Wardle Marine Services were approached to deliver a boardwalk through this charming area in a business park in Oxford.

The client had quite specific requirements, and we worked closely with them to refine the design, ensuring we could exceed expectations and meet budget requirements.

We used non-destructive testing (NDT) to test the driven piles for their loading capacity to ensure they could support the weight of the boardwalk’s materials and people walking on top. Thankfully, the test went well!

We removed the pre-existing wooden barriers to make way for the boardwalk then got to work constructing the boardwalk’s supporting framework, made from 60mm diameter galvanised tubes. As shown in the photos, we dug out quite a few tonnes of soil and relocated it due to the architect’s design requirement.

Next, we built the sub-frame using C24 pressure-treated timber. The client wanted the trees in the area to remain, so we constructed the frame around them. The decking around the tree trunks was designed to be expandable as the trees grow, allowing for their preservation.

The client also wanted a custom-built bench to match the look of the boardwalk. Our team designed an attractive and comfortable bench with space to accommodate at least seven people.

We then started the satisfying task of laying the decking from Gripsure, which was made using beautiful bamboo with a non-slip strip. Bamboo is a popular choice for the environmentally conscious as it’s a fast-growing resource that requires less water and lower levels of pesticides compared to hardwood. It is also lightweight, durable and requires less maintenance than hardwood.

The non-slip strip is extremely hardwearing, meaning it will not rub off or be chipped away with ease, making it a long-lasting safety feature.

For our own use, we built a temporary Modular Cube pontoon with PE handrail posts and polypropylene rope so we had safe and better access to the lower platform of the viewing area during construction.

The client required green, powder-coated, aluminium handrail posts, so we had them custom made to their specifications. Powder-coating provides greater protection against extreme weather conditions compared to traditional paint, yet it still has an attractive, high-quality look perfect for projects where beauty matters!

The handrails were finished using steel wire threaded through the posts, creating a safe but stylish barrier for people strolling through.

The finished boardwalk looks fantastic and, we think, enhances the appeal of the area. A relatively small common area you could easily walk past rather than through was turned into an attractive place to take your lunch break or to simply stroll through as you navigate the business park.

Here at WMS, we love to take on very customised projects such as this as they always have unique problems to solve and give us the opportunity to show what we can do!

Call our Sales Team on 01420 86229 or email sales@wardlemarineservices.co.uk to discuss your unique project. Or, simply drop us an enquiry through our website. We look forward to hearing from you!