Sustainable urban drainage and level strategies were top of the agenda this week, as the Shape Engineering team were welcomed to the Daresbury Residential Development by Paul Winrow of Castle Green Homes.
Led by Nick McGorry, Director at Shape Engineering and Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Mentor, the visit provided a valuable opportunity for engineers to see first-hand the practical application of design principles on a live residential site.
“Site visits like this are invaluable for our engineers,” said Nick McGorry. “They bridge the gap between design and construction, allowing our team to understand how design decisions translate on the ground and how engineering challenges are resolved in real time.”
The visit came at an ideal time, allowing engineers to observe a concrete pour for the final foundations of the current phase and to gain insight into the construction sequencing and coordination required on a complex site.
The team were also able to view the adoptable Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) basin, which is already taking #Shape and beginning to attract local wildlife. The project showcases an impressive combination of retaining wall design and earthworks engineering to manage gradients of around 8% across the site, including cuttings up to 7 metres into bedrock, demonstrating the innovative civil engineering solutions required to make a steep and challenging site both functional and attractive.
The Daresbury development continues to be a popular residential location within the North West, reflecting the quality of design and collaboration between Castle Green Homes and the project’s engineering and design teams.
Shape Engineering would like to thank Paul Winrow for taking the time to guide the team through the site and share detailed insights into the challenges faced during construction and how these have shaped design decisions throughout the project.
