Waterproofing Case Study – Little Lane ELC
The Little Lane Early Learning Centre in Manly uses a complete waterproofing system to help overcome the challenges of the site in a quick, efficient manner.
Little Lane Early Learning Centre is a purpose built, architecturally designed childcare facility located in Manly, NSW. The centre provides a premium service to the area, focusing on children’s early learning and childhood education from 0–5 years.
Unique Elements
The three-storey building features a commercial kitchen, 14 classrooms, three large outdoor learning environments including a roof garden area, and below ground level car park. Specific project stages required a fast turnaround, hence why Systems Ardex was used on this project.
The outdoor learning and play area, and planter boxes are located over habitual spaces. These critical areas required a reliable and proven waterproofing system to ensure the entire area would remain waterproof for many years to come.
The below ground car park presented a different challenge as the building is situated near Manly beach. This area is susceptible to continuously changing underground water pressure and water ingress due to the ever-changing tides. A waterproofing system was required that could withstand those pressures while protecting the surrounding environment and structure from damage.
Solution
ARDEX was chosen because of its systems approach. A complete ARDEX waterproofing system was specified to not only provide a quick turnaround, but for reliability as well.
For the outdoor learning and play area, and planter boxes, 1200 sqm of a system comprising of ARDEX WPM 1000 and ARDEX Root Repell waterproofing membranes was installed. Both waterproofing membrane systems are specially designed for this type of external environment.
ARDEX WPM 1000 is a unique and extremely versatile heat weldable waterproofing membrane. ARDEX Root Repell is designed specifically for areas exposed to soil and plants, containing a root inhibitor that repels root growth without killing the actual root.
Approximately 2800 sqm of ARDEX WPM 1500 tanking membrane was installed in the below ground car park. ARDEX WPM 1500 is designed specifically for below ground tanking applications and has excellent flexibility, elongation and water migration resistance.
Overall, the ARDEX specification made it easier for the architect, builder and applicators to purchase, install and warrant the materials.
Training
ARDEX offers WeldTec sheet membrane training for architects, specifiers and installers. The under-tile WeldTec course demonstrates the features and benefits of installing sheet membranes in internal wet areas and external balconies and terraces, whereas the WeldTec planter box and retaining walls course demonstrates the features and benefits of the WeldTec membranes for planters, green roofs, and below grade installations.