June 2023
Update on Phase Two Foundations
Following the discovery of issues with the design of some of the foundations of the first homes under construction on Phase Two at Darwin Green, Barratt David Wilson appointed a second independent engineer to conduct a further review of the foundation designs at Phase One in order to provide added reassurance for homeowners.
Simpson TWS reviewed the differences between the foundation and ground floor details of Phase One, and affected plots on Phase Two, and also reviewed the first independent report from Cundall.
The conclusion of the Simpson TWS report states that:
- The foundation strategy, depths and heave protection measures at Phase One are appropriate based on the ground conditions recorded in the ground investigation reports and comply with the necessary guidance.
- The adoption of a fully suspended floor system with 300mm sub floor void is considered appropriate to minimise the risk of potential heave of the underlying clay soils.
- Building control inspection logs indicate that regular on-site review of formation depths was undertaken to all plots on Phase One to ensure foundations were installed in accordance with the technical design and drawings.
- Simpson TWS agrees with the conclusions made in the Cundall report.
You can read their full report, and the latest letter to residents, below.
Darwin Green – Foundation Design Peer Review, BDW1 (PDF)
Darwin Green – 2nd letter to residents (PDF)
Barratt continue to work closely with the Council to design a demolition process which has as little impact on existing residents and the wider environment and community as possible, and we will provide updates throughout the process.