Completed in October 2025, the Gate Central multi-use development lies adjacent to the historic Porta Ticinese gate in Milan, Italy. The building’s foundation slab and below-grade concrete basement walls were treated with PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, to ensure durability.
Porta Ticinese, one of six city gates in the medieval walls of Milan, also refers to the district of the same name, a popular neighborhood close to the city’s historical center.
“Located in the stylish Porta Ticinese district and facing directly onto the iconic Columns of San Lorenzo, a collection of Roman ruins, the Gate Central mix-use development enjoys a uniquely historic setting,” says Enricomaria Gastaldo Brac, CEO & Managing Director of Penetron Italy.
The modernist design by ACPV Architects is an elegant four-floor building featuring a Class A energy efficiency rating. The ground floor offers space for two retail shops, a residential lobby, wellness spa, and lounge; the remaining three floors, arranged around an internal courtyard, house eight luxury apartments divided into three-room and multi-room units. Two below-grade floors provide basement storage areas and underground parking.
“Due to the high groundwater levels typical for the Milan region, the builder specified a concrete waterproofing solution to protect the building’s foundation slab and below-grade basement walls,” adds Enricomaria Gastaldo Brac.
PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, was specified for the concrete mix. Added during the batching phase, the active ingredients in the admixture generate an insoluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts normally found in concrete. This formation seals microcracks, pores, and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids from any direction, substantially reducing the permeability of concrete.
“Last but not least, the self-sealing capability increases the service life of the concrete and virtually eliminates any future maintenance of the treated structures,” concludes Enricomaria Gastaldo Brac.
Durable foundation: The ground floor offers shops (and amenity areas), eight apartments on the three upper floors surround an internal courtyard; two basement floors were treated by Penetron.
Waterproofed by Penetron: This bird’s-eye-view shows how the modernist Gate Central project, flanked by the ancient columns of San Lorenzo, melds seamlessly into the historic Porta Ticinese district.
