The MOD’s residential driver training school, the Defence School of Transport, required new accommodation to benefit military personnel attending short courses at their Leconfield base in the East Riding of Yorkshire, while delivering improved energy efficiency. With Design ID’s knowledge and expertise within the Defence sector, structural and civil design services were provided for the two 112-bed multi-occupancy accommodation blocks.
Built using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the two blocks were completed in just nine months, with 90% of the construction carried out at Reds10’s nearby factory. By offering on-site accommodation, the project improves convenience for personnel attending short courses and reduces reliance on off-site temporary housing.
Design ID contributed significantly to the embodied carbon and net zero targets through lean design of the foundations and modular superstructure, utilising computational methodologies and processes developed within the consultancy to push the boundaries of steel design and provide the most sustainable design achievable for the spans and applied loading. Alongside SMART technologies, air source heat pumps and heat recovery systems, the project was delivered as part of the NetCAP+ (Net-Carbon Accommodation Programme) to contribute to the Government’s 2050 net-zero target.
Design ID’s responsibilities included detailed design for groundworks, drainage, levels, and pavements, alongside structural design of the modular superstructure. The project also included Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to enhance water management and environmental performance, this included a below ground rainwater harvesting tank and filter. Ealy coordination with the Client and design team highlighted the impact of existing utility services on site to the project programme. Design ID managed the technical approval process to enable drainage adoption by the MOD Water Authority (STS).
With the module delivery taking place during a continued period of snow, the benefits of offsite construction were evident, with the bays assembled in controlled conditions of the weather-protected factory.
Contractor: Reds10
Client: Ministry of Defence
Photographs: Copyright DST Leconfield
