Challenge

SDS provided a new sustainable drainage system (SuDS) for the new headquarters for Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) in Milton Keynes.

Construction of this landmark building commenced in 2013, with the offices officially opened on 11 March 2015.

The 4-storey building, which was shortlisted for a BCO Award, is constructed to BREEAM Grade A ‘Excellent’ standard. It is equipped with 82 roof-mounted solar panels, producing 40,000kW per year, and multiple charge points for use with electric vehicles.

Inside, the building provides 100,000 square feet of office space, along with a staff restaurant, coffee shop and conference centre. Outside, the staff car park and bicycle storage facility are supplemented by green space designed to complement the style of the building.

The new SuDS system was required to ensure that the site remains free of flooding from prolonged, extensive rainfall, which is anticipated to become more frequent and intense in line with climate change.

Solution

SDS was engaged to supply every aspect of the drainage system (with the sole exception of the manholes).

SDS installed over 2,500m2 of permeable block paving, two GEOlight® tanks, channel drainage and nine vortex flow controls.

The drainage system can handle surface water from a 1 in 100 year storm, with an additional allowance of 30% for climate change.

Outcome

SDS embraced the invitation to design a surface water drainage system that would complement the client’s requirements for a high-quality sustainable development.

SDS was able to deliver substantial cost savings through value-engineering the design of this installation.

Sean O’Connor, Site Manager, VINCI Construction, commented: “Having reviewed our requirements, SDS took the initiative to design and value engineer a bespoke system, enabling us to pass on significant savings to our client. Their innovative design involved several stages of surface water treatment and was crucial to securing planning approval from the Council and the Environment Agency”.