Robert Balanel – Target Structural Cotswolds, Regional Director

Nieuwe funderingen

As a Regional Director for a leading masonry reinforcement franchise here in the Cotswolds, I see a huge variety of structural jobs—from scheurnaden existing walls to beaming new lintels. Each task is critical, often being the difference between a building’s future structural collapse and its longevity for decades to come.

This past week, my work focused on Nieuwe funderingen for static homes at a holiday site in Gloucestershire. I’m always surprised that the solution we provide isn’t more common with site owners, especially those managing holiday parks, static home sites, and retirement villages. Given the immense advantages, I’m absolutely certain this approach is the future of environmentally friendly construction for this sector.

The Conventional Challenge: Concrete Foundations

When planning a base for a static home—typically around 3.65 metres wide by 13.71 metres long—the traditional approach involves a significant concrete slab.

This traditional process is not only messy and dependent on ideal weather, but it’s also incredibly time-consuming, requiring days or weeks for the concrete to cure. During this period, the plot is entirely out of action, representing lost business for site owners. Our methods save on labour costs, time and peace of mind that site preparation is not required ie. diversion of services, removal of ground and excavation.

The Smarter Alternative: Our Award-Winning Heli Piles

We eliminate all this hassle by installing our award-winning Helipalen. This method is a game-changer for speed, cleanliness, and long-term flexibility.

Step 1: Rapid, Non-Invasive Installation

Instead of massive excavation, the process starts with a quick survey to locate any existing underground services. Then, the Heli Piles are installed using a compact air compressor—we take up minimal space on site and cause no disruption to your ongoing business.

During the installation on the Gloucestershire site, we were able to drive the Heli Piles to refusal at 3 metres. A key benefit here is that we record the driving time. This data is invaluable for research, providing accurate, on-the-ground knowledge of soil conditions for any future work in the area.

Step 2: On-Site Load Testing for Ultimate Confidence

One of the greatest features of our Heli Piles is the ability to easily test them in-situ using a small hydraulic kit.

• Proof Testing: Unlike working with “characteristic” loadings from lab conditions, we test the actual load-bearing capability of the Heli Pile right in the ground where it is installed. This gives the specifier—whether you are a structural engineer or a property developer—absolute confidence that the pile can cope with the imposed load and allows for a much lower factor of safety.

We replicate this process across each of the pile positions on the plot, ensuring a perfectly even, verified, and ready base.

Step 3: Zero-Movement Connection and Future Flexibility

Finally, we attach a custom-made “top hat” that bolts directly to the pile, guaranteeing zero movement for the static home. These top hats are measured to be completely straight and level, and the plot is immediately ready for the home’s installation.

The result is: No lorries, no mess, no interruptions, and no stress!

A Sustainable and Reusable Future

The advantages go beyond speed and cost. This solution is truly environmentally friendly construction.

Because nothing is dug up or poured, the services underneath the plot remain free and accessible. Even better, should your site plans change in the distant future, the Helipalen can be unbolted and removed for installation in a different location—making them completely reusable.

For holiday parks, static home sites, and retirement villages, this non-disruptive, rapid, and sustainable foundation system is, by far, the best solution for the problem.

Are you looking to install new static homes without the downtime associated with traditional concrete foundations? Neem vandaag nog contact met ons op!