This project provides resilience to coastal hazards such as rockfalls and landslides and protects the iconic coastal railway between Exeter and Newton Abbot. The design, using precast concrete, coloured in response to the local sandstone, also protects rail passengers’ seaward view. This project is a key part of the Network Rail resilience programme for maintaining rail connectivity to the further south west and a significant architectural addition to the iconic Brunel Locally sourced, red-coloured concrete was used to match the context of red sandstone rocks. Some 130 precast units provided a quality finish, ease of transportation and speed of erection. Sponsoring the awards is a fantastic way to showcase your work and raise your company’s profile.
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Judge’s Comments
railway line. It was a complex project logistically, with a demanding programme and the location of the build incredibly constrained.
Concrete was chosen for its durability and ability to withstand the harsh coastal environment and protect the railway from falling rocks. No other material would have been able to compete with the service life. The precast mix design contained 30% cement replacement, lowering the carbon footprint. The precast units still look exemplary. The 109m-long continuous uniform structure, with ‘classical colonnade’, comfortably knits within the surrounding geological
red rock dramatic landscape and the open-sided structure maintains dramatic views of the South Devon coastline for rail passengers. Project Gallery
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