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Newcastle – United Kingdom

ARDEX Provides a Cost Effective Swimming Pool Refurbishment for Newcastle School

Installer:

  • Underwater Pool Services Ltd. – Manchester, England

Contractor:

  • Aqua Tilers Ltd. – Manchester, England

Products Featured:

  • ARDEX AM 100 Pre-Tile Repair Mortar
  • ARDEX S 21 Rapid Hardening Floor Tile Bedding Mortar
  • ARDEX-FLEX 5001 Gray Flexible Adhesive
  • ARDEX-FLEX 5000 White Flexible Adhesive
  • ARDEX WA Epoxy Adhesive & Grout
  • ARDEX-FLEX FL Rapid Setting & Hardening Flexible Grout
  • ARDEX-FLEX FS Flexible Tile Grout

Challenges:

  • Fast-track renovation
  • Wet and underwater surfaces
  • High-level of cleanliness required
  • Multiple tile types and surfaces

Problem:

After receiving an initial bid estimate of £1.5m (approximately $2,150,000 USD) to build a new swimming pool, the Newcastle-under-Lyme School (NuLS) searched for an economic fast-track solution for their swimming pool refurbishment. With the assistance of ARDEX UK, Underwater Pool Services and Aqua Tilers; NuLS was able to complete its renovation during tough economic times and prevent lengthy downtime often associated with pool renovations. The time period for completion was over the summer break, so students were able to return to an improved facility in September.

Solution:

To minimize the time associated with tiling, the project started with rendering all pool wall surfaces with ARDEX AM 100 Pre-Tile Repair Mortar. The ARDEX AM 100 allows for a surface to be moist during application and ready to receive tile in only two hours. This saved the time associated with waiting for the surfaces of the swimming pool to dry in a high humidity environment. Most competitors’ products take two weeks before they can receive tile. For the pool base ARDEX S 21 Tile Bedding Mortar was used to pre-level the surface for tiling. ARDEX S 21 is a rapid hardening tile bedding mortar which is easy to use and adheres to moist surfaces and rapidly hardens allowing the project to move forward in just three hours. ARDEX S 21 was also used in the locker room areas, because it can also be used to form ramps around drains and doorways. With its versatility and quick drying properties, ARDEX S 21 was the perfect choice for this fast-track installation. Ideal for use in and around swimming pools, and for all types of tile, ARDEX-FLEX 5001 was used to place the slip resistant ceramic tiles to the pool deck. Specially formulated ARDEX-FLEX 5001 was specifically designed to have superior adhesion and excellent slump resistance even when submerged in water. For the surrounding area of the pool and in the locker rooms, ARDEX-FLEX 5000 was specified. This was selected over competitors’ products, because ARDEX-FLEX 5000 does not require a separate add mixture which saved the school additional time and cost. ARDEX-FLEX 5000 can be used on floor and wall surfaces. To provide waterproof and chemically resistant grout joints in the pool, ARDEX WA Epoxy Adhesive & Grout was selected. ARDEX WA can be used for joints of 2mm to 12mm wide. This is an ideal product for areas susceptible to chlorine, cleaning agents and aqueous salt solutions. For the rest of the grouting ARDEX-FLEX FL was used on the floors and ARDEX-FLEX FS was used on the walls. Both ARDEXFLEX FL and FS contain a built in add mixture which save time and money. Both products are also dirt resistant, flexible and water repellent. With the help of ARDEX UK, the students and swimming clubs that utilize the pool at NuLS can look forward to a safe and sanitary swimming experience for many years to come.

Noosa Springs Day Spa – Australia

Installer/Applicator:

  • Thorburn Tiling Pty Ltd – Moffat Beach, Queensland, Australia
  • M&M Waterproofing Contractors & Sales – Noosaville, Queensland, Australia

General Contractors:

  • Starco Developments Pty Ltd. – Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia

Architect:

  • Alan Starkey & Associates – Noosaville, Queensland, Australia

Product Featured:

  • ARDEX WPM 265 Sheltercoat Water Based Primer
  • ARDEX WPM 300 Water Based Epoxy Membrane
  • ARDEX WPM 002 Superflex Bathroom and Balcony Two Part
  • ARDEX STS 8 Superior Tensile Strength Tile Adhesive
  • ARDEX E 90 Mortar Admix For Use With ARDEX Cement-Based Adhesives
  • ARDEX ABAPOXY High Performance Epoxy Adhesive and Grout

Challenges:

  • High quality materials and 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 and minerals with a history of destroying Portland cement structures
  • Areas with heavy gym equipment

Problem:

The Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort is the home of a championship golf course, an award winning restaurant and a convention center. 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 center includes heavy exercise equipment and 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 and large floating pools. Each of these features created demanding challenges for the builders, as flexible and strong products were necessary to ensure a quality and long-lasting installation.

