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Project Context
Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren, located in Paarl, South Africa, is a world-renowned destination offering sprawling gardens, luxury accommodation, fine dining, wine production, honey extraction, and eco-friendly tourism. Committed to sustainability and innovation, Babylonstoren is a leader in the hospitality, tourism, and agricultural industries.
- Industry: Hospitality, tourism and agriculture.
- Products/Services: Premium accommodation, wine production, honey extraction, eco-friendly experiences.
Challenges in Industry: Maintaining environmental sustainability, high aesthetic standards, and long-term durability in development projects.
The Challenge:
Achieving durable and eco-conscious waterproofing for exposed aggregate surfaces
Babylonstoren faced the task of designing their basement cellar with off-shutter coloured concrete and an exposed aggregate deck, cast at a slope to ensure durability and trafficability. Their eco-conscious ethos required a waterproofing solution that avoided frequent maintenance and harmful environmental impacts. Traditional waterproofing methods like coatings or membranes failed to meet these requirements. Delays in finding the right solution risked impacting the estate’s timeline and sustainability goals.
- Primary Challenge: Achieving durable and eco-conscious waterproofing for exposed aggregate surfaces.
- Failed Attempts: Coatings and membranes unsuitable for sloped, trafficable surfaces.
- Impact: Timeline delays and potential compromise of sustainability ethos.
The Solution
Penetron
Penetron’s innovative system was integrated directly into the concrete mix for the basement cellar, providing a durable and eco-friendly waterproofing solution. The system aligned seamlessly with Babylonstoren’s goals, ensuring long-lasting performance and eliminating the need for environmentally harmful materials.
- Key Benefits:
- Integrated waterproofing directly in concrete, eliminating the need for additional layers.
- Eco-conscious solution that reduced maintenance costs.
- Designed to ensure exposed aggregate surfaces were durable and trafficable.
The Implementation
Precision Execution
Penetron was applied during the construction of the basement cellar’s retaining structures, ensuring rapid progress without additional installation. The exposed aggregate deck, cast at a slope, was treated to enhance trafficability and durability.
- Penetron integrated into the concrete mix.
- Ensured seamless workflow by allowing immediate continuation post-formwork.
- Adjustments made to perfect exposed aggregate finishes.
The Results
Achieving eco-friendly concrete waterproofing
Penetron’s system delivered outstanding results, achieving eco-friendly concrete waterproofing while maintaining Babylonstoren’s aesthetic goals. Construction time was significantly reduced, and ongoing maintenance was practically eliminated. As a result, Penetron systems were subsequently applied to pool extensions, storage facilities, and honey extraction areas on the estate.
- Key Metrics Achieved:
- Time Savings: Construction timelines reduced by 25%.
- Durability: Waterproofing integrated directly into concrete, lasting over 25 years with minimal maintenance.
- Environmental Impact: Reduced reliance on coatings or membranes, aligning with sustainability standards.
SEO Impact: Increased organic search visibility for “eco-friendly concrete waterproofing” by featuring this case study prominently in blog posts and project highlights.
Conclusion
Sustainable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing construction
By using Penetron, Babylonstoren achieved their vision for sustainable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing construction. The integration of eco-conscious concrete waterproofing systems allowed the estate to meet its timelines while staying true to its values of innovation and sustainability.

Contact Penetron Africa
Ready to integrate eco-friendly concrete waterproofing into your next project? Contact Penetron today for solutions that combine durability, sustainability, and efficiency.