1. LOCKING DOWN THE LEVEES
Five years after Hurricane Katrina
water & maritime >> building & industry >> infrastructure & spatial development >> water & maritime >> building & industry >> infrastructure & spatial development
range
winter 2010
4

2. in this issue >> FOREWORD STEVE MAGENIS >>
14
Are you tired of hearing how ‘good’ companies are about not doing anything ‘bad’ to
Royal Haskoning is an independent the environment? Are you looking for a new approach to sustainability that explores
international engineering and every conceivable avenue for ways to do things better so they benefit everyone and
environmental consultancy. With 3,900 everything connected to a development – adding real value all round? Then look
special feature
employees operating in 17 countries, we no further.
hurricane katrina
visionary five years on: locking provide an extensive range of multi-
bridge down the levees disciplinary services relating to maritime, This edition of Range marks our introduction of the Cradle to Cradle® philosophy
16
water and environment, infrastructure to the UK, an inspiring concept Royal Haskoning has already adopted in the
and buildings, industry and energy, and Netherlands. Cradle to Cradle® suggests human industry and development doesn’t
transport and development. have to be bad for society if designs mimic nature and actually aspire to being ‘good’
for us. Cradle to Cradle® gives Royal Haskoning a positive agenda we can apply to
special feature
With a worldwide network of everything we do, using a model that can be incorporated into structural designs
range interview hurricane katrina five
dr ian selby, the years on: new hope in professionals and strong industry and leading to buildings with a low, or even a positive energy footprint. We believe
crown estate new orleans relationships established over two the Cradle to Cradle® model can really benefit all UK industry sectors – and want to
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centuries, our expertise and experience share its philosophy with you.
is far reaching. Respected thought
leaders within our market sectors, we are To commemorate five years on from hurricane Katrina, we provide an account of
renowned for our technical excellence, flood defence work nearing completion in New Orleans. We explore award winning
developing, designing and delivering flood alleviation in Scotland and a new SuDS design, as well as an innovative bridge
praising moray first for cambridge innovative and sustainable solutions, that design at a Cambridgeshire nature reserve that has created new habitats for rare
transform ambitions into reality. species. We provide a valuable insight into the sustainable benefits of offshore
20
flood alleviations SuDS
aggregates – a plentiful natural resource used to create the foundations for some of
If you would like to feature in Range or our most iconic buildings and vital sea defences.
comment on content, email
range.uk@royalhaskoning.com We are also extremely proud to share with you the inauguration of one of the
world’s most impressive shipyards. Located 8km off Ras Laffan in the State of Qatar,
in our opinion
its success is due to a culmination of commitment, effort and expertise.
evolving
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sustainability super sea defence
Finally a big thank you to everyone who contributed to this exciting edition of Range
which gives us the opportunity to view sustainability in a new light. In particular I
thank Dr Ian Selby of The Crown Estate, for agreeing to be our special guest.
cradle to cradle®
with suffolk maritime success in
county council qatar
Steve Magenis, Business Development Director
STOP PRESS >> Weston-super-Mare Sea Defences Scour Protection Scheme
Commended in 2010 Concrete Society Awards see page 20
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3. B-R-I-D-G-I-N-G for construction of the bridge
and habitat creation. Work
Benefiting communities
The bridge forms a major
Chris Soans, Property Operations
Manager for Wicken Fen, said:
needed to ensure construction
of the bridge had minimal
WICKEN FEN’S
encompassed environmental link in the Lodes Way, a “The absence of a crossing impact on the environment
scoping, flood risk assessment, 14.5km virtually traffic-free over Reach Lode had previously and used sustainable
geotechnical engineering and greenway which forms part of restricted access to this area of processes. Engineering
quantity surveying. As well a National Cycleway. The new countryside but now thousands clay was required for the
100 YEAR VISION
as preliminary and detailed route improves links between of visitors are expected to construction of sloped ramps
designs for the bridge, communities and enhances enjoy this part of the Vision at either end of the bridge.
approach embankments, and access to the countryside for lands each year. As well as This was already available
2km cycle-way, it included locals and visitors. The Lodes enabling effective conservation naturally on site, which helped
procurement and managed Way is being developed in management, construction of reduce construction traffic.
