Expert Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineers in Warwick

Badger’s Sett at National Trust’s Calke AbbeynnHeritage National Trust Sitenn• Shortlisted for 2019 IStructE Midland Counties Awardsn• Unique geometryn• Bespoke analysisn• Complex ConstructionnnGCA were challenged to deliver a complex, unique and exciting project for the National Trust at their Calke Abbey site in Derbyshire. The Trust wished to construct a nhuman-sized Badger Sett play facility, to serve as an attraction to young visitors within the new Calke Abbey Outdoor Hub. nnGCA were brought to the project as a firm of Structural Engineers with the necessary enthusiasm, drive and technical skill to deliver the design intent within a very nchallenging budget.nnThe Sett comprises three hemispherical chambers with interconnecting tunnels and three entrances leading to outdoor paths on the perimeter. The structure is nconstructed from reinforced concrete and is fully buried underground.nnGCA led initial discussions between the client, Architect and contractor to establish a suitable method of safe construction. A wide range of options were considered, nand a shotcreting system was eventually selected. GCA worked closely with the National Trust, the Architect, the main contractor and sub-contractors in the early stages to develop the brief and provide concept solutions and during the design to produce a methodology that would meet the aesthetical and structural requirements of the brief at the target cost.nn© National Trust Images/Photographer...