Penetron Technology Helps Waterproof Florida Residential Towers

Both the Gio Midtown in Miami and the Aurora Condominiums in nearby Sunny Isles Beach are high-end residential projects that were completed in January and July 2020, respectively. Beyond the extensive amenities and unforgettable ocean views, both projects also specified Penetron crystalline technology to ensure waterproof below-grade concrete structures.

The $27.9 million Gio Midtown, a mixed-use development adjacent to Miami’s popular Wynwood Art District and Design District, was designed by Chicago-based bKL Architecture. The project features 447 units, available as studio, and one- to three-bedroom layouts, in a 39-story tower. Built on a 2.14 acre site, the Gio Midtown rests on a four-story podium of local coral limestone and comprises apartments and a parking garage, along with retail and commercial office space (38,000 ft²/3,500 m²). Amenities include a fifth-floor pool deck, a gym, a basketball court, co-working spaces, children play areas, and a Himalayan salt therapy room. This project was LEED Silver certified.

Located on Sunny Isles Beach just north of Miami and only a block from ocean waterfront, the Aurora Condominiums are on an island between the Atlantic Ocean and intracoastal waterways. Designed by Revuelta Architecture International, Aurora’s 18-floor tower houses 61 luxury residences, available as two- and three-bedroom condos, along with penthouse options. An array of amenities includes an outdoor pool and deck area, fitness gym, mikveh, yoga garden, and an outdoor theatre and relaxation area for outdoor events. The ground floor offers 5,400 ft² (490 m²) of retail space for shops and restaurants.
 

Working with Ready-Mix Suppliers for a Solution

“With both construction sites in close proximity to either the Atlantic Ocean or Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, the Gio Midtown and the Aurora Condominiums project engineers needed secure – and waterproof – below-grade foundation elements to ensure long-term durability,” adds Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. “Our local Penetron specialist worked with the ready-mix suppliers to provide an optimal waterproofing solution.”

The design and construction teams faced various challenges due to the high groundwater level on the jobsite and extreme chloride ion exposure, both major causes of concrete deterioration. The local Penetron specialist showed that implementing a solution based on integral crystalline technology would not only streamline the construction schedule, it will guarantee a durable structure with an extended service life.

For the Gio Midtown project, PENETRON ADMIX SB-treated concrete was used in the elevator pits and pile caps. PENETRON ADMIX SB was also added to the concrete mix for the elevator pits for the Aurora Condominiums.
 

Permanent Protection – and Self-Healing Capability for Concrete

Easily mixed in during batching and unaffected by climatic conditions, PENETRON ADMIX forms an integral part of the concrete from day one and lasts for the life of the concrete. A permanent solution with self-healing capabilities, PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete will self-heal and seal all hairline cracks that form throughout the service life of the concrete.

“As recent independent test results have shown, concrete treated with PENETRON ADMIX can last up to 60 years longer than untreated concrete,” says Christopher Chen. “It turned out to be the optimal solution for the low-lying topography of Southern Florida and the tropical climate.”