Below-Grade

The House on the Hill (Private Residence)
Puget Sound, Washington, USA

BACKGROUND
Located in the northern Puget Sound area of Washington State, the House on the Hill was specifically designed to complement its natural surroundings, including a grove of 200-year-old cedar trees. Constructed of ready-mixed concrete, the home blends seamlessly with its environment and the concrete's natural colour is enhanced by the surrounding landscaping and rockwork.

When it came to waterproofing the House on the Hill, both the owners and architects had specific requirements. To maintain a natural yet contemporary feel, the architects wanted the original look and colour of the concrete to remain, meaning no paint, finishing or waterproofing products could be applied to the external walls.

Knowing that the region experiences a significant amount of rainfall each year, the owners needed a reliable waterproofing system that would offer lifelong protection for their prized collection of furnishings. And in keeping with the natural, earth-friendly theme, they wanted a waterproofing system that was non-toxic.

SOLUTION
After reviewing and evaluating various waterproofing options, the project architects chose KrystolTM Internal Membrane (KIMTM), an innovative concrete admixture that incorporates Kryton International's proprietary Krystol technology. KIM admixture was used in the walls of the House on the Hill as well as in its garage slab.

When added to a concrete mixture, KIM creates a chemical reaction that causes needle-like crystals to grow throughout the concrete, filling the spaces between concrete particles and blocking water penetration from all directions. KIM also reacts with incoming water to self-seal small concrete cracks, providing permanent leakage protection and eliminating maintenance and repair costs.

Unlike other waterproofing systems which can become damaged or deteriorate over time, KIM lasts the lifetime of the structure. By blocking the penetration of water and waterborne contaminants, KIM safeguards steel reinforcements against corrosion. KIM is also certified non-toxic by NSF International.

By eliminating the need for external waterproofing systems, KIM allowed the House on the Hill to retain its natural look. It also enabled the builders to create an effect that had never before been tried. During a single 12-hour pour, plasticizers and subtle colourants were added at regular intervals to create a wave-like effect in the finished concrete.

Not only were the House on the Hill's owners thrilled with the results, but its architects won an Excellence in Concrete Award from the Washington Aggregates and Concrete Association for their innovative design.

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