Liquids

Waterproofing of surfaces

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Exposed concrete villa

Waterproofing of surfaces with Drycoat architectural coating, which adheres like a second skin to the design of the pool and threshold along the entire façade.

The iconic villa designed by architect Mauro Galfetti stands out first and foremost for its perfect brutalist profile. Underneath the entire property is a waterproofed basement level with a complete Drytech Tank – floor, elevations and slab – which houses the underground floor of the first apartment, lit by a large patio parallel to the street, as well as the garage and technical rooms.

The Drytech waterproof concrete slab is the base of the garden.

The waterproof structure of the swimming pools is also a Drytech White Tank, whose above-ground surfaces have been coated with the continuous, waterproof Drycoat membrane which, with its 3 millimetres thickness, adapts like a second skin to the architectural lines.

In fact, it was also used to seamlessly waterproof the entire porch threshold and French window frames.

The granite flooring of the porch and the edge of the swimming pools was laid directly on the Drycoat membrane.

Project: Mauro Galfetti, Viganello
Structure: Casanova Ingegneria, Pazzallo
Construction: Impresa Taddei, Viganello

Waterproofing hypogeum and swimming pool

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The swimming pool with sculpture.

The waterproofing of the inhabited hypogeum and swimming pool of a villa bordering a vineyard, set in terraces that continue seamlessly across the property. To adhere to this movement, the emerging volumes are staggered by half a floor: two transparent pavilions on which the living area is developed.

The basement, on the other hand, is the most private part of the villa, with rooms arranged around a large, spectacular courtyard, confirming the fusion between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Both the level of the bedrooms and the level below, which houses the main entrance and garage, are supported by the hillside. The soil, which is particularly impermeable, does not filter the water that presses directly against the basement. Therefore, the uncompromising impermeability of the Drytech tank was chosen for its construction, as well as for the swimming pool immersed in the lawn.

Project + D.L.: Roberto Marcon Architecture Studio, Melide
Structure: Marcionelli & Winkler + Partners, Lugano
Construction: Giovanni Quadri, Cadempino
Interior design: Roberto Marcon Architecture Studio, Melide
Drytech Tank: 1,125 m2

Swimming pool waterproof

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The infinity pool at Tenuta de l'Annunziata, made of waterproof concrete and clad in stone.

Drytech waterproofed the spectacular swimming pool at Torre de l’Annunziata using the waterproof concrete structure of the Drytech Tank.

Torre de l’Annunziata is an oasis of style and well-being surrounded by nature in Uggiate con Ronago, above Como.

Created by the Guffanti family, the estate includes the Natura Relais hotel, a zero-kilometre restaurant, a spa and wellness centre, and a bio-energetic forest with forest therapy and meditation trails.

Property: Torre de l’Annunziata Natural Relais, Uggiate con Ronago

Project: VenelliKramer Architetti, Como

Structure: Ingegneria Tettamanti, Cermenate

Construction: Impresa Bruzzese, Guanzate

Swimming pool: Alpha Pools, Como – G.DI.P. Impianti, Cantù

Waterproofing a hydroelectric power station

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The new hydroelectric plant of Casale Monferrato

Waterproofing a hydroelectric power station built on the banks of the Po River with the Drytech Tank watertight structure.

Building for water can sometimes mean having to build underwater too. The new Casale Monferrato hydroelectric power plant was built below the left bank of the Po, and the river also completely flooded the construction site during the 18 months in which the work was carried out.

The natural flooding in the floodplain area where the construction site was opened did not represent a problem for the Drytech Tank, because the construction characteristics and materials of the system cannot be altered by the presence of water, not even during construction.

The same DRYflex resin, which is injected into the construction details to seal them, is effective in the presence of water, even under pressure.

Built by Allara SpA of Casale Monferrato, the system consists of a mobile weir in the riverbed, an intake structure upstream of the weir from which the diversion canal begins which conveys the water to the central building which houses the groups of energy production and, downstream of this, the return channel into the riverbed.
The work is completed by two access ladders – one on each bank – for the ichthyofauna and the ramp for the passage of canoes.

The mobile barrier crosspiece, made up of a tubular structure in water-inflatable rubberized fabric, guarantees the diversion of the water flow to the lateral intake work of the left bank.

When the water level upstream reaches the maximum authorized level, the crossbar is depressed under the pressure of the water that overcomes it, avoiding flooding.

With its 200 meters of longitudinal development, it is the largest flexible dam in the world built with this technology.

The production plant hosts four turbines that generate an average power of approximately 3000 kW, for an annual production of 21 GWh.

Access to the turbine room is guaranteed by an underground tunnel connected to an entrance hatch. The tunnel is also a full Drytech Tank (waterproof floor, walls and slab), connected to the main body by a movement joint which has been waterproofed with DRYset injectable Waterstop Tape.

