More than an aquarium, the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) in Sarasota, Florida, is also a science education and marine research center. Opened to the public in October 2025, the facility uses Penetron crystalline technology to waterproof its below-grade concrete structures.

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Situated on a 12-acre site within Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, the Mote SEA campus features state-of-the-art STEM teaching labs for biomedical science, microbiology and immunology; marine and coastal ecology; and ocean engineering, AI technology, robotics, and sensor development. These labs provide hands-on learning opportunities for more than 70,000 K–12 students each year from Sarasota and Manatee County schools, as well as schools in nearby counties.

"The new aquarium enables Mote to offer a broader range of public education programs to a much larger audience from around the world," says Darrin Vogeli, Account Manager for Penetron USA. "The facility also supports significant marine science research and conservation initiatives."

Concrete is widely used worldwide as a primary construction material for aquariums. However, reinforced concrete structures exposed to marine environments, such as those at Mote SEA, face an increased risk of reduced service life due to deterioration caused by waterborne chlorides penetrating the concrete. This exposure leaves embedded reinforcing steel susceptible to corrosion and expansive cracking, which can lead to premature deterioration and, ultimately, structural failure.

"These adverse effects are minimized by reducing concrete permeability, which helps keep aggressive chemicals out, slows the leaching of soluble materials such as lime, and limits carbonation, thereby protecting the reinforcing steel from corrosion," adds Darrin Vogeli.

During the planning phase, architects Cambridge Seven and TVS Design prioritized the specification of a proven concrete waterproofing solution. Based on its successful use in numerous aquarium and coastal projects across Florida, Argos, the project's ready-mix concrete supplier, added PENETRON ADMIX SB, a crystalline waterproofing admixture supplied in premeasured soluble bags, to the concrete mix for the holding tanks, below-grade concrete structures, and elevator pits in the 146,000-ft² (13,563-m²) facility. PENEBAR SW-55 swellable waterstop strips were also used to permanently seal the construction joints.

"Because Penetron technology produces an integral crystalline formation, the treated concrete structures at Mote SEA are expected to provide substantially longer service life than conventional untreated concrete," concludes Darrin Vogeli

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs, and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup.

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SOURCE The Penetron Group