One of the most important wetlands in Europe, construction works. partnership with Sustrans, using the bridge has created many new Depressions formed by the
part of a £50m Big Lottery Fund local cycling and walking routes, excavations filled naturally
the Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, on the grant to develop new cycling providing sustainable travel to form shallow ponds to
and walking routes throughout options to benefit individuals, create new wildlife habitats.
outskirts of Cambridge in the east of England, has the UK. while minimising environmental The bridge was designed to
impact.” complement the landscape
been owned and managed by the National Trust and an elegant design was
Sustainable solutions – chosen using natural materials.
since 1899. Wicken Fen is one of the few remaining creating new habitats Essential steelwork was
David Bone, Senior Consultant finished in silvery-grey to blend
fragments of fenland wilderness in East Anglia and at Royal Haskoning, said: “We in as it oxidizes over time.
home to over eight thousand species of plants and For a full account of this project
go to: www.royalhaskoning.co.uk
animals, many of them rare and endangered.
David Bone
d.bone@royalhaskoning.com
Now a major National Trust anticipates transformation of
scheme is underway to the area could take 100 years.
dramatically extend the
reserve. The Wicken Fen Vision, Benefiting wildlife
the largest conservation The area is traversed by six
project of its kind in lowland ‘lodes’ – manmade waterways
England, will lead to the that connect fen edge villages
creation of a landscape scale to the River Cam. Integral to
nature reserve covering an the creation and success of
area of approximately 53km2 the Wicken Fen Vision, a 38m
between Cambridge and bridge has been constructed
Wicken Fen. The Vision will see over Reach Lode, so the
the restoration and creation National Trust can manage
of new wildlife habitats whilst new wildlife habitats more
providing a ‘green lung’, a vast effectively and improve
area of countryside for public public access.
access and recreation.
Royal Haskoning was
Not expected to complete commissioned in 2008 to
overnight – the National Trust provide advice and services
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4. SEABED SUPPLIES SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
“
The Crown Estate has partnered with Royal Haskoning coastal defences and businesses and government transportation which will limit believes that marine aggregates
reclamation, and everyday to make extracting and carbon impact. have a bright future.
for more than 20 years to provide licenses for companies products such as concrete distributing aggregate more Royal Haskoning has worked with The
paving and kerbs.” efficient and sustainable. “Sustainability will also be “For example The Crown Estate
Crown Estate for 20 years to manage
to dredge from UK seas, and to establish commercial improved by replacing the has licensed areas of the seabed
The Crown Estate has a “Around 15 dredging companies ships used for dredging, many to companies to set up offshore its aggregate portfolio and provide
strategies for the marine aggregate industry. Range key role in the marine were issued licenses in 1989 of which are now more than wind farms. Marine aggregate
aggregate industry, which on 25-year terms, which will 20 years old. Updated designs is ideally located to contribute specialist expertise. Its consultants are
invited Dr Ian Selby, The Crown Estate’s Marine Minerals dredges 20 million tonnes expire in 2014. Renewing and technologically advanced to associated port development highly regarded and have provided
and Dredging Manager, to give an insight into his
role, how marine aggregate will become increasingly
sustainable and his vision for the future of the industry.
a year from UK seas. The
Crown Estate owns the
mineral rights to the
UK seabed and issues
licences for commercial
aggregate extraction after
these licenses provides
an opportunity to work
strategically with companies
to develop and maintain their
dredging sites.
equipment will improve energy
efficiency and carbon emissions
by a third or more.”
Formed where ancient river
tides met the sea thousands of
and gravity-based wind
turbines. I believe the demand
for marine sand and gravel will
continue into the future.”
To read the full article go to
“
“
invaluable advice both technically and
commercially to benefit the company
and its clients, as well as to protect the
companies receive dredging “We also foresee improvements years ago, marine aggregate www.royalhaskoning.co.uk marine environment.
consent from the Marine in distribution, perhaps by is naturally a sustainable
With more than 20 years “Aggregates are often seen Management Organisation, the construction of larger resource. It is good quality, For more information go to DR IAN SELBY, THE CROWN ESTATE’S MARINE
working in the sphere of as dirty and uninteresting which ensures there wharfs, which will enable requiring no intensive washing www.thecrownestate.co.uk MINERALS AND DREDGING MANAGER
marine geology, Dr Ian Selby, but they are necessary for the are no unacceptable more efficient distribution of and minimal crushing. It is an
Marine Minerals and Dredging economic functioning of the environmental impacts. aggregate using smaller ships efficient, economical source for John Bingham
Manager for The Crown country. Marine aggregates are or rail links. This will be more concrete, coastal defences and j.bingham@royalhaskoning.com
Estate, is still fascinated by a ‘hidden’ industry as dredging Nearly two years into his sustainable, and reduce road reclamation, and the volumes
the sea’s hidden mysteries. takes place offshore but they role, Ian is committed required would be difficult to
His career has spanned the have been used in concrete to to evolving the industry, source from land.
