The prestigious Designed in Wales Award
The Derwent Scour Hole project has won the prestigious Designed in Wales Award at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Wales Cymru Awards 2024, a testament to the outstanding engineering and environmental innovation it exemplifies.
This accolade, presented by ICE Wales Cymru, celebrates the most impactful and innovative projects designed within Wales, and this year’s winner highlights the growing importance of sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
We at Binnies, along with our partners, attended the award ceremony on 4 October in Cardiff, where our collaborative work with Severn Trent, Coffey and Nicholas O’Dwyer to deliver this project was recognised by the Designed in Wales Award.
Located on the side of the Derwent Reservoir basin, the Derwent Scour Hole project tackled a critical issue: severe erosion threatening the structural integrity of the reservoir. Years of high flow rates and erosion had caused a significant scour hole to form, which, if left, would start to have a critical impact on the reservoir as a usable asset. The challenge was to create a solution that not only mitigated this risk but also protected the environment, which is vital, as the reservoir is located within the Peak District National Park.
The project team, working under complex conditions, designed an innovative scour protection system. This involved using sustainable materials and eco-friendly techniques to stabilise the riverbed while enhancing habitat opportunities for aquatic life. The design was carefully tailored to ensure minimal disruption while maximising long-term protection.
Winning the Designed in Wales Award is a recognition of the project’s forward-thinking approach, merging engineering excellence with environmental stewardship. It also underscores the critical role civil engineering plays in addressing the challenges of climate change and sustainable infrastructure.
The Derwent Scour Hole project not only resolved an immediate engineering problem but also set a benchmark for future projects in Wales, demonstrating that solutions can be both innovative and environmentally conscious. It is a worthy recipient of this significant award, reflecting Wales’ commitment to world-class engineering.