Solution:

To prepare the new concrete for tile and stone applications, installers used ARDEX WPM 265 Sheltercoat Water Based Primer. ARDEX WPM 265 is an acrylic primer system that creates a positive bond between substrates and water-based coatings. ARDEX WPM 300 Water Based Epoxy Membrane was used because it has superior water resistance and prevents efflorescence while withstanding hydrostatic pressure. It provides excellent adhesion to most substrates, including damp surfaces and freshly laid concrete, and it can be used as a one coat primer for other applied finishes like Ardex waterproofing membranes and 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 Superflex Bathroom and Balcony 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 ST S8 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.

Opera House – Sydney Australia

Installer/Applicator:

  • BetterTiles – Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia

Genral Contractor:

  • John Holland – Pyrmont, New South Wales, Australia

Architect:

  • Original Architect – Jørn Utzon and son Jan Utzon
  • Collaborator – Johnson Pilton Walker – Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Product Featured:

  • ARDEX Multiprime Water-Based Primer
  • ARDEX Abacrete Bonding Agent for Use with Sand / Cement Screeds and Renders
  • ARDEX X 77 Premium Microtec® Flexible Wall and Floor Tile Adhesive
  • ARDEX E90 (ARDION 90) Admix for Cement-based Tile Adhesives
  • ARDEX ABAPOXY High Performance Epoxy Adhesive and Grout
  • ARDEX SE Coloured Silicone for Sanitary Installations

Challenges:

  • Reproducing Jørn Utzon’s original vision
  • 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
  • Irregular shaped tiles
  • Floor movement from stages and loading docks underneath foyer
  • Silicone used in perimeter and expansion joints had to match the floor to create seamless look

Problem:

Originally designed in 1956 by Jorn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House has become a world renowned modern piece of architecture. In 1999, Jorn Utzon was asked to become the official primary architect for all future projects in the opera house. In his regained role, Jorn, along with his son Jan Utzon and Richard Johnson of Johnson Pilton Walker helped design several projects. One of the projects Jorn was tasked with was the renovation of the western foyer. Design improvements included irregular tile shapes and glass reinforced concrete tiles with clear silicone expansion joints to create a seamless floor. Frequent floor movement was expected because of the stage and 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. ARDEX Multiprime is designed to improve adhesion of ARDEX products to various porous substrates. This primer dries in 15 to 30 minutes allowing subsequent products to be installed quickly. When applying the screed, ARDEX recommended ARDEX Abacrete Bonding Agent for use with sand/cement screeds and renders. ARDEX Abacrete is a liquid polymer additive that greatly improves the shear and tensile bond strength of the screed. To place the specialty tiles, ARDEX X 77 Premium Microtec® Flexible Wall and Floor Tile Adhesive was used in addition to ARDEX E 90 Admix for Cement-Based Tile Adhesives. ARDEX X 77 is a high performance, fiber reinforced polymer modified adhesive 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 and 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. For the final touches, ARDEX SE Colored Silicone for Sanitary Installations was used to fill perimeter and expansion joints and ARDEX ABAPOXY High Performance Epoxy Adhesive and Grout was sprinkled over the silicone for a matte finish. This enhanced the seamless look of the tile installation. To grout the rest of the tile, ARDEX ABAPOXY was selected for its permanent color capabilities. ARDEX ABAPOXY also has a high resistance to chemicals, so commercial cleaning required for a high traffic area would not have an adverse affect on the grout. Each of the ARDEX products used were low in VOC, allowing the Sydney Opera House to remain open during the installation.