Owner: Idropana, Turin

Technical direction: STA Engineering, Pinerolo

Structure: Eng. Gianluca Odetto – SERTECH, Loranzè

Construction: Allara SpA, Casale Monferrato

Drytech Tank: 1,200 m2

waterproofing of an industrial clarifier

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An industrial clarifier

The waterproofing of an industrial clarifier, which receives wastewater laden with metals, hydrocarbons and other pollutants, must resist aggressive agents and at the same time be compatible with drinking water.

An industrial clarifier receives wastewater laden with metals, hydrocarbons and other pollutants.

It separates these elements from water through mechanical and chemical processes.

It then conveys the clarified water to the sewage systems and retains the residual sludge from the purification.

The walls of a clarifier are therefore exposed to a series of more or less aggressive agents. Conversely, they must not release any material into the water, much less polluting.

The DRYflex resin – used to seal joints, crossings and cracks in the Drytech Tank – has this dual ability to resist aggressive agents (starting with salinity) and even be compatible with use in drinking water facilities.

It is important to emphasize that the resin saturates joints, cracks and crossings for the entire thickness of the structure.

In the case of the Genoa clarifier, the barrier opposite the water has a variable thickness from 30 to 120 cm, coinciding precisely with that of the structure.

On the other hand, the characteristic single structure of the Drytech Tank waterproofing allows direct and non-invasive access for any maintenance interventions, which are simple and immediately verifiable.
Moreover, without particular limitations on the use of the system.

As part of the construction of the Genoa plant, Drytech Engineering collaborated with the structural engineer already in the design phase, proposing solutions for waterproofing the critical points of the structure. Engineering also contributed to the definition of the recipe for controlled shrinkage waterproof concrete, based on the characteristics of the plant chosen by the client.

Structure: Dr. Ing. Raffaele Ghitti, Darfo Boario Terme

Construction: SEMAT spa, Artogne

Drytech Tank: 700 m²

Waterproofing swimming pools garage SPA

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The Corten cladding of the walls in architect Mino Caggiula's design.

The waterproofing of swimming pools, garage, spa and lift pits of the Blade villas was realised with the Drytech Tank system.

For architect Mino Caggiula “Designing means reworking what we have absorbed to find new solutions. Blade is the product of the experience lived inside a work of art by the American sculptor Richard Serra.”

The Ticino architect feels it is “a great responsibility to leave a balanced and integrated mark on the territory, capable of generating a harmonious connection with the space and the surrounding landscape.”
The operation was to carefully “scratch” the hilly terrain through the insertion of curved Cor-Ten steel blades, positioned so as to prospectively override the view of the forest to the south and lead the gaze towards the lake.

Organized into two separate blocks, the housing units are divided by a system of primary and secondary blades. The distribution on two levels also generates large terraces, which take on the dimensions of real private hanging gardens.

Tognola Group, which is the promoter and general contractor of the project, also developed the interior design of the villas. The complex also includes a wellness area reserved for residents, with gym, sauna and Turkish bath, plus an outdoor swimming pool.

Promoter: Tognola Group, Lugano

Project: Architect Mino Caggiula, Lugano

Strutture: Engineer Alessio Casanova, Pazzallo

Construction: GTL, Gravesano

Foto: Paolo Volonté

Drytech Tank: 2’875 m2

waterproofing garage basements pools

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Infinity pool of the Reka holiday village in Albonago, built with the Drytech Tank.

Drytech carried out the waterproofing of the garage, the basements, the swimming pools and the wellness area of the Reka village in Albonago.

“Making holidays and free time accessible to all”: it was with this objective that the Swiss Travel Fund (Reka) was founded in 1939, founded by visionary entrepreneurs, trade unions and tourism and transport companies. At the time, travel and holidays were prerogative of an elite.

Reka was created with the aim of making them accessible to an ever-increasing number of families, initially with a targeted savings system, then by developing its own holiday offers at affordable prices.

Reka has expanded and reconfigured the tourist village of Albonago with an investment of 33 million francs, creating 49 apartments, two hotel rooms, a tavern/pizzeria, a panoramic swimming pool, a wellness area, a bicycle station, areas for barbecues and playgrounds, for approximately 270 guests.

Drytech created all the waterproof structures of the car park, underground areas, swimming pools and wellness area with the Drytech Tank.

One of the symbols of the Reka village is undoubtedly the infinity pool overlooking Lake Ceresio, with an incomparable view that embraces the entire Gulf of Lugano, the iconic Mount San Salvatore and extends to the horizon as far as Malcantone. A privilege truly available to all families.

Preliminary project: Itten+Brechbühl, Lugano

Project: Charles De Ry Architettura, Paradiso

Structure: Pianifica, Locarno

Direzione Lavori: Implenia Building, Besso

Construction: Barella, Chiasso e Giovanni Quadri, Cadempino

Drytech Tank: 5’360 m2

waterproofing Livigno Olympic Pool

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The logo of the Livigno Olympic Federal Centre

Drytech carried out the waterproofing of the Federica Pellegrini Swimming Area in Livigno, with the new Olympic swimming pool.

