Perega has been appointed to deliver the engineering strategy for a substantial new residential development situated within Taylor Wimpey's Crawley masterplan. The project, located in the Horsham and Crawley region, involves the construction of 183 houses and five apartment buildings, requiring a specialist engineering-led approach to navigate complex site conditions and strict environmental regulations.

Initial ground investigations at the site identified deep and variable fill material extending down fifteen metres. In response to this unstable ground, Perega developed a piled foundation strategy where piles are driven up to 25 metres deep to reach stable soil. These piles are connected by reinforced concrete ground beams, supporting masonry housing with precast concrete floors. By coordinating pile layouts with architectural designs and omitting tying beams where lateral capacity allowed, the team successfully reduced concrete volumes without compromising structural integrity.

Environmental responsibility and water neutrality have been central to the civil engineering strategy. The development incorporates Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), such as permeable paving and controlled discharge, fully integrated with the wider drainage masterplan. To further sustainability goals, Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) has been included in concrete mixes to lower embodied carbon, while a cut-and-fill earthworks strategy has been employed to keep material on-site, reducing waste and heavy vehicle traffic.

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The remit for the civils package encompasses highways, drainage, and external works, all managed within specific level constraints. Perega is currently overseeing technical approvals with the local Highways Authority and AWIN, while providing support across multiple parcels through RIBA Stages 4 and 5.

Amy Norman, Senior Civil Engineer at Perega, said: "This project demonstrates what's possible when you combine rigorous engineering with environmental responsibility. Having built a strong relationship with Taylor Wimpey over similar developments, we're effectively coordinating multiple parcels simultaneously. The challenge is ensuring every individual plot achieves seamless integration back into the masterplan infrastructure."

Finn Neylon, Associate at Perega, added: "Establishing the piled foundation strategy early allowed the team to manage ground risk and support the delivery programme. Close coordination with the wider design team has been essential in delivering a practical solution suited to site constraints."

Tom Emery, Land Manager at Taylor Wimpey South Thames, said: "This site presented a complex engineering challenge and we are grateful to Parega for stepping up with a robust solution. Their excellent work in the early stages of the site will mean a smooth transition to construction, and will give our customers added confidence that their home is built on solid foundations."

This latest appointment highlights Perega's expertise in providing integrated engineering solutions for large-scale, multi-phase masterplan developments.