Basements

Waterproofing of basement and swimming pool

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Architect Stefania Trevisani Mahler's villa consists of two volumes: one dedicated to housing and the other used as a studio for photographer Sandro Mahler. In the foreground, the swimming pool built with the Vasca Bianca Drytech waterproof structure, like the basement of the property.

The waterproofing of the basement and swimming pool of a villa designed by the architect who lives there, who has already used the Drytech Tank system for hers other projects.

Where do architects live? What is the house of someone who designs houses like? The answer of the architect Stefania Trevisani Mahler stands on a flat parcel, on which two independent volumes have been built: one dedicated to the house and the other used as a studio by the photographer Sandro Mahler.

The construction choices favored a prefabricated wooden structure with high insulating potential for all the perimeter walls of the volumes emerging from the height of the garden.

As regards the basement floors, the Drytech Tank System in waterproof concrete was instead opted for, due to the strong presence of water in the subsoil.

Project: Arch. Trevisani Mahler, Cureglia

Structure: Ingg. Giani e Prada, Lugano

Construction: Impresa Taddei SA, Viganello

Drytech Tank: 400 m²

Architectural waterproofing of the impluvium roof

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The Paolo Torriani Foundation for minors has created a new structure that allows the institution's activities to be completed, adapting them to the evolution of the needs of minors in need of reception, protection and educational support.

Architectural waterproofing of the impluvium roof and Drytech Tank for the basement of the Flying Boys’ House: the Torriani Foundation’s facility that offers young people a base to build their future.

The Paolo Torriani Foundation for minors has created a new structure that allows the institution’s activities to be completed, adapting them to the evolution of the needs of minors in need of reception, protection and educational support.

The upper floors of the structure are intended for ateliers with a therapeutic value, spaces for the involvement of families in the path of children and “bridging apartments” to support young people in the transition from the institute to autonomy and self-determination.

Learning, working, establishing relationships and growing one’s self-esteem: these are fundamental steps in the process of integration and emancipation.

For this reason, the Foundation has identified the Children’s Library, another historical Mendrisio institution, the ideal partner to create a working reality in which to start getting involved in a balanced and protected way.

The Library occupies the ground floor and also offers a literary tearoom.

In some sectors of the façade, the images of the “Flying Boys” with which the artist Roberto Mucchiut interpreted the Foundation’s goal are imprinted directly on the concrete: helping young people to grow in harmony to take flight in life.

The upper limit of the volume follows the slopes of the elegant impluvium roof, designed as a real fifth facade, giving a further element of dynamism to the Tower.

The roof was waterproofed with the elastic and continuous Drycoat covering which, overcoming the need for sheet metal work and with its reduced thickness, guaranteed the purity of the architectural lines.

Drytech has also created the underground level with the waterproof Drytech Tank structure.

Ownership: Fondazione Paolo Torriani, Mendrisio

Projekt: Krausbeck architetto with GSMM architetti, Salorino

Structure: Studio di Ingegneria Roberto Mondada, Balerna

Construction: Impresa Riva Costruzioni, Tremona

Drytech Tank: 600 m²

Drycoat roof: 250 m²

Waterproofing of a car park below sea level

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The Marina di Loano underground car park has 400 parking spaces below sea level. It was built with the waterproof structure Drytech Tank.

The Drytech Tank structure was used for the waterproofing of a car park below sea level.

The new car park of Marina of Loano has 400 parking spaces below sea level.

Loano is one of the most interesting tourist ports in Italy and the Mediterranean for pleasure boating.

The expansion of the Marina involved a surface area of 358,000 m2 and involves the construction of over 1,200 berths, with the possibility of mooring boats up to 50 meters in length.

The port and city are served by a car park with 1,000 parking spaces, of which 400 are underground. Or rather, submarines.

The underground car park of the Marina di Loano, created with the Drytech Tank System, drops 4 meters below sea level.

Structure: Mi.Pr.Av, Milan

Construction: Marcora SpA, Milan

Drytech Tank: 7,700 m²

Waterproofing of the underground car park

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The project of the new Tertianum Residence in Chiasso revolves around the concept of the square: the urban space of exchange, meeting and sharing.

The waterproofing of the underground car park of the Residenza Tertianum is realised with a Drytech Tank designed to withstand the load differences of the buildings and the central square.

The project of the new Tertianum Residence in Chiasso revolves around the concept of the square: the urban space of exchange, meeting and sharing.

If human relationships, relationships, are what make us recognize a place as our home, the main objective of architecture for the third and fourth age is to create the conditions for the formation of a new community.

Parallel to the themes of independence and privacy of living and care and support services, sociability is the third pillar of a healthy and stimulating life, at any age.

It is essential to live in places that offer us new opportunities to meet.

The Tertianum Residence is, in fact, a new playground in Chiasso and encourages a meeting between generations that will enrich both children and the elderly.

Inside the structure there are, in addition to the panoramic terrace, a restaurant open to the public, a doctor’s office, a podiatrist, a hairdresser and physiotherapy.

The large underground car park built with the waterproof Drytech Tank structure is also equipped with charging spaces for electric cars.

