26 SFA piles and a 92m² RC raft slab with ground beams for a residential basement build in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. High-plasticity London Clay on a constrained infill plot between existing properties.
Our team delivered the piled foundation and reinforced concrete substructure for a new-build residential property on High Road in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. The project involved a lower ground floor construction on a tight infill plot between existing neighbouring properties, requiring a carefully engineered piled solution to support the new structure on challenging ground.
The ground investigation at Buckhurst Hill revealed high to very-high plasticity London Clay from near the surface, underlain by pockets of medium-dense sand and gravel. Groundwater was encountered at 3m depth with a standing level at around 1.5m - a significant consideration for the below-ground construction. These conditions demanded piles founded well into the competent clay strata.
We installed 26 Sectional Flight Auger (SFA) piles at 350mm diameter, open-bored to competent bearing strata as required by the structural loading at each position. Individual pile loads varied from 70kN to 305kN, each reinforced with 5H12 bar cages. All 26 piles underwent sonic integrity testing to confirm structural soundness.
Following piling, the foundation included a 92m² reinforced concrete raft slab at 200mm thickness, supported by over 90 linear metres of RC ground beams at various depths. Full anti-heave protection was provided using 225mm Cordek Cellcore beneath all RC elements to guard against clay heave. The complete piling and foundations package was delivered in approximately five and a half weeks.
Complete technical breakdown of the piling and foundation works delivered at Buckhurst Hill, Essex.
London Clay (high plasticity) over Sand & Gravel
C28/35 DC-1
Slab: 92m², 200mm RC with ground beams. Anti-heave: 225mm Cellcore HX5
5.5 weeks
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We work from the drawings and site information you have, then recommend a suitable piling method for your project - not just the one we happen to have available.
The cost-effective solution for extensions and new builds. Our 750mm wide rigs access tight spaces while delivering high load capacity (up to 400kN) for residential and commercial projects.
High-capacity continuous flight auger piling for commercial developments. Fast installation (10-20 piles/day) with minimal noise and vibration. Ideal for urban sites requiring loads up to 2,000kN.
The specialist solution for low headroom and internal works. Operates in just 2.4m height, so we can pile inside existing buildings and below mezzanine floors without compromising capacity.
Steel cased driven piles for contaminated, wet, or unstable ground. The displacement method creates zero spoil, eliminating hazardous waste disposal costs while ensuring a dry, sealed casing for concrete.
Rapid, dry installation with immediate load capacity. No concrete, no curing time, and minimal ground disturbance. Ideal for eco-friendly builds, temporary structures, and working near trees.
Complete reinforced concrete packages including ground beams, pile caps, and rafts. We handle the piling and the concrete works together, delivering a finished base ready for your builder.
Three offices across the region means we're genuinely local to your project - not a distant company sending rigs across the country.
Extensions, new builds and commercial foundations across London and the South.
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Real feedback from homeowners, contractors, and structural engineers across London and the South.
4.9Google Reviews"What can I say, the team were a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. My wife and I did a fair amount of due diligence... Our experience was that they seemed to go the extra mile. A shout out to Barrie the project manager but of course not forgetting Lenny and Baz who worked tirelessly throughout. And a special thank you to Ben Crabb - right from our first conversation, you proposed options and were so helpful and informative."
"A really nice family business that we couldn't recommend more highly. We had a 14m x 11m foundation concrete slab with mini piles completed within their estimation of 4 weeks... The building inspector said he wished all his clients were up to their standards! From my many phone calls with Ben from the outset through to Ricky, Barrie and Shane (3 brothers) they are all so friendly and helpful."
"What a breath of fresh air to deal with a company that exceeds all of your expectations. From my first contact with Barrie in the office to the two hardworking men, Dan and Lenny who carried out the job, I have been so impressed with their professionalism, capability and friendliness. Thank you for a job 'very well done'."
"We chose them for our extension. The sales person Ben was extremely helpful with his comments and always available to discuss matters and never missed a call back. Ricky the project manager explained what was happening throughout the procedure with phone calls and I must mention Rachel for any issues we had. Overall very good job done."
"What can I say, the team were a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. My wife and I did a fair amount of due diligence... Our experience was that they seemed to go the extra mile. A shout out to Barrie the project manager but of course not forgetting Lenny and Baz who worked tirelessly throughout. And a special thank you to Ben Crabb - right from our first conversation, you proposed options and were so helpful and informative."
"A really nice family business that we couldn't recommend more highly. We had a 14m x 11m foundation concrete slab with mini piles completed within their estimation of 4 weeks... The building inspector said he wished all his clients were up to their standards! From my many phone calls with Ben from the outset through to Ricky, Barrie and Shane (3 brothers) they are all so friendly and helpful."
"What a breath of fresh air to deal with a company that exceeds all of your expectations. From my first contact with Barrie in the office to the two hardworking men, Dan and Lenny who carried out the job, I have been so impressed with their professionalism, capability and friendliness. Thank you for a job 'very well done'."
"We chose them for our extension. The sales person Ben was extremely helpful with his comments and always available to discuss matters and never missed a call back. Ricky the project manager explained what was happening throughout the procedure with phone calls and I must mention Rachel for any issues we had. Overall very good job done."
"What can I say, the team were a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. My wife and I did a fair amount of due diligence... Our experience was that they seemed to go the extra mile. A shout out to Barrie the project manager but of course not forgetting Lenny and Baz who worked tirelessly throughout. And a special thank you to Ben Crabb - right from our first conversation, you proposed options and were so helpful and informative."
"A really nice family business that we couldn't recommend more highly. We had a 14m x 11m foundation concrete slab with mini piles completed within their estimation of 4 weeks... The building inspector said he wished all his clients were up to their standards! From my many phone calls with Ben from the outset through to Ricky, Barrie and Shane (3 brothers) they are all so friendly and helpful."
"What a breath of fresh air to deal with a company that exceeds all of your expectations. From my first contact with Barrie in the office to the two hardworking men, Dan and Lenny who carried out the job, I have been so impressed with their professionalism, capability and friendliness. Thank you for a job 'very well done'."
"We chose them for our extension. The sales person Ben was extremely helpful with his comments and always available to discuss matters and never missed a call back. Ricky the project manager explained what was happening throughout the procedure with phone calls and I must mention Rachel for any issues we had. Overall very good job done."
We adhere to the highest industry standards for safety, quality, and environmental management.
Construction Plant Competence Scheme. Ensuring our operators meet the highest standards of safety and skill.
The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme. Demonstrating compliance with risk management standards.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme. Our site team carry CSCS cards, proving the training and qualifications behind the work they do on site.
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