Delta Membrane Systems Limited were asked to design a robust, resilient and recoverable solution for Edenside Barn following the successful collaboration of Mary Dhonau and Aquobex as part of the Cumbria Flood Resilient Showcase.

Edenside Barn is a private dwelling/barn conversion, located on idyllic farmland close to the banks of the river Eden, in the picturesque Eden Valley, Cumbria. The River Eden flows through the Eden District of Cumbria, on its way to the Solway Firth. It is a real-life demonstration property in the Cumbria Flood Resilient Showcase.

The idea behind the Flood Resilient Showcase Project was to use products and materials that will try to keep water out of properties prone to flooding. In a flooding event that is less severe, those products (all of which have been tested to a high specification) are expected to reduce water ingress. It is acknowledged that when flooding is severe, these products may well be overtopped. The showcase highlights what can be done to manage the residual risk.

The Flood Resilient Showcase Project sought to adapt properties by using differing interventions to reduce the amount of damage that flood water can cause when it enters a property. This approach will enable the property owners to #getbackinsooner.

At the core of the Flood Resilient Showcase Project is the real-life demonstration of flood installation measures at three
properties in Cumbria led by Mary Dhonau, Chief Executive of the Know Your Flood Risk Campaign.

Edenside Barn has periodically, suffered with flooding when the river Eden has bursts its banks. Following the devastation of storm Desmond in 2015/2016 Edenside Barn was flooded, leaving it uninhabitable and the owners having to seek alternative accommodation.

This project required a resilient and recoverable solution to protect against future flooding.

Delta’s design allowed for water exclusion and water entry and it incorporated guidance given in BS 85500:2015 Flood Resilience in Buildings, which plans for both water exclusion and water entry.

The internal faces of the stone walls were coated using Polyeurea, with 2 coats of Delta’s water-based Epoxy over and to the existing floor slab.

Delta’s water-based Epoxy worked in conjunction with the ployeurea to provide both a barrier to water entry and a non-absorbent finish.

Koster Polysil TG 500 was applied throughout as a salt inhibitor and surface hardening treatment.

Prior to application at Edenside Barn, Delta’s water-based Epoxy was tested at Aquobex’s testing facilities. Aquobex operates a premier test facility dedicated to PAS1188-1 and FM2510 (testing of flood protection products).

Through joined up thinking and the use of combined systems this property can be insured and is now recoverable to both flood water exclusion and water entry.