Case Study / Waterproofing

Hill Barn, Shipston-on-Stour

Excavating beneath an existing barn

MacLennan were approached by Warwickshire based Architect Simon Hood to design, supply and install a suitable waterproofing system for this large-scale barn conversion in the Warwickshire countryside.

Part of our unique solution is being able to work with the whole design team across the project and engaging with the Client Representative, Architect, Engineer, Main Contractor, M&E, Drainage Specialist and Interior Designers to be able to achieve a seamless waterproofing proposal that meets everyone’s needs.

The ground floor is an existing barn and will house the kitchen, dining and living area. The barn will need to be supported as a new single storey basement will be excavated beneath and will include 2 bedrooms with En-suites and a utility area, with an entrance door to the lower ground floor.

Method

Our fully qualified and experienced MacLennan surveyor used the drawings sent from the architect to suggest the best waterproofing solution for this interesting barn conversion project.

The existing barn area will be cut down for a new piled basement with lined walls. The MacLennan trained Technicians will apply a crystal coat internally, followed by a ventilated cavity membrane on the walls and floors including drainage channel, inspection ports, and gravity fed drainage.

These 2 forms of waterproofing are recommended by British Standards BS8102/2022 for all new build basements and so that the works could be fully guaranteed. The drainage of any potential water ingress would gravity assisted, draining down the field to a ditch.

There is a small area where the new basement wall meets part of the existing Barn wall. Polyprufe will be applied to this area to ensure that it remains waterproof. A separate survey of the property and surrounding land determined that there would need to be protection against ground gases. MacLennan suggested a system for Radon Gas protection to be installed by our qualified technicians.