22 Bishopsgate Columns
Location:
London
Country:
United Kingdom
Project Type:
Commercial
Project Scale:
0 – 5,000 m²
Adding Life to Concrete – How MARKHAM applied a waterborne hydrophobic treatment to the façade columns at 22 Bishopsgate, London, England.
OBJECTIVE
MARKHAM were tasked with providing a water repellent protection treatment for the fair-faced concrete columns running along two faces of the façade at 22 Bishopsgate. With the concrete being the final finish in this area, the designers wanted a water repellent coating that did not alter the visual appearance of the concrete in any way, and that provided some stain protection to the concrete from the traffic / urban pollution on this busy roadside location.
The 22 Bishopsgate columns required comprehensive protection due to their exposure to London’s variable climate and urban pollutants, with the solution needing to penetrate deeply whilst maintaining the architectural integrity of the structure.
SOLUTION
The MARKHAM system put forward to achieve these goals was the brush and roller application of AQURON 1200. This retro application provides a tough breathable water repellent coating, beneath and to the surface of concrete, brick, slate, natural stone, stucco and other masonry surfaces. AQURON 1200 helps keep surfaces clean while preserving the natural appearance of the substrate.
The system was specifically chosen for the 22 Bishopsgate columns due to its proven performance in similar high-profile commercial projects and its ability to create a permanent hydrophobic barrier whilst allowing the concrete to breathe naturally.
The protection of the 22 Bishopsgate columns followed a systematic approach with thorough surface preparation and careful application in controlled conditions. The waterborne nature of the products allowed for easy application whilst minimising disruption, with multiple applications ensuring complete penetration into the concrete substrate throughout the entire depth of the columns.
RESULTS
As a VOC Free, Non-Hazardous, waterborne product, AQURON 1200 is suitable for use in both internal and external locations. AQURON 1200 was a very rapid and cost-effective solution for providing the desired concrete protection without changing the visual appearance of the treated areas.
As AQURON 1200 is UV stable, there is no risk of it “yellowing” the substrate if it is under direct sunlight.
As AQURON 1200 is a product that penetrates into the concrete matrix, it is not just a “surface” coating. As such, the product remains present in the concrete throughout the lifespan of the structure. This means there are no ongoing maintenance requirements or operation costs making this solution a very attractive proposition in terms of the maintenance cycle requirements, given the challenging working environment for any such maintenance works to this building.
The successful treatment of the 22 Bishopsgate columns demonstrates the effectiveness of AQURON technology in demanding urban environments.
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Project Details – 22 Bishopsgate, London | |
Description | Water repellent sealant treatment to new fair-faced concrete columns located at the façade of this building. |
Area Treated | 2,020m² |
Age of Structure | < 1 year old (2020) |
Requirements | Water repellent External and Internal locations – VOC free Zero maintenance Stain resistant |
Operation Downtime / Interruptions | All AQURON application works were completed in two days and, as AQURON 1200 is VOC free and non-toxic, all other trades continued to work in the same areas while the AQURON 1200 was being applied. Within 2 hours of the treatment being completed, the areas could be put back into normal use. |
Application Method | Brush and roller application |
Proposed Further Works | No further works required |
OHS Requirements | AQURON is nil VOC. Minimal PPE required. |
Protection for the Prestigious Bishopsgate
The application of AQURON 1200 is just one component of the INFRA-TECT® system, which safeguards exposed concrete structures like facades, car park columns, ceilings, and hardstands.
From January 2025, AQURON 1200 will be progressively replaced with CONQOR REPEL. New brand, same technology!
