Project Overview
The Dawson Foundation Engineering (DFE) team travelled to Camden to complete specialist bottom-driven piling works for a key client, supporting a residential extension in a highly restricted environment.
The scheme required the installation of 9 no. 150mm diameter bottom-driven piles to depths of up to 6.0m, providing a robust foundation solution despite significant access limitations.
Restricted Access & Installation Method
With the working area located around 30m from the road and one storey below street level, access was extremely limited and conventional rig set-ups were not feasible.
To suit the constraints, the piles were installed using a Grundomat displacement hammer — a proven option for domestic and confined sites. If you’d like to learn more about this method, see: Grundomat piles explained.
Working Within a Live Urban Environment
As with many inner-city projects, logistics and day-to-day access played a major role in the programme. Despite overcoming the installation challenges, one obstacle was unavoidable — local traffic enforcement.
Alerted by the first cycle of the Grundomat piston, a traffic warden managed to ticket the team within minutes of arriving each day. That’s London for you — if the tool thieves don’t get you, the money thieves will!
Engineering & Design
The piling works were delivered with support from DFE’s in-house engineering capability, ensuring the foundation solution aligned with the structural requirements and site constraints. You can read more about the value of engineering-led delivery here: Why work with a Chartered Engineer?
This project demonstrates DFE’s experience delivering residential piling solutions where specialist equipment and careful planning are essential.
Related Services
- Bottom-driven steel-cased piles
- Mini piling (restricted access)
- All piling services
- More case studies & piling news
Talk to DFE
If you need a piling contractor for restricted access works, contact Dawson Foundation Engineering to discuss a tailored foundation solution. Get in touch.