Ownership: Tertianum, Chiasso

Project: DF + Partners, Lugano

Structure: Jelmoni Ingegneria, Ascona

Construction: Quadri, Lamone-Cadempino

Vasca Drytech: 7’500 m2

Waterproofing of the underground technical rooms

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A detail of the canopy, with the evocative openings giving a glimpse of the sky.

The waterproofing of the underground technical rooms of the Chiasso crematorium was realised with a Drytech Tank made of fair-faced waterproof concrete.

The architect Paolo Andreani conceived the new crematorium in Chiasso. The structure, located in the center of the municipal cemetery, is characterized by an evocative perspective opening and an engaging permeability to natural light and the sky.

Crossing the entrance to the cemetery, the crematorium appears as a sort of rationalist arch. A door, a passage beyond which you can see, in a long perspective, the final limit of the burial ground.

The side volumes are hidden from view by cypresses, so the central nave appears as a dividing line between the earth and the sky.

Walking along the nave, welcomed by a bronze deposition by the sculptor Ivo Soldini of Ligornetto, we discover small openings with a square section that adorn the ceiling with glimpses of the sky.

In the center of the nave there is an altar above which a circular opening in the roof reaffirms the sense of transcendence of the place. The skilful use of natural and indirect light finds its apex in the rooms of the lateral bodies.

The full-height glass walls overlook minimal gardens, enclosed by perforated walls. The outside world is perceived behind a curtain and the light falls softly from above.

The architecture of these environments arouses the protection of an embrace and promotes meditation. The farewell rooms and the ceremonial hall – with the large stained glass window by the Swiss artist and glassmaker Servais Bastian Grivel – convey a sense of peace and harmony.

Ownership: Associazione Ticinese Cremazione, Chiasso

Project: Arch. Paolo Andreani, Chiasso

Structure: Ing. Chiesa e Partners, Chiasso

Construction: GTL, Gravesano

Drytech Tank: 530 m²

Waterproofing of the common underground garage

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Mixed residential and commercial complex, with underground car park built with Drytech White Tank waterproofing

The waterproofing of the common underground garage of a mixed residential and commercial complex was realised with a complete Drytech Tank, closed by a waterproof slab in the areas without above-ground buildings.

MPN Ingegneria designed the mixed residential and commercial complex, consisting of several buildings connected by the common underground garage.

In the hypogeum areas without buildings above ground, the Drytech Tank was closed by the waterproof slab.

The main body is intended for the supermarket and, in the basement, for the customers’ garage.

Eight apartments have been built above the supermarket.

On the opposite side of the internal road there are three buildings, plus a tower that houses a cafeteria. Below this area extends the garage with the residents’ private parking lots.

The underground parking of the supermarket and that of the residents are connected by a tunnel with a shutter which is located below the internal road.

The mixed destination makes the complex lively and lively during the day, and quiet and relaxing from the evening onwards.

The block is in fact located a few meters from the lake shore and is bordered to the east by the cycle-pedestrian street of Magliaso.

Project: MPN Ingegneria, Bioggio

Structure: MPN Ingegneria, Bioggio

Construction: Impresa Beloedil, Melide

Drytech Tank: 1’360 m2

Waterproofing of the double swimming pool in the lawn

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The large panoramic terraces of the Ginetta Residence in Morbio Inferiore are rotated with respect to the front of the east facade. The angle of exposure to the sun is thus increased.

The waterproofing of the double swimming pool immersed in the lawn of the Ginetta Residence is a Drytech Tank watertight structure, as is that of the basement garage and the technical rooms.

The large panoramic terraces of the Ginetta Residence in Morbio Inferiore are rotated with respect to the front of the east facade. The angle of exposure to the sun is thus increased.

The orientation of the building is an architectural component defined precisely in function of the control of natural light.

The project by the architect and urban planner Carlo Rizzi di Morbio, includes 20 apartments of various sizes, distributed in three independent blocks, organized in four levels plus a basement for garages, cellars and service rooms.

The broken lines of the main facade are counterbalanced by the essentiality of the north-west facade, crossed by the slight changes in level of the three buildings, which follow the natural slope of the land.

From this side you can access via a ramp to the large underground level, made with the waterproof Drytech Tank structure, as well as the suggestive infinity pool set in the large lawn of the property.

Project: Architect Carlo Rizzi, Morbio Inferiore

Works management: Architect Alessandro Caffi Bregola, Morbio Inferiore

Structure: Chiesa & Partners, Chiasso

Constriction: Consortium Medici, Morbio Inferiore / Barella, Chiasso

Drytech Tank: 1,900 m2

Waterproofing of the underground car park

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Progettata dall'architetto Mario Botta, Residenza Martina gode di una posizione privilegiata, a pochi passi dal centro di Riva San Vitale e dalla riva del Lago Ceresio.

The waterproofing of the underground car park at the Residenza Martina in Riva San Vitale makes optimal use of space thanks to the rationality of the Drytech Tank structure.

Designed by architect Mario Botta, Residence Martina enjoys a privileged location, just a few steps from the centre of Riva San Vitale and the shore of Lake Lugano.

