Albert Tower, Melbourne
Albert Tower is a visually arresting 27-storey residential tower located in Melbourne’s vibrant Southbank precinct, offering sweeping views of Albert Park Lake and the city skyline. Designed by acclaimed Australian firm Rothelowman Architects, the building is instantly recognisable for its bold façade.
The architects and builders needed an innovative solution to protect the concrete structure and colour of the two coloured concrete blocks in the beehive shape. To prevent efflorescence, determination from pollution and harsh weather, they turned to Tech-Dry.
Urban Exposure Meets Material Vulnerability
While precast concrete is celebrated for its strength and versatility, it remains susceptible to environmental degradation, especially in exposed vertical applications. For Albert Tower, the design and construction teams faced a series of interrelated challenges that threatened both the building’s appearance and structural longevity:
- Efflorescence & Surface Staining: Migrating mineral salts can leave unsightly white streaks, compromising the façade’s visual clarity and architectural intent.
- Moisture Ingress: Water penetration risks internal cracking, corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement, and long-term structural deterioration.
- Colour Preservation: The stark contrast between black and white panels required protection from airborne pollutants and biological growth.
- Material Compatibility: Any protective treatment had to bond seamlessly with precast concrete without altering its texture, sheen, or tactile qualities.
Tech-Dry’s Solution: Breathable, Invisible Concrete Protection
To address these challenges, Tech-Dry supplied two advanced water-repellent sealers specifically formulated for high-performance concrete protection in architectural applications:
Protectacrete: A silane/siloxane-based penetrating sealer designed for masonry and concrete surfaces. It forms a hydrophobic barrier that repels water while allowing vapour to escape, preventing internal moisture buildup and efflorescence.
Protectasilane: A deeper-penetrating silane treatment that enhances resistance to moisture ingress, staining, and freeze-thaw cycles. Its molecular structure bonds within the concrete matrix, offering long-term durability without forming a surface film.
Both products were applied across Albert Tower’s external façade, creating a breathable, invisible shield that protects against water, pollution, and environmental stressors. Crucially, the sealers preserved the façade’s bold black-and-white contrast and crisp geometry—ensuring the architectural vision remained intact while safeguarding the building’s structural health.
A Decade of Proven Performance
More than ten years after application, Albert Tower’s façade continues to perform exceptionally well, validating the effectiveness of Tech-Dry’s concrete protection systems. Key outcomes include:
- No visible staining or efflorescence
- Reduced maintenance frequency and lifecycle costs
- Preserved colour contrast and architectural clarity
- Maintained substrate integrity despite Melbourne’s variable climate
Albert Tower illustrates a considered approach to façade protection, where invisible treatments support enduring architectural performance.
Key Benefits of Tech-Dry Sealers
Tech-Dry’s concrete protection technologies are trusted across Australia for their technical reliability, aesthetic sensitivity, and long-term performance. Whether you’re designing a new high-rise, restoring a heritage façade, or managing an existing asset, Tech-Dry offers tailored solutions that balance science, sustainability, and architectural vision.
- Deep Substrate Penetration: Long-lasting protection from within the concrete matrix.
- UV-Stable, Non-Yellowing Finish: Ideal for exposed façades and decorative concrete.
- Material Versatility: Compatible with precast and decorative concrete applications.
- Proven Durability: Validated across residential, commercial, and heritage projects.
Ready to Protect Your Next Project?
Explore Protectacrete and Protectasilane, or contact Tech-Dry for technical specifications, and application guidance.