Longbow Group chose building panels from MultiPanel during the rectification work on the damaged rooftop planter boxes installed by the original builder at an apartment building in Brighton.

The problem

The four apartments on the beach in Brighton had rooftop planter boxes built using traditional construction methods. The liquid membrane used to waterproof the planter boxes had failed, causing extensive damage to the liveable areas underneath.

The solution

Rectification works to the planter boxes where the liquid membrane had failed were undertaken by insurance builder Longbow Group.

The builder used 16mm MultiPanel building panels to completely line the inside of the planter boxes. Secondary panels were also supplied – similar to MultiPanel’s pre-formed shower bases – with fall built-in for the floor of the planter boxes.

Being 100% waterproof, MultiPanel reduced the costs of full waterproofing.

Additionally, MultiPanel’s lightweight characteristics made it easy for the builder to carry the panels up to the terrace of the building for installation.

All the above advantages enabled significant time-savings for Longbow Group along with the assurance of fail-safe protection.

Benefits delivered by MultiPanel building panels

Using liquid membranes to waterproof planter boxes can become problematic as watering of plants leads to substantial movement in the soil. Since the soil is coarse, it can potentially penetrate the liquid membrane, causing it to fail.

Being waterproof, the 16mm MultiPanel essentially provided 16mm of waterproofing to the planter boxes. Even if stones and rocks were to push against the panel and make 3-4mm dents to the surface, it would still provide a waterproof barrier unlike other traditional membranes.

100% waterproof

Being 100% waterproof, MultiPanel allowed the builder to be satisfied that the project will not rot, leak or deteriorate over time. Given the harsh high moisture environment, this was the ultimate factor in deciding on MultiPanel.

Lightweight

With MultiPanel panels weighing 9.2kg per 2400 x 1200mm sheet, the builder achieved significant OH&S advantages on the site.

Installation time

The MultiPanel system installs incredibly quickly compared to traditional methods.

Compatible finishes

As the product is compatible with such a wide variety of finishes, the job could be completed in keeping with the high standards of the building.

From the builder

“Due to the failure of the traditional construction methods implemented by the original builder, Longbow needed to source a new material so that we weren’t faced with the same issues down the track. We identified MultiPanel as the product to be used as it is the only 100% waterproof building panel on the market. From a material handling and safety perspective, being so lightweight made the product so much easier to carry up to the rooftop terraces as the 2400 x 1200 sheets weigh only 9.2kg. The speed of installation versus traditional methods also helped us exceed time expectations of the client,” said Dane Schreuders of Longbow Group.