Fairhurst were appointed to provide civil and structural engineering services from RIBA Stage 2/3 up to practical completion. The project consisted of a 62,276m2 GIA distribution centre for Pets at Home, including a large warehouse unit, two hub offices, a 3-storey office, recycling unit, tote store and gatehouse. The works also included a large external yard with fuel island, wash down area, and weigh station, a staff car park with 592 spaces, and extensive SuDS features across the site.
In the early stages, this involved preliminary earthworks volume calculations, and approximate placement of larger SuDS features such as ponds and swales.
Through the planning stage, preliminary structural and foundation calculations were provided, as well as guidance on general external slab designs. In this phase, a Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy were provided in order to alleviate flood risk downstream of the site, and also integrate a SuDS system across the site. This included a large amount of permeable pavements within the car park, geocellular attenuation, swales, detention basins, and a small bioretention area.
Fairhurst then updated these designs to construction suitability, including providing full drainage layouts and details for onsite and offsite works, external yard plans and details, foundation designs, as well as liaising with other disciplines and providing guidance to the main contractor.
