The July 2018 inauguration of the Crystal Lagoons at Twin Creeks in St. Augustine, Florida, features a striking layout of beachfront recreation houses around large, man-made lagoons. PENETRON ADMIX was used to waterproof the development’s sizeable concrete lagoon structures, which provide an amazing vista of endless water.
Marketed as an idyllic beach lifestyle, the Crystal Lagoons concept is an innovative design that pairs the construction of artificial lagoons with a low environmental impact water treatment technology. The development of such large-scale, Caribbean lifestyle projects – virtually anywhere in the world – creates beachfront housing with swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding and sailing in the middle of Florida.
“This project is certainly unique for Northeast Florida,” said Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. “Constructing such a sprawling, crystal-clear man-made lake – suitable for swimming – is going to get a lot of attention.”
Set against a white plastic lining, the lagoons first take on the natural turquoise hue as it fills with water, and then deepens to a Caribbean blue as it approaches the 10-foot (3.3 m) maximum depth. The artificial lagoons can use any type of water: sea, fresh or brackish water, from whatever source is available. The finished lagoons are surrounded by a white-sand beach lined with palms and footpaths.
Crystalline Technology Enables Lagoons
The newly-opened Crystal Lagoons at Twin Creeks development encompasses about 3,000 acres, which includes over 3,000 homes, retail and office space, two schools and numerous parks and waterfront dining locations. The lagoon is located between the residential buildings and the retail areas and covers an incredible 14 acres (about 5.6 hectares).
“It’s exciting to be part of such an innovative construction technology,” adds Christopher Chen. “By implementing our crystalline technology, the developer was able to create a wide-ranging – and reliably durable – landscape of lagoons for a vibrant waterfront dining and shopping experience that is a central part of this truly mixed-use planned community.”
Superior Alternative to a Waterproofing Membrane
Originally, a waterproofing membrane was specified for installation underneath the concrete lagoon areas. Penetron worked with the project owner and developer to provide a PENETRON ADMIX-based waterproofing solution that ensures durable and water-resistant structures.
“The layout of the Crystal Lagoons infrastructure features key concrete structures that must withstand constant contact with water – a classic PENETRON ADMIX application,” added Christopher Chen. “As a permeability-reducing admixture for hydrostatic conditions as set out by the ACI, the crystalline technology contained in PENETRON ADMIX enables concrete structures to resist water penetration against hydrostatic pressure and even self-repair cracks formed by thermal or mechanical movement.”
Unaffected by Climatic Conditions
PENTRON ADMIX was easily mixed in during batching by Argos USA, the project’s ready-mix supplier. The crystalline admixture was used to treat over 2,000 cubic yards (1,540 m3) of concrete for the lagoon pools. PENETRON ADMIX is unaffected by climatic conditions and becomes an integral part of the concrete matrix for the life of the concrete.
“We’re continuing our collaboration with the Crystal Lagoons design teams to include Penetron crystalline technology in many of their upcoming projects,” says Christopher Chen. “It’s a perfect fit!”
PENETRON-Treated Paradise Takes Shape:
The concrete structure of the 14-acre artificial lagoon at the Twin Creeks development – the future site of over 3,000 homes - was treated with PENETRON ADMIX.
