Utilising every square foot of your retail space
Standalone stores and large shopping complexes must strike a careful balance between practicality and creating an inviting atmosphere for customers. Richard Herrmann Associates Ltd understands the intricacies of these designs, and we consider the challenges that arise with high foot traffic, frequently changing displays, and diverse accessibility requirements to create retail environments that can deliver on all fronts.
We’re proud to have managed many retail designs, building alterations and extensions, such as incorporating lifts and creating additional storey heights or atriums, across the UK. Whilst demanding layouts and the integration of key systems such as lighting, signage, security and climate control must be considered, we create resilient structures that can withstand the day-to-day demands of your retail operations.
Engineering insight to better your retail environment
A strong visual appeal is essential for any retail environment, but safety and longevity are also driving forces when it comes to our structural designs. Excessive bounce or deflection of upper floors can be unpleasant and cause issues with product displays – this is just one example of an essential factor our engineering team will consider when bringing your creative vision to life. Working closely with architects and designers, we deliver structural solutions that support bold design concepts, including open-plan interiors or striking façades, without compromising functionality and customer wellbeing.
Managing design projects of every complexity
Not every retail facility is the same. We’ve been involved with less common uses for these structures too, including the design of drive-through restaurants, gymnasia, and heavy freezer food stores. The particular uses for the structure will bring their own design requirements which, if overlooked, can result in a substandard or even unusable building. Working with Richard Herrmann Associates Ltd means working with a proactive team that considers and actively mitigates potential problems, giving you a finished building that is guaranteed to stand the test of time.
37
Years Est.
6,500+
Clients
100+
Years' Experience
Words from our satisfied clients
Construction of a New Retail Store with Integrated Drainage and Foundation Design
The construction of a new retail store presents numerous challenges, particularly when dealing with complex site conditions such as impermeable ground, a lack of off-site surface water drainage, and problematic soil conditions. This case study explores the design and construction process for a retail store, highlighting the key considerations in developing the superstructure, foundations, and drainage system. The project incorporated sustainable solutions, such as permeable paving for rainwater management, while addressing the challenges posed by the impermeable site and the presence of shrinkable clay beneath the ground.
Project Background
The retail store was to be constructed on a site with challenging ground conditions:
• Impermeable soil: The site lacked natural drainage, making it difficult for surface water to dissipate into the ground.
• No available off-site drainage: There was no connection to the local surface water drainage system, requiring a self-contained solution for managing runoff.
• Vegetation and shrinkable clay: The site contained areas of vegetation, which can affect the stability of foundations, and was underlain by shrinkable clay, a soil type prone to movement due to moisture content changes.
The design team was tasked with creating a solution that would manage these challenges while ensuring the long-term stability and operational efficiency of the retail store.
Design and Engineering Considerations
1. Site Analysis and Constraints
Before design development began, a thorough site survey was conducted to assess the soil conditions, groundwater levels, and the overall suitability of the site for construction. Key findings included:
• The impermeable nature of the soil, which meant that surface water runoff would not naturally infiltrate the ground.
• The presence of vegetation and the shrinkable clay, which would require specific foundation treatments to avoid settlement or movement in the future.
This detailed assessment guided the development of the drainage and foundation strategies to ensure the building would be both stable and sustainable.
2. Foundation Design: Addressing Shrinkable Clay
Given the presence of shrinkable clay, the foundations needed to be designed to accommodate potential ground movement. The design team opted for suspended ground floor areas in parts of the building to mitigate the risks associated with this type of soil. This approach involved:
• Raising the ground floor to prevent direct contact with the unstable soil.
• Using concrete beams and flooring to provide adequate support without settling into the clay.
• Monitoring moisture levels in the soil over time to ensure the ground remained stable.
In other areas of the building where the soil conditions were more stable, traditional strip foundations were used, ensuring that the foundation system was both cost-effective and responsive to local ground conditions.
3. Superstructure Design
The superstructure was designed to integrate seamlessly with the foundations while supporting the functional needs of a retail store. The main structural elements included:
• Steel frame construction to provide strength and flexibility, accommodating the large open spaces typical of retail environments.
