Wai Ariki, meaning ‘chiefly waters’, is a luxury spa and wellness centre based on the shores of Lake Rotorua, New Zealand. Developed and owned by Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings Limited, the space brings Te Ao Māori to the fore, offering traditional practices and harnessing the benefits of the site’s geothermal waters long recognised by the elders of the iwi as having innate healing properties.
An Active Geothermal Field Poses a Unique Challenge
“The site sits on an active geothermal field,” explains Alex Liang, Associate Director – Architect, RCG. “Specification of the gas proof membrane below the floor slab was critical as it needed to stop the corrosive sulphur gas and water in the ground from attacking the concrete.”
With geothermal pools being central to Wai Ariki’s spa experience, the RCG team had a big task on their hands to ensure effective waterproofing of wet areas and tiling throughout. Having worked with ARDEX successfully in the past, they turned to the ARDEX team again to specify trusted and compatible systems that would ensure longevity for Wai Ariki.
ARDEX New Zealand Offers Specializes Solutions
ARDEX WPM 1500 membrane was installed across the 7000m2 site by Holmac NZ Ltd. WPM 1500 is a specialist tanking and gas barrier manufactured by ARDEX New Zealand and designed and tested specifically for use in geothermal regions.
Over 3000m2 of tiling was installed by The Tile People, using ARDEX WPM 002 — a liquid waterproofing membrane on floors, floor channels, swimming pools and shower areas; ARDEX X 10 tile adhesive was used for tiled walls; and ARDEX X 18, an extremely strong fibre reinforced tile adhesive was ideal for steam rooms. ARDEX EG 15 high performance Epoxy Grout was used for the glass mosaics within pools as it does not discolour and externally ARDEX RA 030 was used between panel joints to provide a waterproof seal, while ARDEX WPM 163 was applied to the keep precast concrete panels pristine.
Recently opened, Wai Ariki is an exciting new development for Rotorua that is set to provide opportunities in the region for generations. “Wai Ariki is not only the most significant spa development in Aotearoa for more than 100 years, but also one of only a handful of indigenous-owned operations in the world,” says Alex. “For an architect, designing a spa complex like Wai Ariki Spa is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are grateful for what we have achieved together with our client.”
(Photo credits: Jono Parker)
The “New National Gallery” in Berlin, Germany is a unique building – and underwent a very special renovation between 2015 and 2021. Both, the interior and exterior of this icon of classical modernism were completely renovated.
Modernizing without compromising
It was an immense challenge when the Berlin architectural firm David Chipperfield Architects was commissioned to renovate the New National Gallery from the ground up. The task was to enable modern museum operations in the building, which was constructed between 1965 and 1968. At the same time, the character of the visionary museum building designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was to be largely preserved and undergo as few visible changes as possible.
The building suffered from numerous defects: damage to the concrete, frequent glass breakage on the characteristic glass facade, deficiencies in the building services and fire protection, a leaking steel roof and cracks in the pavement of the large granite terrace.
30,000 original components removed
In order to make as few changes as possible, over 30,000 original components were removed, stored, refurbished in special workshops, and reinstalled. The removed objects included interior wall cladding, ceiling grilles, light fixtures, and facade and terrace panels.
The large outdoor terrace was also renovated at such enormous expense. The pavement had previously been laid only loosely on chippings without drainage. Damage, to be expected in such cases, such as unevenness and cracks in the pavement, did not fail to appear over time. During the refurbishment, all the natural stone slabs on the 7,000-square-meter area – most of them measuring 1200 x 1200 x 40 mm – were reconditioned and relaid in their old place.
“I have never experienced an effort of this magnitude before,” recalls expert consultant Andreas Pfeiffer from Gutjahr Systemtechnik, who was at the construction site several times. “Every stone was picked up, individually numbered, stored 40 kilometers away and then reinstalled.”
Renovating the exterior
The biggest challenge in the terrace renovation was the insufficient slope of the waterproofing layer, which was only between 0.5 and one percent. In this case, backwater in puddles is unavoidable. According to codes, at least two percent slope is common for waterproofing in outdoor areas. In order to offer the best possible solution under these special conditions, the drainage specialists from Gutjahr created special test areas. With slabs taken from the existing pavement, it was possible to test different construction variants and their load-bearing capacities.
