Projects / 3/11/2024

Etnapolis Shopping Centre

This complex designed by Massimiliano Fuksas needed a complete overhaul of the roof-top carpark

The Etnapolis shopping center underwent renovation works in 2018-2019, focusing on its rooftop carpark due to water infiltration issues. A waterproofing system, including PURTOP polyurea membrane, was applied, followed by MAPECOAT PU 20 N for final protection.

Renovation of Etnapolis Shopping Center

Built in the Sicilian town of Belpasso (Province of Catania, Italy) in 2005, the Etnapolis shopping centre was designed by Studio Fuksas design firm. In the shopping centre there are 130 outlets and a hypermarket, 30 restaurants and bars, a cinema with 12 screens and parking for more than 5,600 cars. In terms of size – it is more than 1 km long and extends over an area of around 100,000 m2 – it is the fifth largest shopping centre in Italy.

Between 2018 and 2019 the company that manages the shopping centre decided the facility needed to be renovated,

particularly the rooftop carpark which was showing serious signs of water infiltrations.

Before commencing work, the main contractor carried out a series of pull-off tests and took core samples to verify the strength of the existing industrial floor in order to prepare the surfaces as well as possible, following which the PURTOP pure polyurea-based system was applied.

A complete waterproofing system

Renovation work on the roof open to vehicles (an area of around 46,500 m2) got under way with preparation work

of the surfaces. After preparing the substrate and levelling off the surface with MAPEGROUT LM2K cementitious mortar, the next step was to apply a coat of PRIMER SN, two-component, fillerized epoxy primer, broadcast with QUARTZ 0.5 sand.

For the areas with metalwork, it was recommended to apply a coat of PRIMER EP RUSTOP two-component epoxy primer which is especially suitable for metal surfaces. All the structural joints on the roof driven over by vehicles were treated by applying MAPEBAND TPE tape with ADESILEX PG4 adhesive and then sealed, similarly to the joints around the perimeter.

After cleaning the surface, it was sprayed with PURTOP 1000 polyurea membrane using a high pressure bi-mixer pump. Characterised by its high chemical resistance, flexibility and tear strength, this system is ideal for all types of new and existing buildings that need a high-performance waterproofing membrane.

Final protection for the system was provided by applying two coats of MAPECOAT PU 20 N, a two-component coloured aliphatic polyurethane topcoat for membranes from the PURTOP range.