Case Study: John Newton: Zodiac Cavity Drain Membrane
Cavity Drain and Epoxy basement solution for Camden’s newest LGBT nightclub.
MAIN CONTRACTOR: ZODIAC BARS LTD Manufacturer: John Newton
The challenge:
We were tasked with making a dry grade 3 space in an existing damp basement in Camden, London. The location was logistically difficult, and the client wanted to keep the existing floor. The design needed to be acoustically sound and dry, as well as providing a great space for a nightclub environment.
Our solution:
We decided to use Newton 508 Cavity Drain Membrane for the walls and use Newton 706 HM Epoxy for the floors. The walls would be lined with concrete blocks to encase the membrane and we chose to use the epoxy to line with channels at the base of the wall.
The basement had drainage into substantial sewers which were below the basement floor so we did not need to install pumping systems. Instead, we used one-way valves to connect to the sewers.
For the floor we had the challenge of waterproofing the floor and providing a finish coat. We used a black tinted version of Newton 701HB. We repaired the floor, and sanded it using a Hilti Class M vacuum to remove existing surface finishes as well as surface defects. We applied two coats of the epoxy to create a waterproof floor. Finally we added an additional top coat of clear product which we added glitter, and crushed glass into. This created a great looking finish with the slip resistance the customer required.
The result:
The basement was completed in less than two weeks and handed back to the fitout contractor on schedule. The solution we designed maximised head height and removed the need for the existing floor to be removed and lowered. The complete range of John Newton products have provided a grade three environment which fully complies with BS8102:2009. The nightclub opened on time in November 2021.