The decision was finally made in favor of the AquaDrain T+ surface drainage system from Gutjahr – in 16 mm thickness and as a special design with a thicker wall. The AquaDrain T+ drainage system, which was specially developed for loose laying of natural and artificial stone, is capillary-passive and ensures fast and permanent drainage of the covering structure. The drainage channels form a capillary-breaking air layer which prevents damp spots on the granite slabs – even when shallow puddles remain on the waterproofing.
Once the entire area had been sealed with bitumen welding sheets, work could begin on laying the drainage system and re-laying the granite slabs on a bed of chippings: each individual granite slab in its former location, like a gigantic puzzle.
The installation went smoothly – thanks to the good cooperation of all those involved in the extensive refurbishment project. “The cooperation with the architects and Gutjahr Systemtechnik was perfect,” emphasizes site manager Manuela Figaschewsky. “At one point or another, we discussed the execution and made some changes, but always in close cooperation. And regardless of who I approached at Gutjahr, a joint solution was always developed immediately,” says the site manager.
In total, the renovation of the national gallery took six years until the striking museum building could be reopened to the public in August 2021.
On one of the most beautiful stretches of Lake Constance, the new Therme Lindau invites you to swim and relax. Spacious indoor and outdoor areas with over 20 pools – from the plunge pool and the 50-meter swimming pool to the brine pool – offer the greatest variety. Themed saunas and restaurants top off the beautiful offering.
As grand as the design of the spa and the view, so were the challenges the tile setters faced. “As with any swimming pool, first and foremost everything revolves around impermeability,” explains master tiler Christoph Reiser of Reiser GmbH in Bad Saulgau. “Then there are the many special features and details: the brine pool with its aggressive water, the stainless-steel sports pool, the water bars, the 30 x 60 cm tiles as well as the many mosaic tiles. We laid some of them in organic shapes.“
Decisions on site
Seemingly floating: If you look out over the large pool through the glass front, the water surface connects with Lake Constance. The effect is similar to that of an infinity pool. Before the elements come together in such a seemingly weightless way, the pool surround made of natural stone had to be precisely installed. “My employees measured it on site – and then had it manufactured so that the pieces interlocked like a puzzle,” Reiser continues.
Consider movement
The connection of the tile to the large stainless-steel basin came with its own challenges and ARDEX employees visited the construction site regularly. “We were there again and again with our specialists to discuss the requirements,” says Jochen Polonyi, Sales Representative of ARDEX Germany. “This allowed us to understand the situation and propose individual solutions in cooperation with our Technical Service and the research and development center.“
The procedure they came up with was unique and perfect for the situation: The craftsmen first degreased the stainless-steel rim and bonded the sealing membrane with the heavy-duty sealing compound ARDEX S2-K PU. The adjacent screed edge was neatly filled with ARDEX A 46 stable exterior filler so that it was flush with the stainless-steel edge. Then the recesses were further sealed with epoxy resin and covered with sealing tape.
Sealing without sanding
The brine pool is a special highlight of the spa – and at the same time another challenge for waterproofing with its minerals and salts. The tilers were able to work with the heavy-duty waterproofing ARDEX S2-K PU once again. “We are absolutely thrilled with the quality,” says master tiler Reiser. “Above all, not having to sand is a huge advantage. It saved us time and we didn’t have to dispose of any leftover sand.”
In the brine pool, as in all other wet areas, the epoxy adhesive ARDEX WA was used. It is particularly suitable for areas subject to high chemical or mechanical stresses, such as swimming pools and spas. The surge tanks were sealed with the flexible sealing slurry ARDEX S7 PLUS. The advantage: the consistency can be variably adjusted. This meant that the waterproofing could be sprayed by machine onto ceilings and walls in the surge water tanks.