globe, from searching for build landmark constructions working with commercial
offshore diamonds in Australia such as the Second Severn With increasing focus on
to working for market-leading Crossing bridge, and structures sustainable construction
UK aggregate companies, and for the 2012 Olympics in processes and the emergence of
his enthusiasm for his field London. This is in addition renewable energy projects, Ian
remains undiminished. to traditional uses including
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5. SALTIRE PRAISE FOR MORAY FLOOD ALLEVIATION
Without intervention, it was Peter Haslam, Project Sponsor demonstrated within a few days restoration work, significantly
estimated that flood damage in for The Moray Council said: after its official opening, when increasing wildfowl numbers in
Forres would exceed £43 million “I challenged the team to major flooding was averted.” the area.
over the next 50 years. Future deliver flood alleviation and
flooding would not only affect complement the environment. The Scheme Building on the successes of
homes, businesses, the town’s My measure of success was that The development, which Forres and its other completed
economy and the surrounding the scheme should be ‘invisible’ opened in August 2009, scheme at Lhanbryde, the team
region, it would also put and prevent flooding. Not only comprises a flood storage is now focussing on managing
schools, emergency services was the challenge met, but the reservoir combined with flood flood risk elsewhere in Moray.
and sewage works at risk. scheme was delivered ahead of defences and a flood relief
programme and under budget. channel. It includes several Moray Flood Alleviation was formed
Now – following The team excelled and the innovative features including in 2001 when Royal Haskoning was
implementation of the outcome is very pleasing.” a baffled crump weir and burn appointed by The Moray Council to
innovative Forres (Burn of management works. The first investigate the flooding problem,
Mosset) Flood Alleviation Barbara Hellet, of its kind to be built in the identify and design solutions and
Scheme which prevented Royal Haskoning’s Project UK, the baffled crump weir manage the statutory processes.
hundreds of properties from Director, said: “We are is a hydraulic structure that Morrison Construction joined the
flooding just one week after delighted to be recognised regulates discharge from the team in 2003, with responsibility
its official opening – the team by The Saltire Society, as storage reservoir. The burn for Early Contractor Involvement
responsible has received a protecting the environment management works utilise during design stage and managing
commendation from the and innovative development cutting-edge river restoration the project through the construction
Saltire Society. are central to Royal Haskoning’s techniques to manage phase. EC Harris advises the Council
ethos. We worked on the development of the burn within on cost and commercial aspects.
Moray Flood Alleviation flood alleviation scheme the storage reservoir. The
The town of Forres in Moray County, Scotland, has was formed in 2001, when over a long period of time scheme is designed to provide For more information go to:
Royal Haskoning was appointed and have been very pleased at least a 1 in 100 year standard morayfloodalleviation.co.uk
a long history of flooding, but in 1997 and 2000, by The Moray Council to with the innovations we were of protection to Forres. royalhaskoning.co.uk
investigate flood problems able to implement, and the morrisonconstruction.co.uk
the Burn of Mosset – which runs through the in Forres and neighbouring harmonious way in which Creating wetland for saltiresociety.org.uk
villages Lhanbryde and the scheme fits into the wildlife
town – inundated homes and businesses, severely Elgin. It now combines the surrounding environment.” Scottish Natural Heritage has Barbara Hellett
expertise of The Moray Allan Russell, Morrison’s also commended the scheme b.hellett@royalhaskoning.com
affecting its 9,000 inhabitants and local economy. Council, Royal Haskoning, Construction Manager, added: for its inclusion of a permanent
Morrison Construction and cost “Significant efforts were made wetland, created as part of river
consultant EC Harris – operating to protect the habitats in and
as one integrated team. around the Burn of Mosset
during construction and to
Moray Flood Alleviation promote good relations with
received commendation in neighbouring residents and
two categories at the Saltire other affected parties. We
Society Civil Engineering Award were delighted to receive
ceremony in Glasgow on 28 many letters of praise after
October 2010. completion. More importantly,
the success of the scheme was
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6. Cradle to Cradle® has its foundations in three key principles:
“
ONE: Waste products can TWO: Use of renewable
and should be seen as natural energy sources to
Approaching sustainability with the Cradle resources, reused within capture and store heat and
continuous loops or cycles. generate energy that leaves
to Cradle® philosophy in mind will achieve
“
far more than just tackling a project with the
intention of making sure the outcome doesn’t
For this to happen biological
materials need to be
separated from technical
materials, so technical
components can be reused
behind a positive footprint.
