Holbrook Park, Snelsmoor

The vision behind Holbrook Park is to create a future-ready, sustainable community. Developed by Bellway Homes East Midlands, the scheme brings together smart, energy-efficient homes with forward-thinking design features like air source heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure, and optimised internal layouts for lower energy use. This approach reflects a broader commitment to sustainable placemaking, building not just homes, but resilient, environmentally responsible neighbourhoods.

SPEEDECK played a key role in aligning the structural design of the foundations with this low-carbon vision. Our piled raft foundation solution was chosen not only for its technical performance in difficult ground, but also for its sustainability credentials. Compared to traditional deep trench or strip foundations, piled raft designs require less excavation, less spoil removal, and less concrete and steel overall, reducing both the embodied carbon of the works and the environmental footprint of the build.

With more than 200 foundations designed and installed as part of the scheme, our approach supports Holbrook Park’s broader ambition: to build better, greener homes for the future, starting from the ground up.

The site presented several geotechnical challenges. Ground investigations revealed Made Ground overlaying layers of clay, sand, gravel, and deeper mudstone and sandstone. Additionally, parts of the site were soft, waterlogged, and subject to shallow groundwater conditions, with the lowest groundwater strike recorded at just 0.5m below ground level.

To address these conditions, SPEEDECK engineered over 200 non-voided piled raft foundations and 12 garage bases using a robust design tailored to the local ground profile.

Our design approach allowed for cost-effective, site-specific solutions that met the client’s need for speed, stability, and long-term reliability.

Despite a freezing and frosty start to the year, construction at Holbrook Park has progressed efficiently and remains on schedule, with all programmed works completed on time across every phase so far.

The ground conditions on site were challenging at times, particularly due to varying soil strength and weather exposure. To mitigate this, our team worked closely with the client to carefully sequence CBR testing and blinding layer installation, ensuring that exposed virgin ground wasn’t left open to the elements for extended periods. This proactive approach helped maintain ground integrity and avoided unnecessary rework or delays.

Site access also posed some difficulties, especially in areas where roads hadn’t yet been tarmacked, making it hard to reach specific plots with mobile boom pumps. In response, a joint plan was developed to crush and stone up key access routes, allowing for the efficient delivery of materials and equipment. These stoned areas, including some future driveways, were then reused by the client, creating both construction and commercial value for the project.

Quality across the board has remained consistently high, with no issues reported, and our fast-paced delivery continues to support the smooth and timely build out of this major residential scheme.