Maritime Museum, Hull
The Challenge
This £12m Heritage Lottery funded refurbishment project to transform Hull’s Grade II* listed Maritime Museum would require extensive remodelling to convert it from the existing single floor museum to a larger three-storey museum with a central light well and access to the roof top dome with a panoramic view across the city. As part of the project the brick walls of the subterranean basement would be lined with a cavity wall membrane system to control moisture movement and water ingress. This would then be finished with a suitable plaster to provide thermal insulation, eliminate damp, mould and add salt resistance. The basement will be used to store important artifacts, museum pieces and provide staff quarters, so it was vital that they were protected from condensation and salt transfer from the walls. Given the location of the building adjacent the old Princes Quay and below the water line, preventing salt and water penetration would be crucial.
Our Solution
After discussions with the client, Limelite Whitewall One Coat Plaster was chosen for the interior finish of the basement to be used with the damp proof cavity wall membrane system. Limelite Whitewall One Coat Plaster is a breathable moisture resistant, one coat plaster that is applied like a standard backing plaster but gives the finish and durability of a first-class finishing plaster. The moisture resistance of the plaster makes it ideal for use with cavity drain membrane systems and tanking systems in underground and humid environments, such as basements, leisure centres and underground rail stations. The tough, impact resistant finish would also help protect the walls from accidental damage when items were moved in and out of storage.
Results and benefits
Around 1000 bags of Limelite Whitewall One Coat Plaster were supplied to Newton Waterproofing to use on this project. The fast, one-coat application helped the contractor to work quickly to the time allocated within the build programme. The plasterers working on the site were able to achieve an excellent finish to help achieve the aesthetic vision of the architect and match the existing character of the building. The cement free one coat plaster provided a product to match the existing fabric of the building and provide a longterm solution. The contractor was happy with the way the product performed when specified as part of their waterproofing system: “Whitewall was chosen as it was specified by Newton Waterproofing Systems as the most appropriate product for the job.” Ben Longman, Sales Manager, Newton Waterproofing Systems.