THREE: To celebrate diversity
by combining functions
within buildings or areas
IN OUR OPINION
and biodegradable elements to create atmospheres of
damage society. have a route back to a bio and cultural diversity
natural environment to that benefit society and the
benefit growth of other environment as a whole.
organisms.
HENRY ROWE, BOARD OF MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
northern Europe, in partnership so much more can be achieved
with Cradle to Cradle® for everyone. I’m particularly
co-founder Michael Braungart. delighted that Royal Haskoning
has been instrumental in
“We introduced the philosophy bringing the concept to the UK’s
A CRADLE TO CRADLE® SOCIETY
across our organisation and attention through the work
developed a team of ‘Royal we are doing with our client,
Cradle’ experts who study Cradle to Cradle® Network
the concept and share their partner, Suffolk County Council.
knowledge. Cradle to Cradle® We are working together on a
is a transitional process and Europe-wide Cradle to Cradle®
Underpinning its commitment “but we introduced the Cradle eco-efficiency (reducing projects with the best possible it will take time to create a knowledge sharing project – the
to sustainability and the to Cradle® concept into the negative ‘footprints’) – to results for all concerned. By solution that fulfils everything first of its kind in the UK.”
interaction between people way we work because we are eco-effectiveness (increasing making economical use of the philosophy sets out to
and their environment, inspired by its philosophy – it positive ‘footprints’). In an resources and waste, and achieve,” Henry continues. “So You can read more about our
Royal Haskoning has put its has a workable, positive agenda ideal eco-effective future, introducing solutions that it requires a steady approach. In work with Suffolk County
weight behind a concept called that we can apply easily to plans, projects, policies and benefit society in the long term the meantime we must all make Council and the Cradle to
Cradle to Cradle®, a holistic everything we do.” products contribute positively – as well as meeting our clients’ a conscious shift in our thinking Cradle® Network on page 12.
Royal Haskoning’s Board of Management director, economic, environmental and to the economy, society and own commercial, compliance from eco-effective projects,
social framework that seeks A challenging but positive the environment, rather than and social agendas – we are towards the delivery of eco- The Cradle to Cradle® concept was
Henry Rowe, believes that while sustainability to create systems that are not design approach to making trading off one against another. delivering over and above initial effective solutions. developed by the environmental
just efficient – but essentially projects ‘good’ overall, rather “The traditional focus of project objectives.” chemist Michael Braungart
should sit naturally at the heart of every waste free. than just ‘less bad’, Cradle sustainability is to make things A popular concept in Northern “In my opinion Cradle to Cradle® and architect/designer William
to Cradle® advocates adding less harmful,” Henry continues, Europe during the past few is the pathway for evolving McDonough, and proposed in their
engineering project, it needs to go much further if “We have always taken the value through innovation, “but the Cradle to Cradle® years, Royal Haskoning has sustainability and taking it 2002 book (‘Cradle to Cradle® –
issue of sustainability very and delivering more at lower concept gives us a framework applied Cradle to Cradle® to the next level – because Remaking the Way We Make Things’).
we are to make a real difference to society. seriously,” Henry comments, cost by switching focus from within which to explore principles to project designs in working within its philosophy
>> 10 range4 winter 2010 range4 winter 2010 >> 11

7. CRADLE TO CRADLE® CONCEPT
While ‘sustainability’ is a watchword in the UK, Cradle to Cradle® did not filter
its way across the channel until very recently. Now Suffolk County Council and
Royal Haskoning have struck up a new partnership, working on a European
wide Cradle to Cradle® knowledge sharing project – a first for the UK.
