The Project – Taj Santacruz, Mumbai
Taj Santacruz in Mumbai is not just a luxury hotel; it’s an architectural marvel. Completed in 2016, this 279-room hotel, located just outside the domestic airport, embodies the spirit of Mumbai. Its striking architectural design features a unique combination of mint stone and Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) on its exterior facade.
The Challenge:
One of the most intriguing challenges we encountered in this project was the need to achieve a consistent and homogeneous appearance for the GRC elements. GRC, with its remarkable strength and durability, is an ideal choice for architects. However, it poses a unique challenge when it comes to maintaining a uniform look due to the natural variations in the raw materials and weather condition during the time of drying. These GRC panels are moulded in different batches, making it inherently difficult to control the final colour and texture. Moreover, both the mint stone and GRC needed protection from dust, water, and algae growth, especially during the monsoon. Our challenge was clear: protect and homogenize these surfaces to ensure a seamless, consistent aesthetic.
The Approach:
To address these distinct challenges at Taj Santacruz, we devised a comprehensive approach. Our goal was not just to safeguard the exterior facade, consisting of both mint stone and GRC surfaces, but also to create a harmonious and visually consistent appearance throughout.
The Products Used:
We applied Protectguard to the mint stone. This specialized impregnation sealer is designed to repel water and oil, preventing the degradation of porous materials like natural stones. Its water-repellent properties effectively prevent water penetration, thus eliminating the adverse effects of humidity. Protectguard ensured the preservation of the mint stone’s visual appeal without any change of colour.
Our solution for the GRC was Protectguard Color. To achieve a seamless and consistent appearance, we developed a unique shade that perfectly matched the natural color of the mint stone. This not only protected the GRC but also transformed the facade into an extraordinarily homogenous masterpiece, with a high degree of aesthetic appeal. Importantly, Protectguard Color is not a mere coating; it boasts an exceptionally high level of breathability. As a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), green product in aqueous phase, it is ideally suited for a wide range of vertical concrete surfaces, including GRC. Its semi-transparency respects the material’s mineral properties and can be customized to achieve various opacity levels, making it a versatile solution for architectural projects with diverse materials and colour variations.
Inside Taj Santacruz, we encountered a wide variety of stones, including marble, granite and travertine, used extensively in the lobby, restaurants, bathrooms, and common areas. To protect these very low porosity substrates, we applied Protectguard MG, an excellent stain repellent product. This advanced solution effectively resists penetration by water, oil, grease, weak acids (like fruit juice and ketchup), and all types of soiling. Notably, Protectguard MG can be effectively used on polished stones because if its high active ingredient concentration of nearly 90%. It delivers robust protection against stains, helping maintain the pristine appearance of the stone surfaces on both floors and facades.
The Winning Stroke:
Our meticulous approach to exterior facade protection and homogenization at Taj Santacruz was a resounding success. With our carefully selected range, we not only preserved the structural integrity and appearance of the mint stone and GRC materials but also managed to rectify the colour of certain stones that had developed stains or rust marks. This not only ensured the aesthetics of the project remained intact but also resulted in significant cost savings.
In sum, the Taj Santacruz project exemplifies how specialized protective solutions and meticulous attention to detail can transform the appearance and longevity of architectural surfaces. Our innovative range of solutions effectively safeguarded and enhanced the aesthetics of diverse materials within this marquee project, setting new standards for facade protection and homogenization.
This case study serves as a testament to the potential of expert product selection and application in architectural projects, ensuring both long-term protection and visual appeal are maintained in challenging conditions. Our success at Taj Santacruz underscores the importance of tailored solutions and meticulous execution.