Acton Garden
Contractors: Countryside Properties Ltd
Architect: RMA Architects
Groundworker: O’Halloran & O’Brien Ltd
Challenge
Acton Gardens encompasses 52 acres which places it in the top five largest developments in the capital. Due to the size of Acton Gardens, it is being completed in a number of phases, with PUDLO chosen as the trusted system for waterproofing.
Solution
PUDLO’s dual system, which incorporates membrane into the traditional waterproof concrete solution, is compliant with NHBC’s rigorous standards. The system was installed on a number of the building phases, and gas membrane was used for much of the project as ground gases including radon and methane were present on site.
PUDLO has been used in huge areas throughout Acton Gardens, including critically dry grade 3 areas such as residential slabs and walls and grade 2 areas such as the underground car parks. PUDLO was poured and membrane laid in lift pits and basement areas up to the ground floor level.
Consultation between PUDLO, the main contractor and consulting engineers took place in the early stages of the design phase. PUDLO’s dedicated CAD design team was on hand to offer advice and guidance on the waterproof and gas-proof elements. This team created bespoke drawings and details for Acton Gardens, ensuring the dual system would fully serve its purpose – keeping the development free from gas and water ingress.
Result
Despite the problems of creating a watertight structure near to the river and meeting English Heritage and other planning requirements associated with the preservation of important external architectural features, the net result was that PUDLO was easy to use and entirely compatible with other mixes. The underground areas are dry and warm and no moisture has permeated through the complex substructure.
