Ascent Logistics Park in Leighton Buzzard is a forward-thinking, sustainable construction project situated in one of the UK’s newly recognised industry hotspots. When work started on Phases 2 and 3, Gatic CastSlot and Gatic Kerbdrain from Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), were specified due to their unrivalled track record for performance and longevity.
This impressive distribution facility, spanning more than 25 acres, has been delivered by Winvic Construction, a multidisciplinary contractor with a solid reputation for specialist sustainable and net zero projects. The result is a landmark industrial scheme, boasting BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification and an EPC ‘A’ rating. Its smart design includes LED office lighting, electric vehicle charging points, and solar power generation.
Such an expansive and demanding project needed a hugely robust drainage solution that could not only withstand the rigours of prolonged, heavy usage, but that also promised trusted, sustainable performance well into the future.
Having worked successfully with Gatic on a number of previous projects, Winvic specified a total of 1500 metres of CastSlot for the service yards and roadways. CastSlot is part of Gatic’s Slotdrain range, featuring a unique hexagonal profile developed by Gatic to ensure the system can handle varying volumes of rainfall with equally high efficiency. Channels come in various sizes and have an accompanying range of accessories and fittings to achieve total design flexibility.
CastSlot is ideal in areas of constant, slow-turning traffic. It has been designed specifically to meet the needs of delivery/distribution areas and supermarket car parks, where load ratings can exceed D400. It sits neatly within concrete, asphalt and block surface finishes. A ‘treadsafe’ option is also available, making the channels safe to cross when used in areas subject to high foot traffic.
For the access roads and car parks, a total of 420 metres of Gatic Kerbdrain was used. Gatic Kerbdrain is a heavy-duty combined kerb and drainage system (CKD) that provides an efficient and safe method of drainage on potentially any surface or structure with a kerb edge.
Commonly used in distribution yards and along highways, Gatic Kerbdrain moves away from the concept of two-part systems by offering a single, solid, monolithic system measuring 500mm in length and weighing only 8.4 Kg. Not only do these single units negate the need for costly handling equipment, they also present exceptionally quick installation times whilst reducing the risk of personal injury. Each unit can be cut and mitred quickly and easily on site using only a handsaw. This increased efficiency reduces labour, plant and time on site even further, helping to deliver real cost savings and improved workforce safety on every project.
The manufacturing techniques used in the production of Kerbdrain, were also concurrent with the environmental ethos of the Park. Kerbdrain is manufactured using 88% recycled polymers, with every 500mm unit deriving from 182 plastic bottles, caps and closures. The result is exceptional strength (compliant with BS EN 1433:2002 Group 3 kerb side installations) and improved impact resistance, provided the product is installed in accordance with Gatic's installation details.
The carbon impact of each Kerbdrain product represents only 11.3 Kg CO2eq throughout its life cycle; from raw material through to end of life. This equates to just 1.35 Kg CO2eq per Kg of the product. Zero emissions are produced as a result of factory waste.
Regional Account Manager for AWMS, Michael Taylor, worked closely on the scheme alongside Winvic. He comments:
“There can be varying reasons why Gatic products are specified on particular projects. Typically, clients may know our reputation, require the benefits of a specific product feature, be looking for solutions that won’t burden the environment unnecessarily, or want the assurance of reliable technical support. In the case of the Ascent Logistics Park, all of those elements aligned. Thanks to our historic working relationship with Winvic, combined with the performance and environmental benefits of CastSlot and Kerbdrain, we were able to deliver a package that Winvic knew would be supported at every stage by our technical team. It was a pleasure for Gatic to be involved in such an innovative project.”
AWMS: Leading the way in sustainable drainage
The AWMS ‘Concept to Completion’ process is underpinned by a solid company infrastructure which offers the following:
• three UK manufacturing plants
• national brand-specific sales team and regional support network
• in-house technical team
• design team to fulfil bespoke design requirements
• rainwater and drainage calculations and on-site surveys
• take off and estimations
• in-house, BBA approved powder coating facilities
• unrivalled dedicated UK technical and after-sales support
Gatic Civil Drainage & Access Covers sits under the AWMS umbrella, as one of five brands well known for innovation, quality and longevity. The four accompanying brands are: Alumasc Rainwater Gutters & Downpipes; Skyline Architectural Aluminium; Harmer Building Drainage; and Wade Building Drainage.
Their extensive product portfolio ensures sustainable rainwater and drainage solutions that set the standard for urban water management.
Alumasc Water Management Solutions is part of the Alumasc Group. The Group proudly holds the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which is awarded to companies generating 50% or more of their total annual revenues from products and services that contribute to the global green economy.