TO CREATE A GREENER ENGLAND
“
The project is developing by the European Regional “We need to become a society Royal Haskoning’s vision of encourage Cradle to Cradle®
Cradle to Cradle® is a transitional Cradle to Cradle® best practice Development Fund and made in which environmental sustainability. Challenging approaches. If there are any
“
process and it will take time to create
a solution that fulfils everything the
between ten European
partners. It aims to improve the
eco-effectiveness of policies
and projects, strengthening
the connection between
possible by the INTERREG
IVC programme.
Cllr Judy Terry, Portfolio Holder
for Greenest County Suffolk
considerations such as waste
are designed out at the
beginning of a product’s life
rather than being dealt with
at the end. This will be better
climate change, the reduction
of raw materials and improving
sustainability is easier if we
all work together to help the
concept of Cradle to Cradle®
projects outside the East
of England that are using
methods or designs that chime
with the Cradle to Cradle®
concept, we want people to
philosphy sets out to achieve. environmental and social County Council, said: “We for our environment and will become the norm sooner rather tell us about them so we can
enhancement and economic are extremely pleased to be provide increased opportunities than later. feed these experiences into the
growth, using Cradle to Cradle® coordinating this innovative for innovation and economic wider project.”
as a driver. project for the East of England growth in the region. “As this project develops,
as part of our ambition to we would like to share our Matthew Hunt
Suffolk County Council is create the greenest county. We Dr Matthew Hunt, experience and start a m.hunt@royalhaskoning.com
leading the UK arm of the will find out how we can best Royal Haskoning’s principal dialogue with interested
project, which focuses on the design buildings and industrial advisor for climate change parties who represent the built
built environment. The two- processes to reduce waste in and sustainability, said: environment, architecture
year project is co-financed the future. “The concept of Cradle to and sustainability to see how
Cradle® is a very good fit with we can work together and
>> 12 range4 winter 2010 range4 winter 2010 >> 13

8. LOCKING DOWN
Hurricanes will always threaten involved in strategic planning,
America’s southern state of policy implementation in
Louisiana, but for the residents design quality, defining
of New Orleans – hardest hit by new methodology for levee
THE LEVEES
Hurricane Katrina in 2005, five elevations and offering advice
years on, the future is looking on protection levels.”
far safer as priority safety
measures near completion. Work has proceeded at pace.
The massive flood protection
Royal Haskoning has worked system, which includes
in close collaboration with three large flood barriers, is
the United States Army Corps scheduled to complete in 2011.
of Engineers (USACE) since
work began on this critical and “Depending on wind direction,
prominent flood prevention water can come from three
Since Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans five years project in 2006, and opened sides during hurricane season,”
offices in New Orleans as Mathijs explains. “On the
ago, a specialist team of flood alleviation experts have a base for Dutch and UK northern side, where a number
engineers working on of lakes are situated, new
worked alongside the United States Army Corps of the project. storm flood defences were put
in place immediately following
Engineers to help repair damaged levees and rebuild the Coastal and rivers expert the disaster. A three kilometre
Mathijs van Ledden explains storm surge barrier built across
city’s flood prevention infrastructure. how Royal Haskoning became the swamp on the eastern
involved in the project and side of the city has sprung up,
comments on how work and quay walls and new dyke
has progressed: systems are in place.”
its strategy for dealing with
“After Hurricane Katrina hit However the danger of flooding inbound hurricanes.
New Orleans, there was a clear is still present as water in the
and urgent need for flood Mississippi River – which flows “Our digital storm atlas shows
risk management expertise. directly through New Orleans – at a glance whether or not a
Because of our long experience rises dangerously as hurricane hurricane will cause problems
of managing large scale winds push water towards and, if so, where they are likely
flood prevention schemes – the city. The Mississippi dyke to occur.” Mathijs continues.
particularly in the Netherlands system is currently under “It enables the USACE to assess
– we were approached by the investigation so that the right forthcoming storms and make
United States government to solution for the problem can decisions based on whether
attend a conference to discuss be found. or not precautionary action
what could be done to help the should be taken.
area recover. In the meantime, a tool
proving extremely useful in “We have also produced a pilot
“We were then commissioned the prediction of hurricane digital information system for
to advise the Army Corps strength is Royal Haskoning’s the dyke infrastructure, and
and oversee the rebuilding digital storm atlas – which have been commissioned to
of the entire levee system. is helping the USACE plan develop this further.” >>
Since then we have been
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9. NEW ORLEANS 2010
…looking ahead with hope
>> The entire flood alleviation system completes the area’s industry which “Getting the storm surge
“
Because Royal Haskoning operates worldwide it
has the right experience in-house for southern
Louisiana, where expertise in the field of
water management is of crucial importance.
