Projects
Willen House Islington
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Willen House in Islington, London was originally the headquarters of the Willen Key & Hardware Company, built in the 1940’s in the ‘Bauhaus’ style of architecture. In 2007 it was converted in to student accommodation with an extensive programme of refurbishment and structural alterations commencing in late 2024.
PROBLEM AND SOLUTION
Basement areas within Willen House had not been in use for some time being damp & unusable spaces. As part of the building’s overall refurbishment which commenced in late 2024, the below-ground spaces needed to be fully remediated to create completely dry and habitable spaces that would comply with BS8102:2022 to meet a ‘Grade 3’ standard. This is the highest level of waterproofing protection where no seepage, damp patches or any other form of water penetration is permitted.
Designed by Gunite Waterproofing, the new below-ground waterproofing system is a hybrid design combining Type C ‘Drained Protection’ – utilising Delta Membranes’ MS500 cavity drainage system – and Koster NB 1, a crystallising mineral waterproofing slurry system for sealing against pressurised water > 13 bar).
Prior to the system installation, pump-chambers were formed in the floor slabs followed by laying a sacrificial screed to facilitate the formation of a perimeter rebate in which the drainage channels sit.
OUTCOME
Following application of the waterproofing measures (a combination of cavity drainage and waterproofing slurry), we also laid a finished floor screed on top of insulation. 4 no. bespoke pump stations were installed including full battery back-up and alarms in the event of an excessive build up of water and/or pump failure.
The initial sacrificial screed, waterproofing measures, pump installations, floor insulation and finished floor screed were ALL carried out by Gunite Waterproofing IN-HOUSE in a single-point, package of works.
The resulting new basement environment is a series of Grade 3-compliant, habitable environments which are now used as a combination of secure bike-storage, a student canteen, break-out areas and plant rooms.
OFFICE & COMMERCIAL | RETAIL | LEISURE | HOTELS | RESIDENTIAL | EDUCATION | HEALTHCARE
Third-Party Accreditations
Whether re-waterproofing an existing structure OR making a new one waterproof, you need to be able to find an experienced partner who you can trust to deliver your requirements to the right design. All of our clients benefit from our 30+ years of knowledge & experience in delivering innovative, bespoke and cost-effective waterproofing solutions complemented by exemplary customer service.