Elegant. Cosy. Warm. Comfortable. Serviced. These are the qualities everyone wants for their home.

These are the characteristics of the residence, which offers an ideal living solution for people of the third and fourth age.

In fact, it integrates absolutely autonomous and personal apartments with the possibility of having all the services of care, assistance, prevention and socialization.

The added value of Residenza Martina is integration into the life of the town. Rising in fact in the center, the inhabitants can walk to shops, cafes, the post office, the Lido of Riva San Vitale.

If on the one hand the structure is open and connected to the community, on the other it is literally immersed in nature.

The entrances are located to the north, towards the town center and the lake, as is the access ramp to the underground garage, built with a 1,860 m2 Drytech Tank.

The main facade, completely south-facing, instead opens onto the large common lawn and, beyond a row of trees, onto the green area of the nearby school.

The Martina Residence in Riva San Vitale is a real home, where each person can find their own dimension, both intimate and social.

Ownership: SPM, Manno

Project: Arch. Mario Botta, Mendrisio

Structure: Ing. Cesare Lucini, Paradiso

Construction: Barella, Chiasso

Drytech Tank: 1,860 m2ce

Waterproofing rooftop swimming pool

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The hanging pool and the lawn on the waterproof concrete slab of the Drytech White Tank

The waterproofing of a rooftop swimming pool can result in the bottom of the pool coinciding with the floor slab underneath.

This is the case of the scenic swimming pool at Villa Poiana on Lake Ceresio, built with the Drytech Tank waterproof structure.

The architecture of Villa Poiana frames different views of the panorama offered by this corner of the Ceresio, transforming them into as many spectacular views.

In particular with the exposed concrete beams that define the patios on the first and second levels of the villa.

The building designed by the architect Mischa Groh is composed of two superimposed bodies, rotated by 30 degrees relative to each other.

The slabs are connected to each other alternately on the right and left side, drawing the facade as a schematic Z.

The large à jour windows are set back from the front of the facade. In addition to guaranteeing comfortable shade to the interiors at the zenith hours, this solution enhances the powerful design of the villa through the contrast between light and dark.

The façade is in exposed concrete, made with formworks composed of narrow boards that ripple the surface, producing a warm material effect.

The roof of the lower body is the base of the lawn of the upper villa, in which the scenographic hanging swimming pool built with the Drytech Tank is immersed.

For swimming pool structures in contact with chlorine or salt water, Drytech has developed a specific concrete recipe that resists aggressive agents.

The structure of Villa Poiana follows the slope in which it is set, so all the walls of the shafts on the side of the rock were made with Drytech Waterproof Concrete and with the waterproofing of the details with Drycoat flaps, the elastic and continuous waterproof covering that adheres and adapts to the structure like a second skin.

Project: Architetto Misha Groh, Melide

Structure: Ing. De Bernardis, Massagno

Construction: Garzoni, Lugano

Photo: Sabrina Montiglia, Lugano

Drytech Tank: 1,310 m²

Waterproofing of a Brutalist building

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Domus Adriana was born in the seemingly narrow path of physical and architectural limitations and, like a stream in a gorge, it is precisely from obstacles that it draws energy and meaning.

The waterproofing of the large podium of a Brutalist building can only be in fair-faced waterproof concrete.

Domus Adriana was born in the seemingly narrow path of physical and architectural limitations and, like a stream in a gorge, it is precisely from obstacles that it draws energy and meaning.

A project designed by constraints.

Like the land located 9 meters above the street level, an existing building in grey concrete with which to communicate and, again, the absence of surface access to the road.

The architect Edy Quaglia has in fact decided to design a free form, which refers only to its own volume. A monolith characterized by an empty entrance, which connects the entire volume with the street below.

The clients of the work are the owners of the Taddei di Viganello construction company. Domus Adriana was therefore required to also be an expression of their professional quality and their passion.

In this sense, facing concrete is the most effective choice, because it literally leaves the builder’s work bare, showing his skill and care without filters.

However, the proximity of another concrete building presented a context problem, which in turn proved to be a powerful opportunity.

To mark the gap between the two buildings, the concrete was in fact colored red and, consequently, rough formworks were used, laid horizontally.

In addition to defining the identity of Domus Andriana, this choice has enhanced the dialogue between the two buildings.

The coloring and horizontal formwork also characterize the space between the volumes and, in particular, the elevator walls and open stairways.

An architectural continuity that brings out the idea that the void separates the two volumes of the building, but formally unites them, emphasizing the fixed scene.

Domus Adriana is spread over seven floors, three of which are completely underground and four resting on the natural ground, divided into apartments.

The hypogeum is a waterproof structure made with a 1,540 m² Drytech Tank, which houses cellars and laundries for each apartment, the technical rooms and two garages with direct access to the street.

Owners: Fulvio and Adriana Pagnamenta, Cureglia

Project: Architetto Edy Quaglia, Lugano

Structure: Ing. Fulvio Pagnamenta, Cureglia

Construction: Taddei, Viganello

Drytech Tank: 1,540 m²

Photos: L. Crivelli, A. Vitiello, G. Pagnamenta