The proposed new boat house for Cambridge University Boat Club has recently reached a major milestone with the submission of a formal planning application to East Cambridgeshire District Council. Smith and Wallwork were heavily involved in the submission responsible for both the Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and Transport Statement alongside the provision of structural engineering services.

The site is located to the East of Ely in Cambridgeshire within the functional floodplain (EA Food Zone 3) and therefore a comprehensive FRA was required to establish the cause and severity of the various sources of flooding. Smith and Wallwork developed a digital terrain model of the site pre and post development to ensure displaced flood waters would not impact detrimentally on the surrounding area. This led to the requirement for a new wetland compensation area which has been used to compliment the SSSI located on the opposing side of the River Great Ouse and thereby reduce the ecological impact. The building itself has been designed as flood resilient construction, allowing water to enter the ground floor boat storage areas and reduce the volume of flood mitigation required.

A sustainable drainage system (SuDS) approach has been used for surface water management incorporating rainwater harvesting, pervious paving, swales, detention basins and reed beds.

Meanwhile on other projects we have been busy preparing foundations loads for a large solid timber school in Stockholm and working on the final presentation for our shortlisting of the London Flitched competition.