Progress at Lake Constance
In total, 12,000 square meters of tiles and mosaics had to be laid. And the delicate manual work takes time. ARDEX S8 FLOW was specifically developed to level and waterproof large areas fast and can be applied with a squeegee standing up. “My employees really want to work with ARDEX S8 FLOW and always ask for it,” says tile professional Reiser. “It’s just easy to work with, and it goes on faster.” To waterproof and level the substrate for the 30 x 60 cm tiles, ARDEX S8 FLOW was applied in two coats.
Implementing new ideas
During the construction phase, there were always changes and additions. Like the bathhouse that was additionally built. “We fully trusted the architect’s vision. Any new idea he brought up, we made it happen,” says Reiser. All the enclosures around the sauna ovens were to be clad in porcelain stoneware tiles. “It was important that the tile adhesive was also heat-resistant.” That’s why ARDEX X 77 was used. The fiber reinforced MICROTEC flexible adhesive is ideal for bonding tiles made of stoneware and porcelain stoneware, concrete and natural stone slabs.
After 16 months of work with an average of 15 employees, Christoph Reiser is pleased with the result. “It was a great team effort on the construction site. Everyone did their part.” The spa has been open to visitors since the summer of 2021.
SITUATION
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the UK’s most treasured and distinctive buildings, recognisable the world over. Since its opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world’s leading artists from every kind of performance genre have appeared on its stage. This shared experience of the very best of live performance is now enjoyed by well over a million people each year.
The main ground floor atrium area required a flat, durable and smooth floor, which would receive final floorcoverings at the earliest possible opportunity. Boasting a superb portfolio of successful commercial installations, ARDEX specified the perfect system solution for this prestigious project.
SOLUTION
ARDEX teamed up with East West Flooring to deliver the ideal flooring solution for a refurbishment project at the Royal Albert Hall.
Once the existing floor had been removed, ARDITEX NA (in some countries known as ARDEX K 60), an ultra-rapid setting latex sub floor levelling compound was applied to the 400m² area. ARDITEX NA’s rapid setting properties mean that floorcoverings can be applied after just 4 hours, and its adhesion and flexibility make it perfect for levelling concrete, cement/sand screeds, and many other substrates. The ammonia free formulation proved an added bonus, making it perfect for use in such a high trafficked public area.
To complete the system, the Freudenberg rubber floor tiles were fixed with ARDEX AF 2300. Ideal for use with rubber floorcoverings, ARDEX AF 2300 is a single part, water-based, low odour and solvent free adhesive. It offers excellent early and long-term adhesive strength, and allows the installation of rubber floorcoverings up to 4mm thick without the need for the adhesive to develop tack.
Commenting on the project, Terry Nevill-Jones of East West Flooring said, “We were delighted to work on this project, and it was of course essential that we assured our client of a totally proven solution. By working with ARDEX things are never ‘left to chance’ – the job is always delivered on time, on budget, and with outstanding results”.
SITUATION:
ARDEX suggested using ARDEX K 15® Premium Self-Leveling Underlayment. To prove that ARDEX K 15 would be up to the challenge, ARDEX Technicians installed a 30 m2 (322 ft2) mockup section so the architects and client could see what the finished floor would look like.
The test area was first mechanically prepared to a layer of clean, solid concrete and primed with ARDEX EP 2000™ Substrate Preparation Epoxy Primer. ARDEX EP 2000 was used because if offers superior resistance to cracking when used with ARDEX K 15 and it can be used to fill small cracks in the existing concrete. Once the ARDEX EP 2000 was applied, a sand broadcast was utilized to further strengthen the bond between the primer and topping. ARDEX EP 2000 takes approximately 16 hours to cure, so there was a minimal delay before ARDEX K 15 could be poured.
ARDEX K 15 was suggested for this particular installation because it is easy to apply and it is designed for fast track applications. When mixed with water, ARDEX K 15 has a smooth fluid consistency that can be applied in a layer up to 35mm and be featheredged to meet existing elevations. Once cured the ARDEX K 15 was sealed with a soft soap application. The use of soft soap offered an individual looking treatment to the concrete floor while helping repel dirt and staining.
Impressed with the results of the test application and the ARDEX Technical Service Department, the architects and client decided to use this application throughout the museum. Once completed, ARDEX K 15 flowed through the museum providing an almost seamless design. On sloping floor areas, installers mixed ARDEX K 15 with less water. This prevented ARDEX K 15 from settling at the base of the slope and allowed the use of one product throughout the museum for a monolithic floor.
