Waterproof, a company specialising in waterproofing solutions and building maintenance, part of the Sotecnisol Group, is carrying out a major maintenance and improvement project on the emblematic facilities of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon. The works focus on several of the foundation's iconic areas and use state-of-the-art technology to ensure their preservation and functionality.
One of the main focuses of the intervention is the Engawa Canopy, part of the new modern art center designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. In this construction, Waterproof was responsible for the technical design and installation of a 3,800 m² high-performance polyurea membrane that ensures long-lasting protection for this important architectural infrastructure. In addition, the project included the rehabilitation of 8,000 m² of exterior roofs using asphalt membranes.
Work is currently underway to waterproof 800 m² of the outdoor reflecting pools using the Revesteck system. The largest phase of the project is taking place at the main lake in the gardens of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, where the waterproofing areas total approximately 3,990 m². This complex project involved moving 462 m³ of soil and dismantling and subsequently rebuilding 700 linear meters of stone walls (gabions). The preparation of the substrates and the treatment of joints covered an area of 2,800 m² and 600 linear meters, respectively.
Among the concrete solutions, energy storage plays a transformative role. “Storage batteries allow a building to store the solar energy generated during the day so it can be used at night.”, explains José Luís Castro, highlighting how these technologies promote self-consumption and reduce dependence on the power grid. At the same time, they contribute to the stability of the energy system, a critical factor at the urban level.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of undertaking a project at such an iconic venue as the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which has played a pivotal cultural role in Portugal throughout its 80-year history. This is a project of high technical complexity, requiring the utmost precision and minimal disruption to the Foundation’s daily operations. Our team of professionals has demonstrated exceptional dedication, which is essential to successfully completing this project.”, comment Carlos Teixeira, General Manager of Waterproof.
Waterproof was responsible for the technical specifications of the waterproofing solutions for both projects, Waterproof has been working closely with the management of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to minimize the impact of the construction work on visitors, ensuring that the public can continue to enjoy this unique space, while maintaining its longstanding commitment to quality and efficiency.
Read the full interview here.
