The 30 Hudson Yards skyscraper's foundation durability is largely attributed to Kryton International's waterproofing technologies, which proved essential for a structure located in a challenging 100-year flood plain above an active rail yard. Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the project's engineering team recognized the critical need for robust waterproofing solutions to protect against water infiltration in this vulnerable location. Architects and engineers selected Kryton's Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM®) and associated technologies to address the complex underground infrastructure challenges presented by the site's unique environmental conditions.
The innovative waterproofing approach focused on key structural elements including the base slab, elevator pits, flood retention tank, and underground facilities. Kryton's technologies enable concrete to self-seal cracks and block water indefinitely, with compression sealing power that significantly exceeds conventional waterproofing methods. This advanced approach was particularly important given the building's location in an area prone to water-related structural degradation and the lessons learned from previous flood events that highlighted vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure.
Six years after completion, 30 Hudson Yards' foundation remains completely watertight—a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the long-term effectiveness of these waterproofing solutions. The building has since attracted prominent Fortune 500 tenants and achieved LEED Gold certification, achievements that underscore the success of its advanced technological infrastructure and the importance of reliable foundation systems in high-value commercial properties. The project serves as a case study in how proper waterproofing contributes to both structural integrity and commercial success in premium real estate developments.
Kevin Yuers, Kryton's Vice President for Product Development, emphasized that design excellence extends beyond visible architectural elements to include critical subterranean infrastructure. The foundation represents a masterful combination of design, materials, and skilled workmanship that ensures long-term structural sustainability. This holistic approach to construction acknowledges that what happens below ground is as important as what appears above ground in creating buildings that can withstand environmental challenges over decades of use.
The project highlights the growing importance of innovative waterproofing technologies in modern construction, particularly in challenging urban environments susceptible to environmental stressors like flooding and water infiltration. By preventing water intrusion and potential concrete corrosion, Kryton's solutions offer architects and engineers a sophisticated approach to maintaining structural integrity in locations where conventional methods might fail. As documented at https://www.kryton.com, these technologies represent a significant advancement in construction materials science that addresses one of the most persistent challenges in building durability.
As urban development continues to expand in complex geographical contexts, technologies like those demonstrated at 30 Hudson Yards will become increasingly critical in creating resilient, sustainable infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges. The success of this project illustrates how advanced waterproofing contributes to climate resilience in coastal and flood-prone urban areas, where rising sea levels and extreme weather events pose growing threats to infrastructure. The implications extend beyond individual buildings to urban planning considerations, as cities worldwide face similar challenges in protecting their built environments from water-related damage.
