Kendal, located in southern Cumbria, is benefitting from flood risk investment designed to protect homes and businesses from flooding. A key design feature of the flood defenses is a high-performance glass, courtesy of Pilkington United Kingdom, within a high-specification stainless-steel frame to protect properties without spoiling the town’s historic beauty and retaining riverside views.
The glass used
The glass used as part of the flood wall is a bespoke creation developed in collaboration with Pilkington, part of the NSG Group, and chemical and materials manufacturer Kuraray, while the overall flood system was designed and will be installed by Flood Control International.
It features alternating layers of glass and interlayer to create a 35-millimeter laminate, with Pilkington Activ as the outer panes and a 12-millimeter Pilkington Optiwhite middle pane. The glass panels undergo strength testing and have the capability to safely hold back water in the event of water levels rising.
Pilkington Activ self-cleaning glass reacts with natural daylight to break down and loosen organic dirt, meaning no harsh chemicals or regular manual cleaning is required. After the dirt is broken down the coating spreads rainwater evenly over the surface of the glass, helping to wash it away, ensuring that locals and visitors have a clear view of the riverside that runs through the center of the town as well as its distinctive buildings.
What people are saying
“This project has been one of collaboration and innovation to ensure that we provide the residents of Kendal with a solution that not only benefits them in terms of safety but remains unobtrusive to the town’s landscape and heritage,” says Peter Maj, area sales manager, Pilkington UK. “Our work with Kuraray has enabled us to provide a sophisticated glass solution that will stand up against the harshest conditions. The addition of our self-cleaning technology means that residents can rest assured that the proposed flood defenses will remain clear, needing little maintenance throughout its service.”
“It can’t be understated how far all parties have gone to ensure that this project protects those vulnerable to flooding while putting the community first,” says Tom McCormick, flood risk management scheme advisor for the Environment Agency. “A string of engagement talks, alongside a stringent planning process, has made sure that all community concerns have been taken into account. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with conscientious partners as we work to safeguard Kendal, whilst ensuring the beauty of the town and its historic scenery are preserved.”
“The Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme will and already is proving beneficial for the local community. The safety of our residents is of the utmost importance to us, so the flood wall protecting the area’s most vulnerable whilst preserving the scenic beauty of our town is a welcome addition to Kendal’s riverbanks. And this is just the start–we’re looking forward to broadening protection further in the summer of this year with the next phase of this important community project," says Jonathan Cornthwaite at Kendal Town Council.
