Project Overview: Grand Designs Feature - Piled Raft Foundation in Billericay, Essex
Direct Piling was recently honoured to provide a crucial foundation solution for a new build project in Billericay, Essex, which was documented by the running cameras of the Channel 4 TV programme, Grand Designs. This high-profile undertaking involved the expert installation of a piled raft foundation, showcasing our precision and capability in delivering complex ground engineering solutions under public scrutiny.
As leading piling contractors, our team executed this project with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the piled raft foundation met the stringent requirements of both the design and the television production schedule. This project stands as a testament to our ability to deliver robust foundations for even the most ambitious and high-visibility residential developments, solidifying our reputation in ground engineering.
Scope of Works & Key Details: Piled Raft Foundation on Grand Designs in Billericay
Our detailed execution for this notable Billericay foundation project ensured precision and a camera-ready delivery:
Element | Specification | Added Value |
---|---|---|
Piled Raft Foundation | Design and installation of a comprehensive piled raft foundation system to support the bespoke new build. | Provided a supremely stable and robust foundation solution, perfectly suited for challenging ground conditions often encountered in high-end residential projects. This integrated approach ensures long-term structural integrity. |
Project Execution under TV Production | All foundation works, including piling and raft slab construction, were completed efficiently while accommodating the filming schedule of Channel 4's Grand Designs. | Demonstrated our team's professionalism and adaptability, seamlessly integrating with a television production crew. This unique aspect highlights our capability to manage complex logistics and external requirements while maintaining high standards of work. |
Construction Process | Involved initial site assessment and foundation design, followed by the strategic installation of bored piles (methodologies chosen based on specific ground conditions). Subsequent formation and pouring of the reinforced concrete raft slab over the pile array. Continuous quality assurance checks were performed at every stage, all conducted with awareness of the ongoing filming. | Delivering a piled raft foundation for a Grand Designs project underscores our proficiency in specialized foundation solutions. Our ability to perform under the spotlight, ensuring both technical excellence and a smooth operational flow for a TV production, reinforces our status as a reliable and high-calibre foundation contractor. The Billericay project serves as a clear example of our commitment to delivering durable, aesthetically sound, and high-quality foundations, even in demanding circumstances. |





Our customers love us

We reached out to a few companies and Direct Pilling were the most professional from the 1st engagement and throughout the whole process. I dealt with Ricky first and then Barrie both brothers that run the family business. I was kept up to date throughout the whole process. I would recommend Direct Piling to anyone that needs any of their services.
Kate & Dan Levene
We chose the Direct Piling for our extension. The sales person Ben was extremely helpful with his comments and always available to discuss matters and never missed a call back. Ricky the project manager explained what was happening throughout the procedure with phone calls and I must mention Rachel for any issues we had. Overall very good job done.
Kevin Brown
Direct Piling have certainly exceeded expectations. Clear communication from the Estimating / Design / Project Management team at the start of the project. Site visit by their PM ahead of commencing works to ensure that we were fully aware of the Piling gangs requirements.
Ray Brinklow
Very good professional team of people from workforce to admin very pleased all round would definitely recommend this company
Kim Hart
What a breath of fresh air to deal with a company that exceeds all of your expectations. Direct Piling are that company. From my first contact with Barrie in the office to the two hardworking men, Dan and Lenny who carried out the job, I have been so impressed with their professionalism, capability and friendliness. Along the way I also met Shane, Dave and Jairo all added positively to the experience,Thank you for a job ‘very well done’.
Karan Dixit
Recently used Direct Piling for a project and was very pleased with their services, From the initial consultation through to final completion all went smoothly. As it was our first time using a piling system they helped us understand the processes and options for design, we look forward to working with you on future projects!
Sophie Walters
Direct Piling are a really nice family business that we couldn't recommend more highly. We had a 14m x 11m foundation concrete slab with mini piles completed within their estimation of 4 weeks from start to finish and on quote. The building inspector said he wished all his clients were up to their standards! From my many phone calls with Ben from the outset through to Ricky, Barrie and Shane (3 brothers) they are all so friendly and helpful especially as we were project managing ourselves and needed some help. Shane stood out as a very hard worker who started early every morning, talked things through daily and is a real perfectionist, particularly with his shuttering! Nothing was too much trouble and easy to speak to any of them on the phone. Very pleased with the end result and would definitely use them again.
Andy Wigmore
Direct Piling have just finished building a king post retaining wall in the back garden. Have to say very impressed with their team's work ethic. Very friendly guys, neat and tidy and very helpful. Would definitely use them again should the need arise, can't recommend them enough
Martyn