Added to the hyper-training altitude of Livigno are the 50 precious meters of the “Federica Pellegrini Swimming Area”: the new Olympic swimming pool, built by TMG of Berbenno di Valtellina.

The new swimming pool has 12 competition model starting blocks (6 on each side), with 5-position track start platforms. With particular attention to the swimmer’s well-being and the environmental impact, the water is disinfected with a hypochlorite (with low chlorate content), produced on site with electrolytic salt transformation technology, which among other things allows the reduction of chlorination waste products.

The safety of the structure is also at levels of absolute excellence. The pool is in fact equipped with the Angel Eye system: 20 underwater cameras that record images of the swimmers in real time. The system is able to identify dangerous situations and, in the event of an alarm, sends a signal directly to the lifeguards’ smartwatch.

Drytech carried out the waterproofing of all the foundations of the building, all the perimeter walls and the recovery tanks, collaborating with the structural engineers right from the design phase. All these structures are in contact with the waters of the Federia stream, a tributary of Lake Gallo, whose flow varies depending on rainfall regimes and, above all, seasonal thawing phases.

Naturally the new Olympic pool of the Federica Pellegrini Swimming Area is open to the public. Inside the Aquagranda center you can also snorkel while admiring the fish on the seabed or travel to the interstellar stations of Mars, Moon and Venus. All this thanks to Divr: a new form of virtual reality that uses multisensory technology, amplified by immersion in water.

Ownership: Aquagranda, Livigno

Project: Architect Giovanni Colturi

Project collaborator: Geom. Demis Spiller

Structure: Eng. Fabio Fabiano, Varese / Engineer Marco Finazzi, Palazzolo Sull’Oglio / Eng. Fabio Sibaud, Como

Construction: TMG, Berbenno di Valtellina

Drytech Tank: 2,300 m2

Waterproofing of basement and fountains

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Aerial view of the Polis multipurpose centre in Pregassona.

Drytech has created the waterproofing of the basement of the Polis Centre with the Drytech Tank and the surfaces of the fountains with the Drycoat architectural coating.

The plan of Polis Multifunctional Center in Pregassona is a double L that welcomes and embraces, enhancing the sense of openness towards the outside. An architecture that is both symbolic and functional, which guides routes, creates aggregations and integrates the Center into the urban fabric.

The structure was designed by Studio Mario Campi, winner of the international competition in 2008. The subsequent development of the work was managed by the architect Rosario Galgano, until the inauguration in 2021.

The complex is an important resource of the social services network for the elderly in the Lugano area.

On the lower level, the nursery, with its own outdoor play area, overlooks the courtyard, which contributes to the intergenerational and interconnected character of the Polis Centre.

The opposite wing instead houses the structures for the functionality of the centre: radiology, underground car parks, supplier entrance, technical rooms, etc.

This level, partially buried in the profile of the hill, is made with the waterproof  Drytech Tank structure.

Drytech also created the waterproof covering of the courtyard pools, with the continuous Drycoat covering in two colors obtained from the mixture of quartz sands (not from paints) and therefore resistant to continuous exposure to atmospheric agents, without chromatic degradation.

The complex, like every new building in the city, complies with the Minergie energy standard, significantly reducing energy needs. Furthermore, the Polis Center is unique for the self-production of electricity, through an integrated photovoltaic system (BIPV) which exploits both the horizontal surfaces of the roof and those of the facades, equipped with a further 1,600 meters2 of photovoltaic panels.

Project: Studio Mario Campi

Executive project: Architect Rosario Galgano, Lugano

Structure: Afry Engineering, Rivera

Construction: Consortium Garzoni – Rizzani De Eccher

Drytech Tank: 2’900 m2

Waterproofing of Vira-Mezzovico aqueduct

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The main façade of the Vira-Mezzovico Aqueduct.

The waterproofing of the new Vira-Mezzovico aqueduct basin was carried out with a complete Drytech Tank, including a waterproof slab.

The new water storage and supply basin is part of the General Plan of the Aqueduct of the Municipality of Vira-Mezzovico.

Set into the mountain slope to minimize its visual impact, the Drytech concrete structure is entirely waterproof, both to the water present in the ground and to that collected in the internal basins. Even the slabs, covered by the lawn, are in Drytech Tank, therefore also resistant to root development.

The perfect correspondence between structure and function of the Drytech Tank makes it not only a solid barrier to water (the waterproofing is as thick as the structure), but also a durable system, because it is predisposed to extraordinarily practical maintenance. To the point that, specifically, any intervention does not require emptying the reservoirs or even interrupting the service.

The modernization plan of Aqueduct of Vira-Mezzovico also affected the water network, renewed for flow and efficiency in all its twenty kilometers of underground pipes.

Drytech Engineering collaborated already in the design phase with Lucchini & Canepa Engineering, for all aspects relating to the waterproofing of the structure.

Structure: Lucchini & Canepa Engineering, Lugano

Construction: Implenia Switzerland, Bioggio