Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Product:
Waterproof Silver System
Volume: 200m3
Client: Network Rail
Contractor: Story Contracting
Overview
Heidelberg Materials supplied 200 m3 of
Watertight concrete for Paignton Zoo’s £1.5 million Crocodile Swamp, ensuring the pools retain water for five enclosures housing endangered crocodiles. The solution, combined with the SikaSwell® jointing system, delivered a durable and cost-effective way to create a natural tropical habitat for the zoo’s latest attraction.
Project description
The crocodiles at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon have no fear of their pools running dry thanks to the
Waterproof concrete system supplied by Heidelberg Materials. Often associated with keeping water out of structures, in this case the system has been used to keep the water in.
The £1.5 million Crocodile Swamp is the Zoo’s latest main attraction and is home to two Nile crocodiles, one saltwater and three Cuban crocodiles, who all enjoy a home from home tropical environment within the swamp. The Cuban is one of the world’s most endangered crocodiles and one of the Zoo’s missions is the conservation of wildlife in a natural looking environment – a challenge successfully taken on by Kay Elliott Architects to give an engaging and imaginative experience to the swamp’s visitors.
Structural engineers Winward Dexter specified Watertight Concrete as part of the Waterproof Silver System, which is BBA certified with a 50 year track record, for the five pool enclosures within the swamp – an ideal and cost effective solution in fulfilling the design brief. Heidelberg Materials supplied 200 cubic metres of watertight concrete to the project.
The construction joints were taken care of with the Sikaswell® jointing system, which consists of joint sealing profiles that expand on contact with water to seal any voids between adjoining concrete slabs.
The Crocodile Swamp has proved to be a huge attraction and apart from the crocodiles, visitors can enjoy a collection of pythons and boa constrictors and a dazzling array of tropical plants in their own enclosures within the swamp.