Univsersity of New South Wales – Australia

Installer/Applicator:

  • Danrae Building Services Pty. Ltd. – New South Wales, Australia

General Contractors:

  • Campus Living Villages Pty Ltd, – Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Architects:

  • WATPAC Design & Construct – Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Product Featured:

  • ARDEX WPM 615 TPO Roofing Membrane

Challenges:

  • A waterproof membrane for a 1500 m2 (16,146 ft2) roof that was to support more than 20,000 m2 (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 Problem:

A new sustainable roof was being built over the UNSW Student Accommodation Carpark 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 labor intensive to repair. ARDEX Australia worked with WATPAC Design & Construct to find a product solution.

Solution:

ARDEX recommended ARDEX WPM 615 be specified as a flexible Thermoplastic PolyOlefin roofing membrane made from ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene matrix, reinforced with a polyester weft. ARDEX WPM 615 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. ARDEX WPM 615 was the perfect product to build the sustainable roof because of its own sustainable properties. When manufactured, ARDEX WPM 615 uses a lower carbon footprint than most similar systems and can easily be recycled. ARDEX WPM 615 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 WPM 615 and their desire to it again. UNSW won awards in sustainability and multi-unit housing at the Randwick City Council Urban Design Awards and High Density Development at the UDIA NSW Excellence Awards for this project

Shen Zhen Stadium – China

Installer:

  • ThyssenKrupp Xervon

ProductS Featured:

  • ARDEX K320 High Early Strength Wear-resistant Self-leveling Topping
  • ARDEX P 51TM Primer

Challenges:

  • Large size area (5000 m2 / 53,821 ft2)
  • Expedited installation time frame
  • Cold temperatures
  • Heavy and frequent foot traffic

Problem:

In Guangzhou, China, new stadiums and entertainment facilities were built in preparation for Universiade 2011. As the event date approached, the construction schedule was behind and flooring needed to be installed in a short time frame. Once the construction site was ready, ARDEX was asked to provide a fast-track solution to the corridor space of the Shen Zhen Stadium.

Solution:

ARDEX recommended ARDEX K320 High Early Strength Wear-resistant Self-leveling Topping, which is an extremely durable product appropriate for high traffic areas. ARDEX K320 is walkable in just four hours, allowing foot traffic and additional work to take place quickly after the installation. Following correct substrate preparation protocol, ThyssenKrupp Xervon mechanically prepared the corridor area removing all contaminates so the ARDEX K320 would properly bond to the substrate. Once the installers created a suitable surface profile, a layer of ARDEX P 51 Primer was applied. ARDEX P 51 is a solvent-free primer used over standard absorbent concrete to seal and improve the bond of ARDEX Underlayments and Toppings. Once the ARDEX P 51 was completely dried, the concrete substrate was ready to receive ARDEX K320 as the final wear surface. Once the ARDEX K320 was poured and properly protected, construction trades could continue their work. Being such a high profile project, Shen Zhen Stadium demanded high-strength and aesthetically pleasing products to complete the design. ARDEX provided technical support and quality customer service throughout the installation. Both the owners and ThyssenKrupp Xervon were pleased with the final result.

Austrian Lotteries – Austria

Type of project:

Sport- / Recreational- / Eventcenter

Segment:

Renovation

Product group:

ARDEX S 28, ARDEX A 35, ARDEX 8+9, ARDEX G8S If you enter the new headquarters of Austrian Lotteries you set a foot on quality handiwork from ARDEX. The whole entrance area and the event location ‘Loft’ were completely redesigned. Several products of the ARDEX assortment were used on the overall 400 m2 surface. To reach a perfect result, the headquarter was equipped with ARDEX S 28 (specializing in laying big slabs), ARDEX A 35, ARDEX 8+9 and the grouting compound ARDEX G8S. Graphite-coloured tiles of the Concrete-series produced by GigaChair were laid on these 4.8 mm thick 1.20 x 1.20 m slabs. Responsible for the professional execution was the company Sturgyk who is an established partner of ARDEX. The Result? See for yourself!

