The Project:
The Oberoi 360 West Project, located in a bustling urban environment in Mumbai, was designed with an attractive GRC façade with the appearance of Dholpur stone. It is a multi-use high end project comprises of two towers to be used as a 5 star plus hotel and another as ultra chic large residences.
The Approach
During the construction phase this was subjected to severe weather conditions over 2 years, resulting in the GRC surface suffering severe discoloration due to prolonged exposure to rain, UV radiation and efflorescence. The major challenge was to rejuvenate the GRC surfaces and ensure long-lasting protection against environmental factors, while also enhancing the aesthetics of the granite pavers, limestone, and granite used throughout the property.
Products used:
- Guard Remover Eco Efflorescence and Cement for cleaning of GRC:
- ProtectGuard Colour for GRC Surfaces:
To address the discoloration and protect the GRC surfaces from future damage it was decided to first do a thorough cleaning with Guard Remover Eco Efflorescence and Cement and then apply Protectguard Colour, a high-performance protective and coloring treatment. Protectguard Colour was chosen for its ability to penetrate the surface and provide enhancement of aesthetics along with long-lasting protection of the GRC surfaces. Many trials were conducted to fine tune the shade and opacity of the product. After obtaining approval of the concerned architects, project team and commercial department the work was started at site.
- ProtectGuard Wet Finish for Granite Pavers:
To enhance the appearance of the granite pavers used outdoor ramp and drive way, Protectguard Wet Finish was applied. This treatment not only enriched the color and texture of the pavers but also provided a water-repellent finish, making them more durable and resistant to stains.
- ProtectGuard for Limestone:
Limestone surfaces throughout the project lobby area were treated with Protectguard to safeguard against environmental damage and staining. This solution was ideal for limestone floor and walls, as it formed an invisible protective barrier while allowing the stone’s natural beauty to shine through.
- Protectguard MG for Granite:
Granite surfaces required a specialized solution to protect against moisture penetration and preserve their appearance. Protectguard MG was applied to create a durable, water-repellent shield by penetrating even the polished granite surface, ensuring long-term protection and minimal maintenance.
The Challenges:
Discolored GRC Surfaces: The pre-pigmented GRC surfaces had lost their original color and luster, resulting in an unattractive appearance.
Environmental Factors: The project was located in an area prone to heavy rainfall and intense UV radiation, making it crucial to choose a protective solution that could withstand these conditions.
Efflorescence: The presence of efflorescence was causing further discoloration and damage to the GRC surfaces, requiring a comprehensive solution.
The Winning Stroke:
After many years of application of Protectguard Colour on the GRC surface has seen no deterioration and still looks as good as new. The treatment successfully restored the GRC surface to its original glory, eliminating discoloration and efflorescence.
This case study also brings out an important consideration for projects using pre-pigmented GRC or Concrete. The weather conditions often faced are quite harsh with severe lashing rains and high incidence of UV. In addition bulk pigmentation often does no result in homogeneity of shade. The process of casting for in-situ concrete, pre-cast concrete and GRC is done under varying humidity and thermal conditions. All this is compounded by the raw materials used for mixing which are rarely from the same batch. These underlying issues are present in every project resulting in blemishes and loss of aesthetics despite the best efforts. It is best to use Protectguard Colour to stain and protect the concrete after casting has been completed either at the site or factory as required. This saves the effort and cost required for colour matching using bulk pigmentation techniques which are prone to give colour variations.
In conclusion, the use of Protectguard products in the Oberoi 360 West Project not only restored and protected various surfaces but also demonstrated their long-lasting efficacy. This case study serves as a testament to the durability and performance of our\ solutions in challenging environmental conditions.