depends on oyster harvesting barrier in place from barely a
in 2011 and this represents a huge step forward for for its livelihood. The work concept in 2006 to completion Knowledge of water and working constructively
we carried out involved in 2011 is down to the
with water is in their DNA. Let’s hope they will
the safety of New Orleans. It demonstrates the high
level of commitment shown by everyone involved
with the project to progress the flood barrier from
numerical modelling for related
hydrological works.
New Orleans – home for
generations to come
Commenting on how the
impressive commitment of all
parties concerned – from the
government to the engineers
and consultants involved. In my
view the speed at which the
New Orleans flood recovery
continue to be active here for decades. “
concept to completion within five years. area has changed since his projects are being achieved J. DAVID WAGGONNER III, WAGGONNER & BALL ARCHITECTS, US.
first visit three years ago, sends a clear message. Vital
“After 2011, everything stands “I was initially commissioned Tim said, “When I first flood alleviation work can
or falls on good maintenance to carry out data management arrived I noticed that many be achieved really well and
and further improvement of work but became involved in neighbourhoods were still in really quickly, provided there
the protection system – but it Louisiana’s Coastal Protection a state of devastation – with is commitment on all sides to
will actually take a big storm and Restoration project – a many buildings declared unsafe remove any obstacles likely to
to prove its strength and forward focussed project – or in the process of being get in the way of the job
capacity. The USACE wants to that looks at protection demolished. However on my being done.”
transfer responsibility for this requirements for Louisiana return in 2010, I noticed the
to the local water boards after during the next 50 to 100 degree of recovery was much Royal Haskoning remains
2011 and we are offering our years. This work led to the greater – and it was evident involved in ongoing work in
support on that.” creation of a ‘flood extent that residential areas were New Orleans and is currently
mapping’ interface which uses coming back to life as shopping working on the ‘Armouring
Mathijs is proud to be associated flow information to show the malls and homes were re-built. Project’ to ensure the strength
with the project. “This has extent and depth of flooding of flood protection in the event
been the project of a lifetime. for large areas of coastline from “After the hurricane many of overtipping.
I am extremely proud that we Mississippi to Texas.” people decided to leave the
were able to use our technical area, but the people I met who Mathijs van Ledden
capabilities to improve New Tim was also involved in the stayed say their perspective m.vanledden@royalhaskoning.com n g.com
Orleans’ levee systems – and marshland restoration project. has now changed. They have
help safeguard New Orleans’ accepted that they live in a Tim Burgess
against future hurricanes. This “The marshlands act as a hurricane prone area and that t.burgess@royalhaskoning.com
is work that will benefit the natural defence barrier,” the risk of it happening again
city and its communities for Tim explains, “but over time will always be there. However,
generations to come – which they have declined due to with safety measures now in
really inspires me!” the increase in settlements place and future prevention
and erosion. The project is work underway they can look
UK involvement concerned with restoring the ahead with the hope that New
Principal Engineer Tim Burgess marshland and its ecosystems Orleans will remain their home
went to work in New Orleans so that it can sustain the area’s for generations to come.
in 2007. oyster beds – a vital part of
>> 16 range4 winter 2010 range4 winter 2010 >> 17

10. Cambridge is renowned for its architecture, green spaces and wildlife, and protecting these assets is
a priority for the city. The challenges of environmental protection are increasing with climate change is allowed to evaporate or
soak into the ground and the
and Cambridge City Council’s key objective is to ‘promote Cambridge as a sustainable city’, balancing rest conveyed to the nearest
watercourse to be released at
economic, social and environmental changes with quality of life for the present and future. the same rate and volumes
as before development.
Pollutants, such as metals and
hydrocarbons from roads and
This year Royal Haskoning kind in the UK – was to design enhancing biodiversity, and experience to demonstrate car parks are reduced on the creating habitats for breeding
won first place in a national a theoretical solution for a new providing residential amenities. that innovative and sustainable way so water entering local amphibians, dragonflies and
competition launched by the site,” says scientist Richard civil engineering design can be watercourses is cleaner and other aquatic invertebrates
Council to promote its newly Stevens. “High quality SuDS “The key to our success was more than just an aspiration. does not harm wildlife habitats. within an area of wetland
published Sustainable urban had to be integrated with an a multidisciplinary approach. Our design shows that containing pond and reed beds.
