SUMMARY

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Museum is located at Torpedo Bay in Devonport Auckland. Sections of the museum trace back to the 1800s, marking the Navy's presence in Devonport since Auckland was settled.  The Loaded Mine Store restoration commenced in 2019 and completed in 2021.

THE PROJECT

Part of the new restored space formed the New Learning Area (before and after shots below).  This space had been leaking for decades as it is partially set into the adjacent Maunga (mountain) ‘Maungauika’ (North Head).  This presented a major problem for the museum staff and the space was often closed with dehumidifiers running constantly (to little effect).  During rain, the space leaked rapidly and would continue to leak for a long duration post the rain event.  Internal fittings, fixtures and carpets were damaged and needed repair or replacement.

THE SPECIFICATION

Newton approved installer Dave Edwards of Waterproofing Solutions approached the RNZN and inspected the space.  As a listed building of historical significance, the design had to be sympathetic to the structure and offer a reversable solution. Waterproofing Solutions liaised with Petar Milivojevic of GD Woodhead Architects and the Newton System 500 was chosen.  The design did not require a full installation of the entire room as the points of water ingress were identified and therefore a targeted waterproofing solution was designed and installed.

Waterproofing Solutions installed the Newton System 500 membrane to the affected vaulted ceiling and walls, and created a purpose designed drainage system during Aug/Sep 2022.  The system was sympathetic to the renovated space.

THE RESULT

Since the installation Auckland has experienced its wettest year on record, including the record volumes of rain associated with the 27 Jan 2023 flood event followed closely by Cyclone Gabriel.  The Newton system performed perfectly throughout and the space is remained dry and habitable.  Museum staff are delighted with the result.  Newton System 500 provided the ONLY practical and viable solution to this long standing and seemingly insurmountable problem, while satisfying the Heritage requirements of the space. The solution was also extremely cost effective.