Eco-Friendly Drainage Solution for Dalkeith Social Housing Project
20%
Day Reduction in Programme
60%
Fewer Delivery Vehicles
15
Tons Concrete per Manhole
Efficient Drainage Innovation: Aquaspira’s Success at Morris Road Housing Project
Aquaspira has successfully implemented an innovative sustainable drainage strategy aimed at reducing excavation by 315 cubic metres and saving approximately 20 days of construction time at a new housing project in Dalkeith. This project, located at Morris Road in Newtongrange, consists of 79 energy-efficient homes and cottage flats, aligning with Midlothian Council’s Local Housing Strategy to provide high-priority, cost-efficient housing solutions to the community.
Challenge
Cruden Building, the developer responsible for the project, originally specified the use of seven concrete manholes, each requiring a four-meter-wide excavation. The challenge was to find a more efficient and environmentally friendly drainage solution that could reduce construction time, excavation volume, and associated costs while aligning with the council’s sustainability goals.
Solution
Aquaspira’s innovative and environmentally conscious solution included:
- Compact Steel Reinforced Push-Fit Solution: Replacing concrete manholes with a strong, compact steel-reinforced push-fit solution significantly reduced excavation requirements and allowed for a more efficient and streamlined construction process.
- Reduction in Vehicle Movements: The new drainage solution reduced the number of vehicle movements to the construction site by 60%, minimising environmental impact and congestion.
- Efficient Installation: Aquaspira’s access units reduced the installation time for each manhole from an average of four days to approximately one hour, resulting in significant cost and timing savings.
- Maximised Land Utilisation: Stormwater storage was efficiently located beneath estate roads, maximising land utilisation and reducing the need for additional land take.
- Use of Large Diameter Pipes with Access Units: Large diameter pipes with access units were used as an alternative to concrete, simplifying the construction process while maintaining structural integrity.
Outcome
The implementation of Aquaspira’s eco-friendly drainage solution delivered several key benefits:
- Reduced excavation volume and construction time, saving approximately 20 days of work.
- A significant reduction in vehicle movements to the site, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Simplified and safer installation processes, resulting in cost savings.
- Maximisation of land utilisation for stormwater storage.
- Alignment with Midlothian Council’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2030.
Aquaspira’s dedication to low carbon construction solutions extends beyond this project. The company has invested in research and development, incorporating recycled materials into its products and using solar power in the manufacturing process. Collaboration with the University of Birmingham on digital twin technology and the use of recycled materials for backfill further demonstrates Aquaspira’s commitment to reducing carbon usage in the construction sector and contributing to government de-carbonisation targets.
Aquaspira’s lightweight composite pipe reduces vehicle movements and fuel consumption, particularly valuable in the context of the current haulage driver shortage. These innovations benefit utility companies, housebuilders, and the wider infrastructure and construction sectors, helping to reduce their environmental impact.
This project demonstrates how innovative construction techniques can contribute to making developments more sustainable and are in line with the council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 as outlined in our Climate Change Strategy.
Stephen Curran
Cabinet Member for Housing | Midlothian Council