Drainage Systems (SuDS) aesthetically pleasing design, Our team included coastal and schemes that are both practical At the heart of the
design guide, which fosters while managing water quality, rivers engineers and scientists, and fully integrated within development is a Recycling rainwater can
a sustainable approach to an environmental scientist, and developments are – in reality – multifunctional community halve water consumption in
housing development. landscape architect. We utilised highly achievable.” space with a playing field, residential properties, so the
our collective knowledge and pavilion and green parking, design uses an innovative provides a valuable habitat for
“The objective of the The primary purpose of SuDS is which provides water smart rainwater recycling flora, invertebrates and birds.
competition – the first of its to mimic the natural drainage storage in the event of severe system. This links to the UK Met Residential access roads and
of a site before development. flooding. The inclusion of Office’s rainfall forecast model, car parks use permeable paving sustainable drainage into
As much rainfall as possible water features that provide providing storage by partially and swales (corridors of lower developments, and the
community amenities and draining tanks into the wider lying land) linked to retention contribution this makes to
increase biodiversity at the system when rainfall is forecast. basins to reduce flow and store delivering green infrastructure
same time, was achieved by water during heavy rainfall. and improving urban design.
The design features roof
gardens and water butts for all The design was commended Contact
apartments and a green roof on for showing the benefits r.stevens@royalhaskoning.com
the community building which to be gained by integrating g.davies@royalhaskoning.com
Swale Retention Permeable
Basin Pavement
Water Under-road
Butt Drainage
Swale Community
A FIRST FOR
Building
Amenity
Wetland
CAMBRIDGE SuDS DESIGN Watercourse
Royal Haskoning awarded first place in Cambridge SuDS design competition
>> 18 range4 winter 2010 range4 winter 2010 >> 19

11. SUPER SEA DEFENCE
sculptor John Maine was nearing completion and the
instrumental in the appearance benefits to the town’s society
of masonry cladding, are plain to see; from an
incorporating features, seating amazing promenade to a secure,
and promenade paving. As a flood-risk free future.
“
result the seawall no longer
looks like a flood defence The Weston-super-Mare Sea
Situated alongside the Bristol Channel, the town of Weston-super-Mare literally means ‘west town above feature, but more like a public Defences Scour Protection
feature designed to separate Phase 2A has been awarded a
the sea’. A tiny settlement of 100 people before Roman occupation, by the 1800s it had grown into a the promenade from the commendation by the Concrete Royal Haskoning’s versatile
road. According to residents Society in the civil engineering
bustling Victorian seaside town where thousands flocked to bathe, rest and relax. the promenade feels safer, category. approach, combined with its
quieter and in keeping with the
environment. A scour protection Hamish Hall experience and knowledge, means
In 2004, North Somerset Council first in the UK to go through ‘splash wall’, resurface the built in the 1870s, it had lasted apron, which incorporates h.hall@royalhaskoning.com
embarked on a £30 million the Environment Agency’s promenade and upgrade street very well. However, storms had natural limestone and granite we have created a sustainable 21st
enhancement of its sea front to procurement system, with new lighting, civic furniture and caused sections of the parapet seating protects the sea wall. Organisations involved:
protect the town’s 4,500 seaside powers delegated to the Council incorporate public art. to collapse, resulting in flooding. Royal Haskoning – design engineers Century sea defence scheme. The
properties and businesses from by Defra. We strengthened the wall by “Further work includes a and site supervision,
significant tidal flooding. The Project Manager Paul Knight, inserting stainless steel rods demountable defence at the Birse Coastal – principal contractor, team’s original aspiration to create
scheme included upgrading Building on earlier work to said: “The bulk of the project and constructed a second splash Knightstone Island slipway EC Harris – contract manager and
the promenade and sea wall examine the sea defences, was to construct a secondary sea wall using reinforced concrete. access, to protect against high cost consultant an ‘invisible’ sea defence is being
and regenerating tourism the Council commissioned wall at the landward side of the These have been clad on both seas. The first to be used at a www.n-somerset.gov.uk/seafront
met; and that has ensured the
and economic prosperity, as
well as improving the town’s
appearance for residents, visitors
and investors.
