Watergate Plus Wall Underlay Breathes New Life into Old Brewery Site

The project is phase one of the University's redevelopment of the Newmarket site previously owned by Lion Breweries. The 5.2 hectare site is a mix of new spaces and warehouse conversions. Four existing warehouse structures were stripped back and fully reclad with vertical metal panels, drained cavities created and a moisture control/air barrier was installed.

The Challenge

To find a building membrane that provided a breathable air and moisture barrier, met the fire rating criteria of the NZBC, was compatible with the specified metal cladding and could be reliably supplied in large quantities with short lead times.

The Thermakraft Solution

Thermakraft's Watergate Plus wall underlay fulfilled the project requirements.

Watergate Plus is a synthetic, breathable wall underlay that acts as an air barrier and moisture control solution on timber and steel framed buildings. It is a dual-layer system comprising an intelligent plastic film on one side and a non-woven synthetic absorbent layer on the reverse that traps any moisture or condensation entering through the exterior cladding.

Watergate Plus is fire retardant, meeting the NZBC spread of flame index of 5 or less and BRANZ appraised as an Alternative Solution.

Product Support

As well as supplying a product with all the attributes required for the project, Thermakraft assisted on site with detailing and quality assurance, and could also provide a customised solution for a section of the project.

The original design called for a shell-only space in a portion of the development meaning the wall underlay in this area would be left exposed. For this area a large volume of product without the standard visible printing was needed – Thermakraft had the capability to manufacture a special run using low intensity ink which would have provided the necessary clean white aesthetic.

Watergate Plus is suitable for use in any new wall application using cavity battens or direct fixed behind non absorbent materials.

Project: Phase one of the University of Auckland Newmarket Campus

Client: The University of Auckland

Main Contractor: Hawkins Construction

Project Architect: Jasmax

Thermakraft Watergate Plus

Kingspan Thermakraft

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Thermakraft Watergate Plus is a fire retardant absorbent breathable wall underlay.

Thermakraft Watergate Plus can be used as a wall underlay on timber and steel framed buildings within the following scope:

The scope limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1.1, with regards to building height and floor plan area; and,
With absorbent wall claddings directly fixed to timber and steel framing; and,
With non-absorbent wall claddings directly fixed to timber and steel framing; and,
With absorbent and non-absorbent wall claddings installed over an 18mm minimum drained cavity;
With masonry veneer in accordance with NZS 3604, NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 for timber framed buildings, or specific engineering design for steel framed buildings; and,
Situated in NZS3604 Building Wind Zones up to, and including ‘Very High’ when used as a standalone flexible underlay, and “Extra High” when used as a flexible underlay over a rigid wall underlay.
Can be used as a non-rigid backing material for Stucco Plaster in accordance with the requirements of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 Paragraph 9.3.5.1.
The Underlay must be supported with 75mm galvanized mesh, or Thermakraft Stud Strap at 150mm centres run across cavity battens to limit deflection to a maximum of 5mm.
May also be used as a slip layer over rigid backing for Stucco Plaster in accordance with the requirements of NZBC E2/AS1 Paragraph 9.3.3(b).
Refer BRANZ Appraisal No 695 (2017) for full details.
May be used with LOSP treated timber.
Is suitable as an air barrier in unlined wall spaces.
Is suitable to be used in conjunction with thermal breaks on steel framed buildings.
Is suitable for direct fixing behind metal cladding

Meets the Performance Requirements of NZBC Clauses B2, Durability (B2.3.1 (a) 50 years, B2.3.1 (b) 15 years and B2.3.2), E2 External Moisture (E2.3.2), and F2 Hazardous Building Materials F2.3.1, providing

It is not damaged
Installed in accordance with instruction guide
Is not left exposed for more than 90 days
Installed by or under guidance of Licensed Building Practitioners
Is compatible with cladding system used

BRANZ Appraised

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