CHALLENGES:
- 1,150 m2 (12,378 ft2) installation area
- Durable, raw, concrete floor
- Installation in galleries, a foyer, a café and an auditorium
PARTICIPANTS:
INSTALLER: DBI Commercial Floors –Brønderslev, Denmark
ARCHITECTS: PLH Architects – Copenhagen, Denmark
SITUATION:
Every year, the National Mall hosts more than 33 million visitors. With constant wear-and-tear the grass field starts to diminish in both appeal and performance. A more sustainable, greener National Mall field was needed that would attract millions more visitors. Stone work along the perimeter of the turf would require granite curbs to be set during the cold March weather of Washington D.C.
CHALLENGES:
- 2,000 sq. ft. outdoor installation
- Very cold installation periods
SOLUTION:
The ARDEX Sales Professional was invited by Lorton Stone, LLC to come up with an alternative installation method for setting the large granite curbs along the outside of the new turf of the National Mall. ARDEX Tile and Stone Installation Systems products were selected over Laticrete, after the ARDEX Sales Pro visited the job site more than 10 times while demonstrating a single source solution complete system.
ARDEX A 38™ MIX Rapid-Set Pre Mixed Screed along with ARDEX E 100™ Screed Improvement and Bonding Slurry Additive were used to build the concrete footers to the desired height for setting the large granite curbs on top of the perimeter wall. Tile or natural stone can be installed after only 4 hours when using ARDEX A 38 MIX, and the addition of ARDEX E 100 provided improved elasticity and compressive strength, both key components for the job!
ARDEX X 78™ MICROTEC® Semi-Pourable Tile and Stone Mortar was selected for live setting the 2,000 square feet of granite curbs. The unmatched 60 minute open time combined with excellent flexibility and strength of ARDEX 78 gave installers ample adjustment time for setting the heavy stones into place. The Lorton installers then used polymer-modified ARDEX FH™ Sanded Floor and Wall Grout, for finishing the installation. ARDEX FH is weather resistant and unaffected by water providing additional protection and ease of installation in the unpredictable March weather.
Renovations to the National Mall turf perimeter and granite curb wall were successfully completed this past summer on time for the busy tourist season in the summer of 2016.
PARTICIPANTS:
Tile Contractor: Lorton Stone, LLC
General Contractor: Clark Construction
Architect: HOK
SITUATION:
Located in the heart of Federal Hill in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, The Ritz Carlton Residences epitomize luxury and quality. The intricate design of the balconies offering a waterline view required 3” keystone caps that, unfortunately, created dams. These dams caused water pooling. Combined with a lack of waterproofing on the concrete balconies, the pooling put the exterior surfaces of these prestigious residences at risk for moisture damage and stagnate water pooling.
CHALLENGES:
- Building balconies were holding standing water because of keystone caps at the balcony’s edge
- Ponding water became stagnate and eventually flowed back into the residences
SOLUTION:
ARDEX ARDICOAT™ PLUS was applied to waterproof the balconies. ARDEX ARDICOAT is an easy-to-apply waterproof coating for all types of concrete and masonry. It can be troweled or sprayed on horizontal or vertical surfaces on all grade levels. A gutter was created by removing a small section of the balcony keystone. In addition, gaps were filled at the balcony edges and ARDEX ERM™ Exterior Ramp Mortar was used to repair the fascia. ARDEX ERM has a corrosion inhibitor built-in to protect reinforcing steel which is needed for long-term protection for outdoor balconies. This combination of ARDEX Engineered Concrete Repair Systems products was the perfect, long-term solution for The Ritz-Carlton Residences.
PARTICIPANTS:
PTG ENTERPRISES, INC. – BALTIMORE, MD
SITUATION:
GPO Museum 1916 Commemoration has played a huge part in Irish history acting as the rebel’s Military Command centre during the 1916 Rising and the seat of the provisional Irish government. Ardex Ireland were delighted to assist in the restoration of four pre-1916 buildings used during the rising, and the creation of the GPO museum. This 5 million euro project includes a café and two-storey exhibition centre at Moore Street in Dublin city.
