The Heart of the Oran Park NSW Community is Built to Last with PENETRON ADMIX

The latest expansion phase of the Oran Park Podium was completed in July 2023 and forms the center of Oran Park (NSW), Australia – marking the latest step in a unique commercial/residential development. PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline concrete waterproofing admixture, was specified to protect the center’s below-grade concrete structures against deterioration caused by constant exposure to the region’s high groundwater levels.

Oran Park is a rapidly growing suburban community of almost 20,000 inhabitants and the largest residential development within the southwestern Sydney metropolitan area – and the fastest-growing region in the state of New South Wales (NSW).

At the center of the burgeoning community lies Oran Park Podium, a regional shopping center and the retail and commercial heart of Oran Park's town center. Previously, it was home to over 31 specialty stores, the largest Woolworths in the state of New South Wales, a Coles supermarket, restaurants and cafes, a gym, healthcare center, and co-working facility. The completion of the most recent construction phase added 17,500 m² of retail space, 4,300 m² of commercial area, and 12,400 m² of residential floorspace (Metro Central apartment development), more than doubling the size of Oran Park Podium. About 65 shops were added, along with a childcare center, and over 1,000 covered parking spaces.

“The planning and expansion of the Oran Park Podium is an ongoing process,” adds Steve Hodkinson, General Manager of Penetron Australia. “Up next is an 8,000 m2 6-floor commercial building set to open in late 2023, with a new market hall with dining areas. The Atura Urban Hotel, with 184 rooms, and a family restaurant are in planning for a 2025 opening.”

During the planning phase for the just-completed phase of construction, Penetron Australia was asked about a durable concrete waterproofing product for the new structures. The Penetron technical team worked with De Martin & Gasparini Concrete, the appointed ready-mix concrete supplier, to provide a reliable – and cost-effective – solution. PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete was specified for the below-grade pad foundation footings and slab, the basement walls, and elevator pits. PENEBAR SW-55, a swellable waterstop, was installed along the construction joints and around penetrations found in the new concrete structures.

Once mixed into the concrete, the proprietary chemicals in PENETRON ADMIX react with moisture and concrete minerals to form insoluble crystals throughout the entire concrete matrix. The insoluble crystals forming within the cracks and voids of the concrete matrix reduce long-term shrinkage cracking, seal existing microcracks, and provide self-healing abilities to seal hairline cracks over the service life of the new Oran Park Podium structures.

“The self-healing capability of the concrete mix used for the Oran Park Podium project virtually eliminates the need for any future maintenance,” adds Steve Hodkinson. “Once added to the mix, PENETRON ADMIX has been proven to extend the service life of concrete structures by up to 60 years, even with constant exposure to high groundwater levels.”