Media Release

Penetron Crystalline Technology and ABLAND – a Winning Team in South Africa

South Africa

Officially inaugurated in March 2020, the 35 Lower Long project is the latest of numerous tower developments that have changed the skyline of Cape Town’s Foreshore precinct. The Penetron System was applied to ensure a durable and waterproof solution for key concrete structures.

The elegant, 86 m (282 feet) tall 35 Lower Long building was designed by dhk Architects. The glass-clad, 24-floor tower features 13,470 m2 of offices on 23 floors, 334 m2 of retail space on the ground floor, and two below-grade floors for parking (280 bays). Developed by ABLAND, the R500 million (US$ 30 million) project is a 4-Star Green Building accredited by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCS).
 

Client Goes with a Winning Team

During the planning phase of the project, Penetron South Africa, a long-standing partner of ABLAND, was asked to provide a durable solution for the concrete roof slab at 35 Lower Long, even though the contractor was unfamiliar with Penetron products and had not specified a crystalline treatment for the project.

“Penetron has compiled a great track record with ABLAND thanks to numerous successful applications of the Penetron System in construction projects across Gauteng province in the northeastern part of South Africa,” adds Adriaan Erasmus, Penetron South Africa Project Engineer. “When they ventured into the Western Cape, they, once again, opted for Penetron technology as the preferred waterproofing solution.”

The Penetron South Africa team supervised Dampmen Waterproofing, the Penetron-approved applicator, during the topical application of PENETRON on the surface of the existing roof slab. PENECRETE MORTAR was also used to plug any holes or penetrations in the slab to ensure a waterproof seal. The Ciolli Brothers, a ready-mix supplier, provided PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete to construct additional concrete elements required on the roof slab to accommodate various services (i.e. cooling systems, HVAC, etc.). PENEBAR SW-55, a swellable waterstop, was installed along all the construction joints present in these concrete service elements. The Penetron System provided a complete waterproofing solution for the existing and new roof structures.
 

Architects were Amazed

The use of the Penetron System was the only option for the client because the roof application was seen as a ‘high-risk’ endeavor – demanding an integral waterproofing solution that would provide permanent protection and also eliminate any future maintenance issues. In addition, dhk Architects, until now unfamiliar with Penetron crystalline products, was amazed to see how easily concrete could be waterproofed (and kept as a final finished surface) without the need for a conventional membrane system, which would ruin the building’s aesthetics.

“In the end, Penetron managed to provide an economical waterproofing solution while saving time,” concludes Adriaan Erasmus. “ABLAND was very happy to have yet another successful application with Penetron!”

Penetron South Africa supervised the topical application of PENETRON and PENECRETE MORTAR on the roof slab of the 35 Lower Long office tower.

Ensuring a waterproof slab: Penetron South Africa supervised the topical application of PENETRON and PENECRETE MORTAR on the roof slab of the 35 Lower Long office tower.

The elegant, glass-clad 24-floor tower at 35 Lower Long in Cape Town’s Foreshore precinct is 86 m (282 feet) high and designed by dhk Architects.

Roof slab treated by Penetron: The elegant, glass-clad 24-floor tower at 35 Lower Long in Cape Town’s Foreshore precinct is 86 m (282 feet) high and designed by dhk Architects.


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