24 industry news FLOATING HOMES
New joint venture submits plans for floating homes in Berkshire
story by Jack Wooler
areas liable to flooding as they are designed to float when needed. Berfield, a joint venture formed between
A
Larkfleet Group and Floodline Developments is looking to persuade planners to pursue the innovative development of ‘can-float’ homes on the edge of Theale Lake, alongside 201 standard homes. The lake, in a former quarry, offered the
opportunity to the JV to pioneer a solution to an issue which is being increasingly experienced across the UK as severe flooding events increase. The Met Office estimated that one in six
properties in England are at risk of flooding, with the number only expected to rise as the climate changes. As demand rises and space tightens, the trend to build homes on flood plains has grown. ‘Can-float’ homes propose one solution to the worsening weather. Unlike floating homes, which are permanently
submerged in water, ‘can-float’ homes instead only float as water levels rise. A waterproof con- crete substructure is combined with a buoyant basement structure, which can rise and fall with any flooding, using guide piles to limit the move- ment of the building. Floodline Developments is keen to explore the
potential of off-site construction methods to build the lightweight structure above, with the aim of making the buildings ‘future-proof ’. Believed to be the first developer-led scheme
of its type, the site will promote a healthy out- door lifestyle, including a sailing club due to be
© Broadway Malyan
planning application has been submit- ted for 24 homes in Berkshire which could provide a solution for building in
redeveloped. Three and four bedroom family homes will be designed with ample space for bicycle parking and access to the canal paths, enabling residents to walk or cycle to the local train station. The 201 conventional houses are set in a more
open area, with the joint venture constructing only half the number of houses an average devel- oper would plan for the same space, built around scenic undergrowth and mature trees. The planning process is likely to last until
September, with the houses expected to be fin- ished by 2021. Justin Meredith, managing director of
Floodline Developments, commented: “The development offers a lot more than just new homes, or even houses that are able to sit by the waters edge, actually it is demonstrating our abil- ity to offer flood alleviation and attenuation in previously difficult environments. “This is not just a one-off, it’s about enabling flood alleviation at no cost to the public.”
© Broadway Malyan
© Broadway Malyan respond online at
www.hbdonline.co.uk
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