Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Watertight concrete system

The crocodiles at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon have no fear of their pools running dry thanks to the Watertight concrete system suplied by Hanson Concrete. Often associated with keeping water out of structures, in this case the system has been used to keep the water in.

The £1.5 million Crocodile Swamp is the Zoo’s latest main attraction and is home to two Nile crocodiles, one saltwater and three Cuban crocodiles, who all enjoy a home from home tropical environment within the swamp. The Cuban is one of the world’s most endangered crocodiles and one of the Zoo’s missions is the conservation of wildlife in a natural looking environment – a challenge successfully taken on by Kay Elliott Architects to give an engaging and imaginative experience to the swamp’s visitors.

Structural engineers Winward Dexter specified Sika® Watertight Concrete, which is BBA certified with a 50 year track record, for the five pool enclosures within the swamp – an ideal and cost effective solution in fulfilling the design brief. Hanson Concrete supplied 200 cubic metres of watertight concrete to the project.

The construction joints were taken care of with the Sikaswell® jointing system, which consists of joint sealing profiles that expand on contact with water to seal any voids between adjoining concrete slabs.

The Crocodile Swamp has proved to be a huge attraction and apart from the crocodiles, visitors can enjoy a collection of pythons and boa constrictors and a dazzling array of tropical plants in their own enclosures within the swamp.