Helical Piling & Structural Steel Framework for a Bespoke Boat House
Designed, Supplied & Installed
OVERVIEW
When a private client set out to build a bespoke boat house on the River Thames, they envisioned a structure that would blend functionality, resilience, and precision. The site, however, presented complex challenges. Access restrictions, soaring costs, and sustainability concerns made the conventional approach of concrete piling both impractical and uneconomical.
360 GSS stepped in with a bold alternative: a helical piling and steel fabrication system designed not only to overcome logistical barriers but also to deliver millimetre-perfect accuracy. Partnering with IMS (www.industrialmetal.co.uk) for the steel supply, 360 GSS fabricated and installed a fully engineered solution that aligned with the client’s vision while saving significant cost and disruption.
CHALLENGE
Riverside construction is never straightforward and in this project, the original design specified concrete piling foundations. On paper, it seemed like the obvious choice, but in reality it brought major obstacles.
The restricted access to the boat house site meant it could not accommodate the heavy lorries and piling rigs required for concrete work, making deliveries disruptive, costly, and time-consuming. Mobilising machinery and transporting large volumes of material to such a location would also have dramatically inflated the budget. On top of this, the client was eager to explore a more sustainable option that would lower the carbon footprint of the build and minimise disruption to the delicate riverside setting.
At its heart, the challenge was about finding a foundation system that was practical, sustainable, cost-effective, and precise.
The restricted access to the boat house site meant it could not accommodate the heavy lorries and piling rigs required for concrete work, making deliveries disruptive, costly, and time-consuming. Mobilising machinery and transporting large volumes of material to such a location would also have dramatically inflated the budget. On top of this, the client was eager to explore a more sustainable option that would lower the carbon footprint of the build and minimise disruption to the delicate riverside setting.
At its heart, the challenge was about finding a foundation system that was practical, sustainable, cost-effective, and precise.
SOLUTION
Instead of persisting with costly concrete, 360 GSS proposed a more sustainable and precise alternative: a helical piling system paired with a bespoke structural steel framework.
To prove its effectiveness, our team carried out a free on-site test pile, showcasing the strength, stability, and adaptability of helical piles under real site conditions. This gave the client complete confidence in moving forward. The solution combined Helical Quadrapiles in single, paired, and raked formations to manage loadings, with galvanised bridging beams and pile caps to distribute weight evenly. 150mm galvanised CHS columns, fabricated by 360 GSS, were installed with millimetre accuracy to align seamlessly with the prefabricated steel frame across all axes.
Unlike concrete, which fixes positions permanently, our system allowed for on-site adjustments, ensuring perfect precision. With steel supplied by IMS, 360 GSS delivered a tailored, end-to-end fabrication and installation service.
To prove its effectiveness, our team carried out a free on-site test pile, showcasing the strength, stability, and adaptability of helical piles under real site conditions. This gave the client complete confidence in moving forward. The solution combined Helical Quadrapiles in single, paired, and raked formations to manage loadings, with galvanised bridging beams and pile caps to distribute weight evenly. 150mm galvanised CHS columns, fabricated by 360 GSS, were installed with millimetre accuracy to align seamlessly with the prefabricated steel frame across all axes.
Unlike concrete, which fixes positions permanently, our system allowed for on-site adjustments, ensuring perfect precision. With steel supplied by IMS, 360 GSS delivered a tailored, end-to-end fabrication and installation service.
RESULT
The helical piling system allowed for adjustments to within a millimetre, ensuring the prefabricated steel framework aligned perfectly – accuracy that simply isn’t possible with concrete.
This precision provided a robust foundation for the rest of the boat house build while also delivering significant cost savings. By removing the need for heavy lorries, concrete deliveries, and piling rigs, the project avoided unnecessary expense and disruption, with less equipment, faster installation, and reduced labour making the process both economical and efficient. The use of helical piles also introduced a clear sustainability advantage, as they require fewer materials, create minimal spoil, and can be installed using compact machinery ideally suited to the restricted riverside setting. As a result, the client benefitted from a solution that was not only practical and cost-effective but also greener and more environmentally responsible.
From start to finish, the piling and steel installation phase took just seven working days, keeping the project firmly on schedule. Combined with a free test pile, this gave the client complete confidence in 360 GSS’s expertise and vision.
This precision provided a robust foundation for the rest of the boat house build while also delivering significant cost savings. By removing the need for heavy lorries, concrete deliveries, and piling rigs, the project avoided unnecessary expense and disruption, with less equipment, faster installation, and reduced labour making the process both economical and efficient. The use of helical piles also introduced a clear sustainability advantage, as they require fewer materials, create minimal spoil, and can be installed using compact machinery ideally suited to the restricted riverside setting. As a result, the client benefitted from a solution that was not only practical and cost-effective but also greener and more environmentally responsible.
From start to finish, the piling and steel installation phase took just seven working days, keeping the project firmly on schedule. Combined with a free test pile, this gave the client complete confidence in 360 GSS’s expertise and vision.
CONCLUSION
The Boat House project showcases how 360 GSS & IMS approach complex builds: with innovation, technical expertise, and a client-first mindset.
By combining sustainable helical piling with bespoke steel fabrication, we delivered a foundation system that was stronger, smarter, and better suited to the site than traditional concrete.
For homeowners, architects, and developers, the project highlights the value of working with a partner who can balance engineering precision with cost efficiency and environmental responsibility. Concrete piling has long been the standard, but this build proves it isn’t always the right answer. Our system offered greater accuracy, sustainability, cost savings, and adaptability – benefits that transformed both the construction process and the long-term integrity of the structure.
The riverside Boat House now stands as proof that rethinking conventional methods leads to better outcomes for clients and the environment. With 360 GSS, every project builds confidence as well as structures.
By combining sustainable helical piling with bespoke steel fabrication, we delivered a foundation system that was stronger, smarter, and better suited to the site than traditional concrete.
For homeowners, architects, and developers, the project highlights the value of working with a partner who can balance engineering precision with cost efficiency and environmental responsibility. Concrete piling has long been the standard, but this build proves it isn’t always the right answer. Our system offered greater accuracy, sustainability, cost savings, and adaptability – benefits that transformed both the construction process and the long-term integrity of the structure.
The riverside Boat House now stands as proof that rethinking conventional methods leads to better outcomes for clients and the environment. With 360 GSS, every project builds confidence as well as structures.