Worcester Library & Historic Centre (The Hive)

The project involved developing a fully integrated public & university library, which was the first of its kind in the UK. With its distinctive gold coloured cladding & unique roof profile the building also became one of the world’s most sustainable buildings with a 50% reduction in carbon emissions, which helped it scoop the prestigious ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ in the Building Awards 2013. 

The basement level, which is in close proximity to the River Severn’s 100 year flood level holds the countries archive stores, with seven climate controlled storage rooms holding more than 26,000 records. 

When there is a concrete thickness of 250 mm, Xypex Admix automatically produces a Grade 4 (BS:8102) ‘archive level’ of protection. For this reason Xypex Admix was the chosen waterproofing solution for all the archive areas in the structure. In addition Xypex Admix was used to waterproof the basement slabs, walls and podium deck. 

To ensure complete integrity at the joints, Hydroswell Bentostrip was applied in conjunction with a slurry coat of Xypex Concentrate applied to the full width of the concrete joints, so sealing the joints for the entire thickness of the concrete to protect the reinforcing steel from potential degradation.