CHALLENGES:
The use of Moisture sensitive stone in an old building where a build up was required prior to the laying of the Natural Stone, this was a fast track project as the museum had to be open in time for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
This is a fast track project as this was a live public building and downtime needed to be at a minimum.
SOLUTION:
All Rapid Dry formula propucts were specified and used on this project. They used Ardex K15HB to make up the levels from 15mm to 35mm and were still ableto tile it the next day regardless of the depth. Ardex S20 was used as the Adhesive and Ardex FL rapid drying grout was used to finish of the project.
- ARDEX P 51 is a multi-purpose primer ideal for priming porous surfaces prior to the application of ARDEX water-based levelling and smoothing compounds
- ARDEX K15 HB contains graded aggregate which gives significant cost savings on sub-floors with greater application thicknesses of up to 35mm
- ARDEX S 20 virtually eliminates the risk of water staining. It is ideal for use with uncalibrated stone and is suitable for bed thicknesses from 5mm to 20mm
- Ardex FL Grouts: This cement based grouting compound is water repellent and dirt resistant. With no colour variation or streaking during mixing, this formula is suitable for commercial and domestic environments
PARTICIPANTS:
Installer/Applicator: Murphy Stone, Dublin Ireland
General Contractor: PJ Hegarty Dublin Ireland
Architect(s): Kavanagh Tuite Architects Dublin Ireland
SITUATION:
The Kennedy Center, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America’s living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation’s busiest arts facility. This opera house is the largest in North America. The attic above the stage was in severe disrepair. A 30 degree floor slope had to be corrected without damaging existing hollow core precast planking. All 8,000 square feet of the floor was ground by hand to accommodate these requirements. Construction took place after normal business hours so the JFK Opera House could remain operational.
CHALLENGES:
- 8,000 square-foot installation area
- Two month installation time frame
- Complex installation in working theatre
- Cramped workspace and low-lighting job-site conditions
- Multiple trades working on site
- Dust-free installation required
SOLUTION:
ARDEX Sales Professional Michael Frey worked with Concrete Repairs Company to repair the attic floor. Sixteen ton electric chain hoists were used to move rigging equipment so new repairs, scenery and props were not damaged. In accordance with ICRI requirements, floors were cut 1/2” down but not through the hollow core precast planking. Planking joints were taped water tight and ARDEX P 51™ Primer was applied. ARDEX CP™ Concrete Patch was specified for cut repair areas. ARDEX CD ™ Concrete Dressing was installed on the two ramps, one cat-walk over the stage areas and over the main floor surfaces. The installation was a success and Concrete Repairs Company was very satisfied with the performance of the ARDEX Engineered Concrete Repair Systems products.
PARTICIPANTS:
Installer: Concrete Repairs Co.
General Contractor: Rand Construction Company
Architect: Richter, Cornbrooks, Gribble Architects
Engineers: Robert Silman&Assoc.
SITUATION:
The new Panda House was built on the location of the old Seac Pai Van Park Zoo on the island of Coloane. The architecture of the enclosure was designed to mimic the natural roll of the terrain. It is clad with the highly transparent Texlon® ETFE foils to create an enclosed controllable environment for the pandas that did not require the supply of artificial light. The owner and the operator of the Panda House was looking for a reliable solution for a new coating of the Panda House flooring.
SOLUTION:
ARDEX was invited to propose a water-base, easy to apply and almost maintenance-free floor coating for that project.
To ensure a safe environment for the Panda, comply with the FDA 21 CFR standard will be a perfect solution. The application must be:
Ensuring proper ventilation, keep substrate dry at moisture level below 4%.
Apply by brush and roller at specified coverage depending on substrate absorption.
Features of ARDEX R30TE including:-
- 100% water based, < 1% VOCs. Complies FDA 21 CFR standards for safety food contact
- Hardness > 3H, may withstand heavy mechanical and chemical loading
- High gloss, semi-self leveling finish
- Excellent chemical resistance
PARTICIPANTS:
Owner: Instituto para os Assuntos Civicos e Municipals
