80 tons of finished stone.
The wall tiles were marble, 17-18mm thick weighing approximately 50kg m2. The weight of the tiles and the height of the installation exceeded the ARDEX guidelines (32kg/m2 and up to 3m2 high) for adhesive fixed tiles, so additional mechanical fixing strips were epoxy bonded into grooves cut into the back of each tile and then secured to the wall substrate.
Government Building, 1 William Street, Brisbane
The new Queensland Government Executive building at 1 William Street, Brisbane currently under construction by Brookfield Multiplex Australasia was experiencing surface damage to part of the carpark entry ramp.
For this reason, a topping stronger than the original concrete was required with the ARDEX epoxy screed being selected by Master Floor Preparers (Qld) Pty Ltd as the most suitable system for this application.
The area to be covered was located in the transition zone to the carpark level at the base of the ramp, approximately 6 metres long by 1.6 metres wide and 35 mm thick.
ARDEX Abapoxy was used as the binder for the topping screed, making up approximately 10% of the mixed material. The filler used was ARDEX A 38 Gravel mix, 0-4mm size. This consistency provided close packing that was required so the topping is better able to resist the anticipated loads, although the mix was subject to the availability of these sand sizes and some variation in both sand size and mix ratio was possible. In addition, the sand had to be both washed and dried.
The binder mix consisted of 2 volumes of Abapoxy Part A with 1 volume of Abapoxy Part B mixed together to achieve a homogenous colour. The blended filler sand was added and mixed with a mechanical mixer to achieve a slump free mortar to ensure all the sand was coated with the epoxy binder.
The concrete had to be dry and mechanically prepared to remove all contaminants such as curing compounds and laitance, in addition to being vacuumed to remove any dust.
The procedure was to apply a bond coat of ARDEX Abapoxy with a brush or roller to achieve a uniform thin coating over the prepared concrete immediately prior to placement of the epoxy mortar.
Puddles were brushed out of the epoxy resin bond coat prior to placement of the epoxy screed mortar, the epoxy mortar had to be compacted during placement to remove air pockets. It was then left to harden overnight prior to allowing access to pedestrian traffic, as well as allowing 7 days for the screed to fully cure before allowing vehicular traffic.
RACV Royal Pines Golf Resort, Gold Coast
A premier world-class resort with a steadfast commitment to energy conservation had to work closely with suppliers and builders to overcome some unique hurdles during its recent refurbishments.
The RACV Royal Pines Golf Resort on the Gold Coast undertook an extensive upgrade in which the 27 hole golfing resort was elevated to world class standard.
Key points of consideration during the design and build process were the area’s Zone B grading (second highest wind zone in Australia); a commitment to minimising ongoing energy usage; and a need to continue operation of the resort throughout the refurbishment process.
The roof of the main 21 storey tower building required a new roofing membrane as the existing membrane – bitumen sheet over-coated with a liquid acrylic membrane – was exhibiting early signs of failure with blistering and some cracking appearing.
Specifications required a new membrane that could be installed over the existing membrane – to negate the need for removal of the existing membrane (a process that would present an element of risk to guests and employees of the resort). The membrane would also have to be able to withstand high wind speeds, consistent with its Zone B grading, while contributing to the ongoing reduction in energy consumption.
ARDEX Australia devised a system whereby the ARDEX TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) membrane would be installed using a mechanical fixing technique that would exceed the standards required for the possible high wind uplift pressures of the area.
Key aspects to the specification of the ARDEX TPO membrane were its solar reflectance of a significant 79 per cent – a factor that would reduce the heat absorbed by the building, which is in a sub tropical location, and therefore reduce the energy required to cool the building.
Other factors making the ARDEX membrane the superior option were its extended service life, its ease of installation over the existing membrane and its exceptional sustainability properties.
The TPO membrane was used to cover a roof area of 600 square metres and has a projected lifespan of up to 20 years. Other factors making the ARDEX membrane the superior option were its extended service life, its ease of installation over the existing membrane and its exceptional sustainability properties.
The ARDEX TPO membrane was used to cover a roof area of 600 square metres and has a projected lifespan of up to 20 years.
All aspects of the ARDEX TPO membrane installation complied with the extremely high environmental sustainability standards set by the owners of the development.
Environmentally the ARDEX TPO waterproofing membrane has some definite advantages – its chlorine-free, non-halogenated and plasticizer-free formulation, in combination with the hotair welded seaming method, produce no emissions harmful to the environment. The membrane can also be easily recycled and has a lower manufacturing footprint than comparable systems.
Cumberland Resort Lorne
The popular Victoria hotel, The Cumberland Lorne Resort was facing major disruptions and a loss of bookings due to a seriously degraded roofing membrane causing leaks in a number of apartments and penthouses. The torch-on membrane on the concrete roof had been repaired numerous times with a liquid membrane with little success. Remedial specialists had advised the resort to remove the existing membrane, clean the concrete roof and then apply a liquid membrane to resolve the ongoing issue.
