Floating village

Modern floating structures using concrete hulls built in the UK actually date back to 1978 when Brighton Marina was constructed and when the holiday homes were built it became the UK's first floating village. More recently the Brockholes floating visitor centre was opened in 2011. Many new plans such as Boris Johnson’s floating village for the Royal Docks have failed to materialise but the need for this type of development is becoming more urgent with the acute shortage of housing. Brockholes floating visitor village The pontoon was designed by Adam Khan Architects, and engineered by Price & Myers and Max Fordham. Constructed by Mansell Construction and Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, the innovative platform is a cellular reinforced concrete structure with polystyrene infills. Special measures have been taken in line with the sustainable objectives of the project, including the use of 4800 tonnes of recycled concrete and environmental management. Floating on the largest lake on the site, the pontoon will support a cluster of 5 buildings forming the new landmark Visitor Centre, and bringing the experience of the wetland habitat closer to the visitors.