KD238 Without this upfront planning, water
ingress can quickly undermine the quality of the space. Damp and mould are often the first signs, but over time the impact can extend to structural degradation and poor indoor air quality. To avoid this, waterproofing should be approached as a long-term strategy rather than a one-off fix, with systems designed to withstand ongoing pressure and moisture exposure. Getting this right from the outset helps
protect the space long term and avoids unnecessary cost and disruption further down the line. The role of waterproofing Many commercial buildings in UK cities are older and were not designed to modern waterproofing standards. As a result, they are more vulnerable to hydrostatic pressure and prolonged moisture exposure. Any historic conversion should begin with a detailed structural and condition assessment, followed by a retrofit approach tailored to the building’s
existing construction. At its core, this involves an in-depth plan
to prevent water from entering the below- ground space and to manage any moisture that does reach the structure. Modern waterproofing approaches are
typically designed in line with recognised industry standards such as BS 8102:2022, which set out best practice for protecting below-ground structures from water ingress. Crucially, they emphasise a tailored approach, considering the building’s construction, ground conditions and intended use and require specialist input to deliver effectively. A recent Peter Cox project in Surrey
reflects this in practice, where a below- ground space was transformed from one plagued by recurring damp into a dry, fully usable environment through a considered waterproofing design. A discreet drainage system and pump were installed to manage moisture and keep the space consistently dry, enabling not just a
resolution to the immediate issue, but a space that can support long-term use and future adaptation. Specialists often recommend a
combination of different waterproofing methods to achieve the required level of protection. For example, barrier systems, commonly referred to as “tanking”, can be used to resist water penetration, while cavity drain systems are designed to manage and safely redirect water away from the interior environment. Designing for long-term performance Designing a successful basement workspace requires a joined-up approach, first starting with waterproofing as the foundation, supported by careful attention to ventilation, thermal performance and air quality. Get these elements right, and below-ground spaces will feel just as comfortable and functional as those above them. And as more workers return to the office, WFH might just be replaced by ‘WFB’ (working from basement).
ENQUIRIES VISIT
www.abcd-info.co.uk EMAIL
korucirculation@c-cms.com POST use address card
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
