Specialist soil blends by MCM for university development

Soils: Sourcing, Specifying, Blending, Certifying, Supplying

Working with groundworks client JP Dunn Construction, BALI Registered Affiliate member MCM supplied a specified blend of BS3882 topsoil and a tested and fully compliant BS8601 subsoil, which would provide a welcome boost to the surrounding landscape, allowing better drainage and creating the perfect environment for the healthy establishment of plants, root growth and turf success.

Plaza and Courtyard Planting

With wildflower planting in pockets around the development, MCM supplied a low fertility topsoil blend to provide the nutrient levels required for a thriving soft landscape whilst suppressing the onset of invasive weeds across the planting scheme. With the client, we ensured the soil was tested, compliant and spot-on in terms of the specified blend.

The building was completed in December 2019 and is one of the greenest buildings in Winchester: rainwater recycling, solar photo voltaic panels and smart building management systems and hence a BREEAM Excellent rating – something reflected in the surrounding landscape, from the soil up.

Landscape Excellence from design to completion

The building, part of the £33 million development for the University, was designed by DEA Architects with the landscape designed by Land Use Consultants. The landscaping, completed by JP Dunn Construction, includes a courtyard, water garden, arrival plaza, embanked pocket green space with radial steps and an upper terrace.

The importance of choosing a reputable, reliable soils supplier and advisor

MCM have worked with JP Dunn on this and similar projects for over 20 years.

“Matching the specification of the soils, meeting a tight delivery schedule and accommodating ongoing testing and certification were the key take-aways from our relationship with MCM as soil supplier for this project.  As ever, the MCM team worked tirelessly to ensure the right soil arrived in the right place at the right time, every time – of utmost importance to us and our partners in this prestigious scheme.” – James Galloway, Procurement Director, JP Dunn Construction

Find out more about the MCM range of high-performance soils and their topsoil certification commitments at www.mcm-se.com