• A lightweight roof designed to minimize load on the structure while allowing for efficient drainage.
• The building’s layout was carefully planned to ensure easy access, clear sightlines, and efficient use of space.
Drainage Design: Sustainable Solutions
1. Permeable Paving for Surface Water Management
One of the most critical design challenges was managing surface water runoff due to the impermeable ground. To address this, a sustainable drainage solution was implemented through the use of permeable paving across the site. This solution provided:
• Infiltration of surface water: The permeable paving allowed rainwater to pass through and soak into the ground, preventing flooding or water accumulation on-site.
• Aesthetic and functional paving that enhanced the appearance of the retail environment while solving drainage issues.
• Minimized runoff: By incorporating permeable paving, the building was able to handle stormwater naturally, reducing the need for traditional drainage systems.
2. Roof Water Drainage via Soakaway
In addition to the permeable paving, the roof drainage system was designed to direct rainwater into a soakaway system located beneath the parking areas. The soakaway, coupled with the permeable paving, formed an integrated drainage system that ensured all runoff from the roof was absorbed into the ground:
• Rainwater collected from the roof was routed into permeable channels leading to the soakaway.
• The soakaway was designed to accommodate storm water from both the roof and the surrounding paved areas, preventing water from accumulating on-site or overwhelming the local drainage system.
This system allowed the store to be largely self-sufficient in managing rainwater while remaining environmentally responsible.
3. No Off-Site Surface Water Drainage
With no available off-site drainage infrastructure, the design had to ensure that the entire drainage system was contained within the site. This required careful planning to ensure the soakaway had sufficient capacity to handle heavy rainfall events and that the permeable paving functioned effectively.
Construction Challenges and Solutions
1. Site Preparation and Excavation
The site’s impermeable soil and vegetation posed challenges for excavation and grading. To overcome this, the excavation team:
• Carefully removed the topsoil and vegetation, ensuring the ground was prepared for foundation work.
• Employed soil stabilization techniques in certain areas to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the ground and reduce the risk of settlement.
2. Coordinating Drainage Installation with Construction
The drainage system needed to be integrated with the building's construction process. This required careful scheduling to ensure that the permeable paving and soakaway could be installed while other construction work was underway. The project team coordinated between the drainage contractors and the main construction team to ensure a smooth installation process.
3. Environmental Considerations
Due to the sustainable nature of the drainage system, additional environmental considerations were taken into account:
• Minimizing environmental impact: The use of permeable paving and soakaways helped protect local water resources by preventing surface water runoff from reaching storm drains.
• Compliance with local regulations: The drainage design was carefully reviewed to meet local environmental standards and building codes, ensuring it was both effective and compliant.
Results and Impact
1. Efficient Drainage and Flood Prevention
The installation of permeable paving and the soakaway system successfully managed surface water runoff, preventing flooding on the site. This sustainable drainage solution ensured that the retail store would not place additional strain on local drainage infrastructure.
2. Stable and Resilient Foundation
The suspended ground floor and reinforced foundations addressed the challenges posed by the shrinkable clay, preventing settlement or movement over time. The foundation system was both cost-effective and adaptable to the varying soil conditions across the site.
2. Enhanced Retail Environment
The store now benefits from a well-constructed superstructure, efficient drainage solutions, and a stable foundation system. The permeable paving enhances the aesthetic of the site while addressing drainage concerns, making it a sustainable and functional environment for retail operations.
Conclusion
This case study highlights how the design and construction of a new retail store can successfully address site-specific challenges such as impermeable ground, shrinkable clay, and drainage issues through innovative engineering solutions.
By integrating sustainable drainage systems, such as permeable paving and soakaways, with carefully designed foundations and superstructure, the project created a stable, efficient, and environmentally responsible retail environment.
The careful planning of all aspects, from drainage to foundation design, ensured that the building would be both structurally sound and environmentally resilient for years to come.
Your future retail unit starts with RHA
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