26th May 2023

Perega deliver robust engineering solution at Domaine Evremond

Perega’s highly skilled team of structural and civils experts has been selected to deliver essential engineering services for a new purpose-built facility near Chilham, in Kent, for the English Winery, Domaine Evremond. With completion due in December later this year, Arkay Building Services Ltd was appointed as the lead contractor, with Perega hired to value engineer the structure.

Domaine Evremond, a joint venture between French Champagne House Champagne Taittinger and Hatch Mansfield Limited, is a UK specialist agent in premium wines. The first step to realising this project centred on purchasing 69 hectares of farmland at Selling Court Farm in Kent.

Perega was initially brought on to the project by Arkay Building Services in May 2022 and tasked with value engineering the concept. Upon reviewing the original design, several opportunities were identified to simplify the construction and bring the project within budget, like reducing the volume of concrete needed on site for the structure and replacing the ground floor and roof construction with a steel frame.

Working closely with Arkay Building Services, the project engineers overcame various design challenges to enable construction to commence in a more feasible, cost-effective fashion without compromising on quality. Perega’s ability to address the redesign promptly was a critical factor in meeting set deadlines without delay.

Furthermore, as the facility involved a two-storey basement and a two-storey upper level, extensive excavation work was required. During the design phase, investigations were needed to assess the ground conditions in more detail – to enable a better economy of the substructure.

The new facility, which is currently under construction, has been specifically designed to allow premium sparkling wines to be made in a way that protects the quality of the wine.

Upon completion, the structure will rank among the largest wineries in the country. Spanning 40m long and 30m wide, the winery will also house a visitors’ centre for public tours as well as a below-ground storage facility, where the wine can mature.

Commenting on Perega’s work with the project, Sam Coleman, Associate and lead engineer, says: “When we were first brought onto the project, we knew there were opportunities to bring added value to the project and further reduce costs by proposing an alternative design.”

“Addressing the concerns with the original design was paramount to proceeding with this project to meet the scheduled deadline of delivery. By quickly value-engineering the main elements, it was possible to successfully commence construction. Once this project has been completed, this will be a great addition to the Kent landscape, where wine lovers from across the country can enjoy English sparkling wine in a stunning location.”