Homerton College

Adding Life to Concrete – How MARKHAM applied a waterborne hydrophobic treatment to the Dining Hall at Homerton College, Cambridge, England.

OBJECTIVE

MARKHAM were tasked with providing a water repellent protection treatment for decorative concrete sections of the new Dining Hall at Homerton College. With the concrete being pigmented and with a wood grain effect finish to it, the designers wanted a water repellent coating that did not alter the visual appearance of the concrete in any way. Another requirement was that the coating should provide some stain protection to the concrete, given that the areas a subject to a high level of traffic / occupation.

SOLUTION

The MARKHAM system put forward to achieve these goals was the 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.

HOMERTON COLLEGE 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. Its application also helps to resist cracking and spalling of substrates from successive freeze/thaw cycles.

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 requirement of this busy area of the college.

The successful protection of the concrete elements at Homerton College reinforces the reliability of MARKHAM UK’s treatment systems in complex architectural builds, supporting long‑term performance without compromising the project’s design intent.

The exposed concrete elements on this project required a protection system that would support long-term durability while maintaining the intended architectural finish. Because the concrete surfaces form a key visual component of the Homerton College design, it was important that the treatment performed without leaving a coating or altering the appearance of the coloured concrete. The selected approach provided deep penetration and ongoing protection, supporting moisture control and extending service life in these exposed areas.

The timing of the application needed to align with broader site activity, so the treatment was delivered in coordination with the construction programme. This ensured the concrete elements were protected at an appropriate stage without interrupting other works, contributing to a consistent and reliable outcome across the structure.

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