The Donelson Branch Public Library, Nashville’s newest library, opened its doors in June 2024, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of the Donelson Plaza town center. Located about 6 miles east of downtown Nashville and just 3 miles from Nashville International Airport, the library stands as the crown jewel of the rejuvenated neighborhood center, which is undergoing a transformative mixed-use redevelopment. The new library, designed by Hastings Architecture, features a sleek mid-century style across its two floors, encompassing 25,000 square feet. It also boasts a two-story parking deck, primarily situated beneath the building.
Inside, the library offers a versatile multi-purpose room for community events, a creative area for children, a teen room, private study rooms, and ample seating and study spaces. The exterior enhances the community space with outdoor seating, bike racks, and a spacious public lawn. Sustainable features, such as solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and electric vehicle charging stations, are part of the library’s bid for LEED Gold certification.
Given the high groundwater levels at the construction site, Messer Construction, the general contractor, enlisted Penetron to ensure a durable concrete mix with minimal permeability. Consequently, PENETRON ADMIX was utilized to waterproof all below-grade concrete structures, ensuring long-lasting protection.
“Adding PENETRON ADMIX effectively converts concrete into the waterproofing element with built-in self-healing capabilities to automatically repair microcracks,” explains Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. When PENETRON ADMIX is added to concrete during the batching phase, its proprietary chemicals react with moisture to form a non-soluble crystalline structure within the concrete’s pores and capillary tracts. This crystalline formation permanently seals micro-cracks, pores, and capillaries, effectively preventing water or liquids from penetrating the concrete from any direction.
“Thanks to Penetron’s crystalline concrete waterproof technology, the enhanced durability of the below-grade concrete structures will ensure a substantially longer service life for the Donelson Branch Library,” concludes Christopher Chen. The Penetron Group is a top manufacturer specializing in concrete waterproofing, concrete repair, and floor preparation systems. With a global network of regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels, the Group provides comprehensive support to the design and construction community worldwide.
