Leading paving supplier Brett Landscaping has been selected to provide permeable paving for driveways and carriageways across a significant and much anticipated social housing project in Kingston-Upon-Hull – an area where the use of building materials that support flood prevention is critical.
The new development at Riverside, North Bransholme comprises 43 properties on reclaimed land for social rent. Commissioned by Riverside Housing Association, the complex project united the Homes and Communities Agency with Hull City Council, primary contractor Mansell Construction and engineers Curtins Consulting Ltd.
Given the high risk of flooding, the development required an appropriate solution that would fulfil the drainage needs of the area and meet with the approval of project engineers, Curtins Leeds, as well as the development control division of Hull Council.
Mansell Construction spoke to two paving suppliers and was given two very different options. Where one company proposed an immediate solution, Brett Landscaping advised that compliance with Interpave and British Standard regulations necessitated a full engineering assessment. This was conducted utilising the company’s PermCalc permeable pavement design tool to provide the optimum design based upon detailed data on the composition of the ground.
Having worked with Brett on a number of projects in the past, Rick Shepherd, Project Manager at Mansell, supported the latter view and specified Brett Landscaping.
“Selecting a sustainable urban drainage system was essential to the project because of Hull’s location in a high-risk flooding area. Brett’s comprehension of what was involved in the task was evident from the beginning, in favouring detailed engineering research and guidance over a ‘quick fix’ approach.”
Jamie Gledhill, Senior Sales Manager at Brett confirmed the importance of accuracy in specifying the appropriate materials: “We are staunch believers in following the regulations for design on sub-base construction, and we felt that the Riverside housing project needed to be carefully and thoroughly researched before deciding on the best approach.”
PermCalc is Brett Landscaping’s integrated design and costing software for permeable paving, which analyses the proposed site based on structural and hydraulic data including average rainfall, the type of vehicle load the paving must withstand and any known pollutants that will impact upon water quality.
As a result, Brett was able to provide Mansell with a detailed breakdown of the project’s paving requirements, as well as costed recommendations. “Brett Landscaping based its solution on the long-term durability of the site, the aesthetics of the housing development and the available budget, to deliver permeable paving that not only met but exceeded the brief,” confirms Rick Shepherd.dge
Brett has supplied permeable Omega Flow paving in two variants. The central paving areas have been supplied in 80mm Brindle blocks, while borders are specified in 60mm Charcoal. This design ensures that surface water run-off is directed towards the paving that offers greater permeability, as well as providing visual contrast to enhance the overall aesthetics of the development.
“Brett performed on pricing, product quality, reliable supply and technical advice to deliver a brilliant result. In addition, the Highways Inspector has been very pleased with the product’s technical suitability, and its overall aesthetic appeal,” concludes Rick Shepherd.
“We can honestly say we’ve had nothing but superb service from Brett throughout the project and the finished hard landscaping looks absolutely terrific.”