The Yacht Hotel opened in January 2020 and is the newest beach hotel in the popular resort city of Vlorë, Albania. The hotel’s concrete structures are protected from chloride attack – and resulting corrosion – by the Penetron System. The system’s formula reacts with concrete components to produce a waterproof, integral crystalline formation.
The former Albanian capital and country’s third largest city, Vlorë sits on a bay that marks the border between the Adriatic and the Ionian seas. A popular resort area known for its clear waters and brilliant sand beaches, Vlorë enjoys over 300 sunny days a year.
Designed by Klodian Burgjia of Arkonik Studio, the Yacht Hotel in Vlorë features a distinctive modernist style. It also has alternating horizontal ribbons of concrete and glass and a rooftop pool with views of the Adriatic Sea a mere 50m away. The US$2.2 million project features 21-rooms, a restaurant, private parking, a bar and also a private beach area. The 4-star luxury hotel is the newest hotel in Vlorë. It is set to reopen summer of 2020 after ceasing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we expected, a construction site this close to the seashore had a high-water table,” explains Theodor Mentzikofakis, Managing Director & Partner of Penetron Hellas. “The engineer at Ad Sinani and the project contractor/developer, asked Penetron Hellas to provide a comprehensive solution. They wanted to protect all the hotel’s concrete structures from corrosion.”
The balmy marine environment found at Vlorë is great for beach-loving tourists. However, it poses a serious threat to untreated concrete structures. Because of the proximity to seawater, it favors chloride ion ingress into porous concrete. This can then quickly lead to corrosion of the embedded non-galvanized reinforcement steel in the concrete. It often results in increased maintenance and eventually, the possible failure of the structure.
Integral waterproofing solution
The integral waterproofing solution provided by the Penetron System significantly improves concrete durability and reduces permeability. This added protection also helps eliminate the threat of rebar corrosion that can seriously compromise and deteriorate the concrete matrix.
Penetron Hellas specified the full range of the Penetron System for the hotel’s basement structures and rooftop pool. Beton Vlora was the ready-mix supplier for the Yacht Hotel project. The company utilized Penetron Admix for the both foundation slab and walls of the hotel’s basement structures and for the rooftop pool. They used Penebar SW-45 waterstop to seal the construction joints. Topical applications of Penetron and Penecrete Mortar were carried out on all exposed concrete surface repairs.
“Last but not least, the ease of application of the Penetron System moved the construction schedule along quickly,” adds Theodor Mentzikofakis. “Once the summer season begins in Albania, it will be smooth sailing for the Yacht Hotel.”
About The Penetron Group
The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and also floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network. They also offer support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.