Raffles City Swissotel Helipad Waterproofing – Singapore

Project Name:

  • Raffles City Swissotel Helipad Waterproofing, Singapore

Installer/Applicator:

  • LH Waterproofing Specialists Pte Ltd, Singapore

General Contractor:

  • Shineway Engineering Pte Ltd, Singapor

Consultant:

  • Arup Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore

Featured Products:

  • ARDEX R 2 SE
  • ARDEX WPM 426
  • ARDEX WPM 429

Challenge:

  • Reinforced Concrete Rooftop Helipad Waterproofing (570m2)
  • Short completion day (5 days including surface preparation)
  • Exposed to weather environment
  • Existing commercial environment with restaurant right below, so required to minimize inconvenience caused for customers and tenants while conducting works
  • Heavy duty wear and abrasion resistance for helicopter landing

Situation:

  • Raffles City is going through re-roofing works for its entire Reinforced Concrete planters and flat roofs using ARDEX WPM 116 and WPM 160, two layers torched applied waterproofing membrane. The RC rooftop helipad is a critical area as any hacking on the RC slab to lay new waterproofing membranes might cause leakage to the restaurant below. The landing zone lightning built into the RC slab make the detailing works for installing new membranes difficult and tedious.

Solution:

  • After having reviewed the problem and client’s concerns, ARDEX Singapore recommended ARDEX WPM 426 and WPM 429 (UV stable Polyurethane Traffic Deck Waterproofing Coating). The system perfectly suits to resolve the challenges faced. ARDEX WPM 426 is a heavy duty and abrasion resistance waterproofing coating with ARDEX WPM 429 UV stable aliphatic topcoat to coat over the RC helipad to give a new decorative look including waterproofing properties.

Unique Elements:

  • ARDEX Singapore provides the complete system solution through specifications to Arup consultants for this project. The installation was done by an approved and trained ARDEX applicator. However, there were frequent site visits by the Sales personal in charge to provide excellent service. Together with the outstanding performance of the products, with no defect or limitation, the clients are very satisfied with ARDEX. Consequently, consultants and contractor continued to specify the ARDEX system for upcoming projects’ e.g.: Global Logistic Trade Center façade refurbishment project, condominium refurbishment project and many more.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel – Thailand

Featured Installer:

Thai Her Chern Marble & Granite Co., Ltd.

General Contractor:

Task Interior Co., Ltd.

Featured Products:

  • ARDEX CT 5 Commercial Tile Adhesive
  • ARDEX DS 40 Impact Sound Reduction and Decoupling System

Challenges:

  • Installing large, natural stone tiles on walls and floors in bedroom and restroom areas
  • Installer and contractor education was necessary, as they were unfamiliar with ARDEX products

Situation:

Mandarin Oriental Hotel is considered the most prestigious and luxurious hotel in Bangkok city. Since its establishment in 1879, renovations occur with some frequency on a regular basis. This particular renovation included 30 rooms, had a duration of four months, and was completed in February, 2016. As a high-end 5-star hotel, the property was expected to be renovated according to the highest specification standard with premium products. Natural stone was chosen as the primary material to maximize the charm of hotel’s modern interior design. Task Interior Company, the contractor, also wished to install a high-performance soundproof system that can effectively reduce the sound and create the best atmosphere for hotel guests.

Solution:

ARDEX CT 5, a tile adhesive, was specified as a reliable solution for this project. In order to educate the installer, as well as exhibit the product’s superior performance, a product demonstration was held. Satisfied that the product exceeded the others available in the Thai domestic market both in technical properties and ease of installation, the contractor used the adhesive throughout the project with great success. ARDEX also proposed ARDEX DS 40, an Impact Sound Reduction and Decoupling System, to the General Contractor. In addition to their sound reduction properties, the pre-cut mats simplify installation and have excellent crack-bridging ability. ARDEX Singapore technical staff visited the job site to demonstrate correct installation procedures for ARDEX DS 40, and resulted in the mats being specified for the entire project. They were installed, where needed, for the entire renovation project with no difficulties.

Banyan Tree Club & Spa – Korea

Installer:

  • C & P Stone

General Contractors:

  • Ssangyong Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. – Seoul, South Korea

Architects:

  • Gansam Partners Architecture Design and Planning

Product Featured:

  • PANDOMO® Wall (PANDOMO W1) Decorative Finishing Render
  • PANDOMO® TerrazzoMicro
  • ARDEX F5 Fiber Reinforced Finishing Compound

Challenges:

  • Expedited installation time frame
  • Multiple contractors on site
  • Cold exterior temperatures
  • Cracking and uneven surfaces

Problem:

Originally opened in 1969, the Namsan Tower required a complete remodel and transformation to become a world-renowned resort chain – The Banyan Tree Club & Spa. This was the first South Korean remodeling project of its kind, transforming an existing 2-Star tower into a high-end 5-Star resort. When remodeling requires a high-end result, it calls for best-in-class products. ARDEX Pandomo® systems were specifically selected because of the high-end quality, design capabilities and modern elements of the products. However, because of multiple contractors on site, it made for a difficult installation of PANDOMO® Wall. The developer of the project also requested Pandomo® materials be used on the building exterior. Pandomo® Wall is specifically designed for interior applications; so the ARDEX Technical Team worked with the contractor to find a solution.

