Completed in the summer of 2019, The West Park 2 Residence close to the center of Bucharest offers modern apartments to a robust local real estate market. Penetron technology was used to secure both the existing and new concrete structures.
Developed by Top Building Corporation, the West Park 2 Residence is located in the Militari district in western Bucharest, the Romanian capital. The complex offers 148 studio and 2-3-bedroom apartment units (from 65-90 m2 in size) stacked in a 12-floor tower, with underground parking (148 cars). The property also has landscaped green spaces and a playground for children.
“The West Park 2 project began with an existing below-grade concrete structure that has been transformed into the underground parking garage,” explains Claudiu Stoenescu, Engineer and Technical Manager of Penetron Romania. “Our work began with a detailed investigation to determine the current state of the concrete, identifying cracks and other concrete-related issues that needed to be repaired. The Penetron repairs were completed to ensure a waterproof and durable concrete structure as the base for the rest of the construction that followed.”
Waterproofing New and Existing Structures
The parking garage, totaling an area of about 15,000 m2, was protected with a topical application of PENETRON, an integral crystalline waterproofing material that penetrates deeply into the concrete matrix. The ensuing chemical reaction self-heals and seals microcracks, pores and capillaries with an insoluble crystalline formation that prevents water and water-borne chemicals from entering and causing deterioration, due to the penetration of de-icing road salts used during the winter months.
"For the new 12-floor apartment tower, the developer decided to replace the conventional bituminous waterproofing membrane system with PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete because of the greater ease-of-use, considerable time savings, and lower overall costs of the crystalline permeability-reducing admixture,” says Claudiu Stoenescu.
PENETRON ADMIX was added to approximately 2,000 m3 (2,400 cubic yards) of concrete for the foundation slab, retaining walls and floors. Easily mixed into the concrete during the batching stage and unaffected by climatic conditions, PENETRON ADMIX becomes an integral part of the concrete matrix. The admixture permanently self-heals and seals microcracks, pores and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids and protects concrete from deterioration.
Looking for Efficiency – and Cost Savings
“The client chose PENETRON ADMIX because it was the most suitable, efficient and economical solution when compared to the conventional waterproofing methods,” noted Claudiu Stoenescu. “Our close collaboration during projects contributed to the switch in waterproofing solutions; we have helped the Top Building Corporation complete a number of high-quality projects across Romania in the past – giving them confidence in the Penetron System and our team’s technical and on-site support.”
About 1,900 m (6,300 feet) of PENEBAR swellable waterstop strips were used to ensure permanent sealing of the construction joints in the new structure.
“Our seamless collaboration with the project team at Top Building Corporation kept the project on track and on budget,” adds Claudiu Stoenescu.
Protected by the Penetron System: The 12-floor tower of the West Park 2 Residences comprises 148 apartment units and an underground parking garage that accommodates 148 cars.
Securing the foundation: The West Park 2 Residences in Bucharest, Romania, replaced a conventional bituminous membrane system with PENETRON ADMIX, a permanent, integral waterproofing solution.