On surveying the 550 square metre roof with its ocean-front location, Full Stop Waterproofing advised that the proposed roof refurbishment would take six to eight weeks to complete. The project could also only be completed during the summer months due to the overly wet weather during the rest of the year. This would cause major distribution to the hotel and its guests and a potential loss of bookings.
After consulting with ARDEX Australia, Full stop Waterproofing was able to suggest an alternative solution which would be quicker to install and prove more effective. The new generation ARDEX TPO sheet roofing membrane would significantly reduce the time and cost of the project along with the environmental impact.
The roof refurbishment of the Cumberland Lorne Resort ended up taking just two weeks with a team of two to three contractors as compared to the eight weeks the initially specified liquid membrane application would have taken.
“The fact that the application process was both fast and could continue irrespective of weather conditions was a major influence in our decision making,” explained Lee Gordon, General Manager, Cumberland Lorne Resort. “The ARDEX TPO not only saved on installation costs but also minimised the disruption to the business which was a major plus for us,” he added.
ARDEX WPM 615 TPO is a high performance waterproofing membrane of thermoplastic polyolefin combining polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber. The scrim-reinforced membrane combines the durability of rubber with the heat welding properties of a thermoplastic in a flexible sheet. It is hot-air welded to deliver a fully secure, consistent seam quality. In addition, all penetrations and corners of the roof area are made easier to complete thanks to the ARDEX TPO pre-formed corners and boots.
The ARDEX TPO membrane comes in 30 metre sheets, two metres wide and weighs just 1.53kg per square metre. This delivers easier handling than most other waterproofing membranes and a variety of installation options for low slope roofing applications in both refurbishment and new construction projects. The membrane offers single ply protection with fast, hot-air welded seams which deliver a rapid, safe, (no naked flames) installation process.
Environmentally, the ARDEX TPO waterproofing membrane has some very clear advantages; it is chlorine free, non- alogenated and plasticizer-free formulation, in combination with the hot-air welded seaming method, produces no environmentally harmful emissions. The membrane can easily be recycled and has a lower manufacturing footprint than comparable systems. The white colour of ARDEX TPO creates a heat-reflective index of over 70 per cent and a high proportion of this index is retained for the lifetime of the membrane due to its colour fast
retention properties.
For more information on ARDEX Australia’s range of waterproofing solutions, visit www.ARDEXaustralia.com
Q1 Surfers Paradise, Brisbane
Developed by the Sunland Group, the tower boasts 526 ultra smart apartments. The Q1 project required a Comprehensive range of technologically advanced and integrated products.
ARDEX was selected as exclusive suppliers of all Q1’s tile adhesives, soundproofing requirements, and grouts to be installed by Klaus Tiling. For critical high traffic areas requiring a heavy duty leveling product ARDEX K 15 was used.
One of the major tiling hurdles was the potential lipping of the 600 x 600mm, 20mm thick limestone floor tiles with conventional flexible adhesives. (Lipping or uneven tile heights is aesthetically unappealing and a trip hazard). The rheology of ARDEX X 56 – a new generation, highly flexible adhesive – overcame problems with ‘lipping’. Used over the company’s Soundproof Underlay, it also helps improve impact sound resistance. For areas requiring an adhesive with high tensile strength (and superior non slump), ARDEX STS 8 was used.
Grouts and silicones colour matched to blend in with the tiles provided the final touches. Walls and floors were grouted with Flexgrout Ultrasmooth. For tile joints subject to the stresses of differential movement, ARDEX SE silicone provided a waterproof, permanently elastic, UV and mould-resistant seal.
ARDEX K 15 – a globally recognised leader in floor levelling product category – was specified for critical areas e.g. foyers, lift lobbies. With its unique Ardurapid effect, ARDEX K 15 allows impervious vinyl coverings to be laid after only 16 hours, regardless of bed thickness.
The comprehensive and integrated nature of the ARDEX portfolio of products, plus the company’s wealth of locally-based technical expertise, has been acknowledged as a factor in the successful, on-time completion of the world’s tallest residential tower.
The Vibe Hotel, Canberra
CONTRACTOR: Tiling – PDA Marble & Granite
The Vibe Hotel is situated only 150 metres from the new Canberra Airport terminal. The 181 room property will be centred around a full height atrium and features a large ground floor intermingle zone with reception, bar, restaurant and conferencing facilities.
The contemporary property will offer sweeping views over Lake Burley Griffin to Parliament House and across the airport runway to the east. The Vibe Hotel will house 12 suites, five 1 bedroom apartments and four 2 bedroom apartments and 170 guest rooms, all of which feature balconies.