Solution:

In the hotel rooms, swimming pool area, and restaurant, C & P Stone worked through the night after other companies left for the evening. Working at night allowed the installers to properly clean the walls before installing ARDEX PANDOMO® Wall and reduce the amount of airborne particles found on a busy construction site with potential to contaminate the installation. Once the contractors finished with a section of the installation, the area was completely sealed with vinyl sheeting to prevent any contamination. A few sections were reinstalled because of damage caused by heavy equipment from other construction. ARDEX PANDOMO® Wall was selected because of its fast track properties, versatility, simple elegance and ability to create a seamless finish. In the elevator hall, installers were challenged with an uneven, cracked substrate. To rectify these problems and prepare the floor to receive ARDEX PANDOMO® TerrazzoMicro, cracks were sealed and primed with an epoxy primer to include a sand broadcast. Once cured, the previously unsuitable substrate received its new terrazzo style flooring. ARDEX PANDOMO® TerrazzoMicro was specified in this area because of its natural beauty and fast-curing properties. ARDEX PANDOMO® TerrazzoMicro was open to traffic in roughly eight hours, allowing appropriate cure time before additional workers arrived the next day. For exterior signage, the developer wanted to use ARDEX PANDOMO® Wall, but there were some concerns from the ARDEX Technical Team about the performance of the product in an environment with four extremely different seasons. The ARDEX Technical Team recommended ARDEX F5 Fiber reinforced finishing compound instead. ARDEX F5 is especially suited for indoor and outdoor use on walls and ceilings. Largely, because ARDEX F5 can be used as a repair mortar and fill any holes, cavities or unevenness as the rendering was being applied. Once completed, this 2-Star hotel was transformed into a 5-Star resort. The ARDEX products that were installed added to the unique, modern design of the Banyan Tree Hotel.

Varyap Meridian – Istanbul Turkey

Applicator:

Artun İnşaat – İstanbul İnşaat – Decons İnşaat

General Contractor:

Varlıbaşlar Holding

Architect:

RMJM Mimarlık & TRAFO Mimarlık & DOMEMimarlık

Products Featured:

  • ARDEX X7G (15.600 m²)
  • DUNLOP Tile Adhesive (98.000 m²)
  • ARDEX P51 Primer (15.600 m²)

Story:

Varyap Meridian is a project for which a competition has been organzied with the enrollment of renowned architecture firms. The winning project was submitted by RMJM / NY’s, a British origin company that proves itself on not only with its architectural designs but also with its skills on urban planning and creating new urban areas in different parts of the world. The unique design that rises with a multinational team consisting of 150 members and emphasising the historical peninsula of Istanbul turned out to one of the most exclusive realty projects & brands of Istanbul with its high technology infra&superstructure. Having 11 important international awards with its unlikely & sustainable design, Varyap Meridian finally won “The Best Architecture Project of the World” prize in International Property Awards 2010.

Challenges:

  • Very thin (4-5mm) Villeroy & Boch Tiles were chosen to use in wet areas due to a wallpaper covering starting at 1.2m level.
  • Due to the wallpaper, the final render of the wall was a plaster surface.
  • A strong & flex tile adhesive was required to apply those thin tiles without thickening the surface (6mm trowel size)
  • The water absorbent plaster surface results that the adhesive dries rapidly which makes it a challenge for the application.

Solution:

  • To decrease the water absorption of the wall surfaces ARDEX P51 Primer was applied (1:3 dilution ratio)
  • With its fast & easy application as well as its fast drying time, ARDEX P51 Primer made it easy to prepare the surface for the tile adhesive application.
  • ARDEX X7G was the chosen product by overcoming the competitors with its extraordinary adhesion power, flexibility and a coverage of 13m²/bag, which was surprising the project authorities.