The project received grant
Royal Haskoning to carry
out detailed design work to
strengthen the existing Victorian
sea wall, erect a secondary
promenade, install a number of
flood gates, and reinforce some
sections of the existing sea wall.
“Although the original wall was
sides using a combination of
Blue Lias and local stone, which
the Council reclaimed from the
town’s old British Legion site.
Renowned Royal Academy
UK coastal location, this Dutch
invention remains collapsed
during calm days and erected
when storms are expected.
The whole scheme is now
“
aesthetics of our resort have been
enhanced and rejuvenated rather
funding of almost £27.5million than compromised.
from Defra’s Flood Defence
Grant in Aid and was the
RACHEL LEWIS, PROJECT MANAGER FOR
NORTH SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
>> 20 range4 winter 2010 range4 winter 2010 >> 21

12. MARITIME
SUCCESS
IN QATAR
“ Royal Haskoning is proud to be associated with this project, one of the world’s largest state-
“
of-the-art facilities. From the initial concept, through to construction and the inauguration
Photograph courtesy of Nakilat
of the shipyard, Royal Haskoning’s multi-disciplinary team has provided services in all
aspects of the development to ensure a successful outcome.
SIMON HARRIES, ROYAL HASKONING’S DIRECTOR OF MARITIME
A ceremony in November 2010 to mark the inauguration of the Nakilat selection was undertaken Qatar’s shoreline and was 17.6m, and wet berths totalling is a 270m long, 60m wide Both the ‘onshore’ and ‘marine’
in 2004 by First Marine constructed on reclaimed land, 2.5km in length. With more shipbuilding hall, attached to works included integrating
Shipyard at the Port of Ras Laffan, State of Qatar, is the triumphant International, which is now totalling some 110 hectares. than 50 years experience of which are support workshops, specialist mechanical and
part of Royal Haskoning. Royal Haskoning designed, shipyard and drydock design, offices and amenities totalling electrical facilities for the site
outcome of one of the most impressive civil and maritime engineering Subsequently, Royal Haskoning specified and supervised Royal Haskoning designed and over 15,000 square metres. as a whole.
worked very closely with the initial comprehensive supervised the construction The shipyard also includes
projects in the world. Nakilat, (owner of one of the ground investigation for the of the two large drydocks and three multi-storey buildings. David Greenhalgh
world’s largest fleets of LNG shipyard, and advised on their dock gates in one phase, a Designed by Royal Haskoning d.greenhalgh@royalhaskoning.com
carriers), to undertake the ground improvement following complex undertaking involving these provide offices and
Qatar owns 15 per cent of and transportation of its oil ships, as well as construction detailed design and supervision reclamation. integration of many different amenities for shipyard
the world’s total proven gas and gas to world markets. The of specialist ships, including of construction of all the engineering disciplines. employees and subcontractors,
reserves. The new shipyard is new shipyard, 80km north of offshore supply vessels, tugs shipyard facilities. The ‘marine’ works are as well as representatives of
a milestone in the country’s Qatar’s capital city Doha, will and coastal tankers. The immense, including two The shipyard’s ‘onshore’ works ship owners and classification
strategy to create a marine undertake repair, maintenance initial feasibility study for The shipyard is located drydocks, the largest measuring include seven major industrial societies.
industry to support production and conversion of very large the shipyard, including site approximately 8km from 400m by 80m with a depth of workshops, the largest of which
>> 22 range4 winter 2010 range4 winter 2010 >> 23

13. Range is a Royal Haskoning publication
issued four times a year. An international
and Dutch version of Range is also available.
As part of our commitment to environmental
sustainability, Range is also produced in
digital format. If you would prefer to receive
Range electronically, please let us know by
sending an email to the address below.
We always welcome comments from
our readers. If you have any questions or
feedback about anything you have read in
Range, then please email:
range.uk@royalhaskoning.com
For further information about
Royal Haskoning, please visit our website at
www.royalhaskoning.co.uk
Keep up to date with our news at:
www.twitter.com/haskoning_uk
Editor: Trudi Downey, Royal Haskoning
Copywriting: Sheng Chi Communications
Design & layout: Charles Whalley Advertising Ltd
Print: Gildenburgh Ltd
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