Approximately 5000m2 of ARDEX X 18 was used to tile The Vibe Hotel. This product is a superior, fortified cement-based wall and floor tile adhesive that has excellent properties of strength and versatility. The benefits to PDA Marble were extended open time, as well as important non slump and flexible capabilities. It was used in both internal and external areas and also used in the swimming pools.
An additional 1000 square metres of travertine will be used to tile downstairs in the near future using either ARDEX X 18 or ARDEX S 16.
ARDEX Multiprime provided improved adhesion to various porous substrates.
ARDEX ST Silicone provided a neutral curing, nonstaining silicone for use on the stone benchtops that were installed. It’s smooth, easy application and superior bond strength, coupled with the anti-fungal inhibitors, made it an ideal choice for PDA Marble and Granite.
ARDEX FG 8 Grout was used because of its excellent workability and its ease of use on both walls and floors.
Te Wharewaka O Poneke, Wellington
Te Wharewaka o Poneke is a ‘canoe house’ located beside the lagoon on the Wellington waterfront. The building accomodates and displays two historical Waka (canoe) which will be accessible for the public but will also occasionally be used out on the water.
Wharewaka is a significant arts venue as well as being the centrepiece for Wellington’s Rugby World Cup 2011 celebrations.
Architecture + of Wellington designed this $12 million facility which has recently been recognised at the 2011 Wellington Civic Trust Awards, winning the award for ‘Enhancement or Protection of the City’s Built Environment.’
ARDEX waterproofing products were chosen as part of the roofing system to ensure the absolute watertightness of this complex roofing profile. VM Zinc was used as the main roofing material.
Approximately 1000m2 of ARDEX Shelterseal was used underneath this as a vapour/separation barrier.
1000m2 of 1.5mm Dark Grey Butynol® was used in the hidden and exposed gutters of this complex roofline.
The area around the Wharewaka development will be transformed with marquees, bars and big screens for Rugby World Cup celebrations later this year. Within walking distance of the stadium, this architecturally designed building will form the backdrop for Wellington’s ‘Party Central’.
The building has a public cafe and will also be used for functions and art exhibitions.
The University of New South Wales, Sydney
INSTALLER: Danrae Building Services Pty. Ltd
BUILDER: Campus Living Villages Pty Ltd
ARCHITECT: WATPAC Design & Construct
CHALLENGES:
A waterproof membrane for a 1500 m2 (16,146 ft2) roof that was to support more than 20,000m2 (706,293 ft2) of soil and extensive planting.
Structure spanned the car park of new student accommodation complex and was a significant element in making this predominantly concrete area environmentally green.
PROBLEMS:
A new sustainable roof was being built over the UNSW Student Accommodation Car park Rooftop. A major part of the installation required the use of a roofing membrane that would be completely impervious to water and root penetration. The integrity of the product was critical, as any leaks would prove extremely costly and labour intensive to repair.
ARDEX Australia worked with WATPAC Design & Construct to find a product solution.
SOLUTION:
ARDEX recommended ARDEX WPM 615 TPO be specified as a flexible Thermoplastic PolyOlefin roofing membrane made from ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene matrix, reinforced with a polyester weft. TPO was designed to be hot-air welded at the seams ensuring a fast installation. The product is safe and easy to use, since there is no open flame.
These properties and assurances from ARDEX Australia were key factors in WATPAC’s specification of the product for the UNSW project.
TPO was the perfect product to build the sustainable roof because of its own sustainable properties.
When manufactured, TPO uses a lower carbon footprint than most similar systems and can easily be recycled. TPO is also chlorine-free, and because of its formulation and installation design, the product yields no emissions harmful to the environment. WATPAC has expressed its satisfaction with ARDEX. TPO and their desire to use it again. UNSW won awards in sustainability and multi-unit housing at the Randwick City Council Urban Design Awards andHigh Density Development at the UDIA NSW Excellence Awards for this project.
Science Centre, Brisbane
INSTALLER: River City Floors, M&M Waterproofing, Tilecorp
ARCHITECT: Robin Gibson & Partners
The new Sciencentre is designed to capture the imagination and spread the message about science and technology. It also illustrates ARDEX’s range of compatible technologies.
This $9.5 billion redevelopment, which opened on 17 September 2004, is the first major facelift for the Queensland Museum in almost 20 years.
ARDEX products were used for various applications, from waterproofing, to floor levelling and tiling.
For a striking looking floor, 750 x 750 x 20mm travertine was chosen. Being larger than conventional floor tiles, these required an adhesive that would provide a solid base and stand up to the weight of the tile. Owing to the unique “non lip” characteristic, Robin Gibson & Partners specified ARDEX STS 8 (with Ardion 90).
In the rooms that were to be covered with vinyl, the floors were made smooth and level using ARDEX K 15 and Feather Finish. The RapidDry technology in ARDEX K 15 allowed the installation of vinyl after a mere 16 to 18 hours.
ARDEX WPM 002 was used in internal wet areas, and ARDEX WPM 3000X in basements to help resist water ingress.