In 2017, tile and stone protection experts Schlüter-Systems were involved in the stunning renovation of the award-winning Adare Manor, the luxury 5-star hotel and golf resort situated in County Limerick, Ireland.
Set in 840 acres of grounds, Adare Manor undertook an extensive 18-month-long renovation, adding 40 new bedrooms to this 19th century neo-gothic masterpiece; as well as a host of new facilities including a swimming pool, boardroom, cinema, spa, and 350-capacity ballroom.
The refurbishment project set out to preserve Adare Manor’s original charm, while also modernising for comfort and longevity.
Originally brought into the project to offer a waterproofing solution for the shower areas, Schlüter was given the opportunity to get more heavily involved along the way due to the advice and products suggested, making them an integral part by the time the project came to a close.
Some of Schlüter’s flagship products were used in the extensive project, including the underfloor heating system Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E and sound matting Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND, along with the Schlüter®-KERDI-200 waterproofing systems. Pairing these trusted system solutions with the expert technical knowledge supplied ensured that the finished manor was impressive in both style and substance.
An alternative approach
The initial flooring specification put forward proposed the use of products from at least four different manufacturers. When getting involved at the early stage for waterproofing options, the Schlüter team presented an alternative that would simplify this process considerably.
They did this by stripping back the underfloor heating, uncoupling and waterproofing provision from four layers to one, using the electric underfloor heating system, DITRA-HEAT-E, saving both installation time and money.
Keeping floor build up low
Originally, the plan was to use an underfloor heating mat, smoothing compound, a layer of flexible adhesive followed by Schlüter®-DITRA 25 uncoupling mat. With these elements combined, there would be a total of 19.5 mm of build-up.
With DITRA-HEAT-E standing at 5.5 mm thick yet offering the same level of functionality, it became the perfect substitute. It was laid onto a 1 mm bed of flexible adhesive, taking the build up from 19.5 mm to just 6.5 mm. The uncoupling matting offers a unique studded design so the cable can easily be pressed in. This naturally eliminates the need for tape or glue.
Sound reduction
Schlüter exchanged the proposed matting of 10 mm thickness for Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND matting which is only 3.5 mm thickness, saving 65% of build-up for acoustic reduction measures.
DITRA-SOUND is a bonded impact sound insulation for tile coverings, made of a heavy polyethylene mat, which has an anchoring fleece laminated on both sides to bond with the tile adhesive.
This offered the same dB rating as that in the original proposal and could be installed using a standard polymer modified adhesive, rather than a two-part elastomeric adhesive.
Waterproofing for walls
As well as the flooring specification detailed above, Schlüter provided a full waterproofing solution for walls to prevent water ingress.
This ensured that the building fabric and covering material were preserved, an absolute must when renovating a historical building. The system was also used in the new Golf Clubhouse and spa area.
A full waterproofing system was installed using Schlüter®-KERDI-200 waterproofing membrane, Schlüter®-KERDI-KEBA sealing band and Schlüter®-KERDI-COLL-L adhesive. With these products all working cohesively together, there was reassurance that the waterproofing would be reliable and long-lasting.
Single source solution
By providing a system approach, Schlüter offered a solution that cut the need for multiple products from different manufacturers.
This simplifies things like warranties and makes it easier for future contact in case any issues arise. It is also imperative for peace of mind to know that the products have been created to work best when used as a system.
Schlüter is incredibly proud to have been part of such a prestigious project both in terms of providing expert advice and trustworthy products.
From the initial discussion at the very beginning to then specifying many different elements of the restoration, their involvement has played a key role in preserving the unique character of the manor, whilst also giving it a new lease of life for many years to come.
Schlüter-Systems Ltd
Units 3-5 Bardon 22,
Beveridge Lane, Coalville,
Leicestershire, LE67 1TE
T: 01530 813396
E: specification@schluter.co.uk
W: www.schluterspecifier.co.uk
