The Grand Beach Hotel Bay Harbor, an elegant boutique hotel built on Bay Harbor Islands, opens March 2018. PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete solved the construction challenges of a high-water table.
Designed by Carino & Co. Architects, the Grand Beach Hotel Bay Harbor is a waterfront boutique hotel with 96 luxury suites. The six floors of hotel rooms, many with large balconies, sit atop a first-floor lobby and amenity area. Guests are only a short walk (across the Kane Concourse Bridge) from the Surfside, Florida, beaches and the shops of Bal Harbour.
“The location of the hotel, situated on the very edge of one of the Bay Harbor Islands, provides guests with stunning views of Miami and the Atlantic Ocean. Because these small islands are surrounded by the waters of Biscayne Bay, they presented a considerable waterproofing challenge for the builder,” says Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group.
Solving Moisture Issues in Concrete
The waterfront location of the Grand Beach Hotel Bay Harbor puts the structure only a few feet above sea level, making a reliable waterproofing solution for the building foundation an obvious priority. Penetron was tapped as the solution to ensure a durable concrete base for the hotel.
“Penetron worked with Polimix, a ready-mix supplier who had used our admixture on numerous other projects, to come up with an effective concrete mix to solve the moisture issues and dewatering problems at the job site during construction,” adds Mr. Chen.
Most Efficient and Economic Permeability-Reducing Admixture
Added to the concrete mix during batching, PENETRON ADMIX was used for the building foundation, below-grade elements and the elevator pits. PENETRON ADMIX was also a critical element in waterproofing many of the large guestroom balconies on the upper floors, which are exposed to the surrounding salt air environment.
PENETRON ADMIX is the most efficient and economic permeability-reducing concrete admixture on the market (as defined by tests of the American Concrete Institute). The crystalline technology of the admixture provides comprehensive integral protection against concrete deterioration caused by chloride attack from seawater, which can lead to corrosion, while withstanding the hydrostatic pressure encountered on the site at Bay Harbor Islands.
“PENETRON ADMIX can significantly increase concrete durability and service life,” stresses Mr. Chen. “It’s no wonder that the admixture has been used seamlessly in countless other projects in the South Florida region.”
Waterfront location, waterproofing challenge:
The Grand Beach Hotel Bay Harbor presented a challenge for the builder. PENETRON crystalline technology helped solve the problem.
Resistant to chloride attack:
PENETRON ADMIX was used to waterproof the foundation, below-grade elements, elevator pits, and many of the large guestroom balconies - all exposed to saltwater.
