SPEEDECK Foundations was appointed by Lindum Group to deliver the structural foundation solution for 27 of the 34 new affordable homes at Hobbs Farm in Little Downham, Cambridgeshire. The development, for Accent Housing, combines shared ownership and affordable rent properties and forms part of a wider effort to bring accessible housing to the region.
Backed by Accent’s Strategic Partnership with Homes England, the project aims to meet growing local housing demand with well-designed homes that prioritise long-term quality and cost-effectiveness. From the outset, we played a vital role in shaping the foundation’s strategy to meet both technical challenges and programme goals.
At Hobbs Farm, the initial proposal was to utilise shallow foundations, but due to the collapse of the majority of trenches SPEEDECK were appointed to carry out the foundation design to the remaining plots.
Unusually for SPEEDECK, engineered piling matts were utilised as the ground has been previously reduced to 300mm beyond our formation level to cater for the initial proposal of strip foundations.
Although some plots are within tree influence, and the initial proposal showed deepening of foundations to cater for clay heave, SPEEDECK took a more detailed look at the soils & carried out some further trial pitting. This gave the additional information required to engineer out all heave precautions, meaning a fully non-voided system could be provided. A total of 1,844m² of piled raft foundation was constructed across the site, supporting 27 units in total.
By delivering a single design-and-build solution for all substructure works, we helped the client claw back significant savings on programme, which they initially lost by having to suspend works when the initial foundation solution failed.
The foundation programme at Hobbs Farm was completed over an eight-week period. We managed all aspects of the substructure delivery, beginning with the piling, followed by drainage installation, and steel raft construction.
With our teams handling all aspects of the build in house, we maintained tight control over quality and sequencing. All works were completed on time and without issue.
Our streamlined process and responsive site management helped keep the build on schedule, supporting the client in minimising the impact of the change to foundation system.
Hobbs Farm highlights the strength of SPEEDECK’s integrated foundation approach on for open field residential developments. By providing a reliable, engineered solution that addressed complex ground conditions and met warranty expectations, we enabled Lindum Group and Accent Housing to build with confidence from the ground up, providing cost certainty and minimising risk.
Our piled raft foundation system continues to prove its value in affordable housing projects, delivering speed, sustainability, and long-term structural performance. At Hobbs Farm, our expertise ensured the foundations were laid for a successful and future-ready community.
