Benson House is a Liquid Waterproofing Awards 2019 winning refurbishment project situated in the city centre of Leeds. The client, DLG Architects, required landscaping around the site to transform the existing podium car park into a landscaped deck, and a new scheme to complement the updated entrance.

The specification

Bauder hot melt structural waterproofing system was specified for this project as this system is suited beneath paved or ballasted surfacing, car parks, podiums, plazas, green roofs and substructures. This system provides a monolithic, fully bonded waterproofing membrane that is tough, flexible and self-healing to minor punctures.

Intensive substrate and turf was also specified to provide valuable recreational space to the podium car park. The turf was bespoke to the project and together with the intensive substrate helps with storm water management, with the drainage layer and substrate keeping the system weight to a minimum.

Project challenges

The existing slab was not level, and so prior to beginning the waterproofing installation, Approved Contractors, Protech Roofing Ltd, had to flood the slab with hot melt to level the surface. As this was a refurbishment project, the installers had existing planters and upstand details to overlay. The outlets also had to be replaced and the system fully sealed. Access to the rest of the site for other trades was through the main working ground. Being in the city centre of Leeds, the site access was also rather restricting.

To solve these challenges, the waterproofing was tested and repaired continuously with the results reported back to the client to keep them informed. The contractors arrived to site early in the morning to avoid rush hour traffic and to minimise the impact on surrounding businesses.

Bauder Hot Melt Structural System with Turfed Intensive Green Roof System