Burren Meadows, Newcastle

The initial requirement was for 144 homes of various sizes. Significant savings were made and 11 additional homes were constructed within budget. The scheme included general needs housing and a few bespoke dwellings for vulnerable people.

Drainage infrastructure in the area had insufficient capacity for this large development. T&B worked closely with NI Water to design oversized storm drainage with provision against buoyancy, soakaways in each dwelling and three pumping stations to maintain site discharge at greenfield run-off rates. Foul and storm drainage was designed for connection to the local system once local upgrades were completed.

Because of soft ground, buildings were constructed on piled foundations with reinforced concrete pile caps and ground beams to T&B specifications. Road levels across the site and the house levels were raised to provide flood protection. The substructures were precast to benefit from off-site construction. Gas membranes and under-floor venting was designed to deal with potential for radon and methane.

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