Specialist Pumping Station for Grand Designs

In September 2011, T-T Pumping Stations® was selected to supply and commission a specialised pumping station for a Grand Designs project that involved restoring a dilapidated lifeboat station in Tenby, Wales. The project aimed to transform the station into a modern, seaside home with expansive views, but the challenges of the location, weather conditions, and the building's original state made this a unique and demanding task.

Project Challenges

The original structure of the lifeboat station was severely deteriorated, with rust and rot posing structural issues. The location of the building posed further challenges, as it was set atop a cliff with limited access. Additionally, the site’s exposure to extreme weather conditions meant that any solution would have to be robust and able to withstand the harsh coastal environment.

The most significant technical challenge was dealing with the building’s wastewater requirements. Since the property was located in an area with no direct connection to a sewage system, T-T Pumping Stations® needed to design and implement a system that would effectively handle wastewater while being discreetly integrated into the building's renovation.

The Solution

To meet the complex needs of the project, T-T designed a wastewater system that would be suspended under the property. This system included the following components:

1. Submersible Sewage Pumps: Two high-performance submersible sewage pumps were selected to manage the wastewater flow from the building. These pumps are designed to work efficiently in harsh environments, providing reliable operation even in extreme conditions.
2. Stainless Steel Tank: A durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel tank was used to house the pumps and store the wastewater. The material was chosen for its longevity and ability to withstand the coastal environment, ensuring the system’s effectiveness over time.
3. Bespoke Control Panel: A custom-built control panel was supplied to manage the operation of the pumps. This panel was designed for ease of use and to ensure the system functioned smoothly, providing real-time control and monitoring.
4. Chemical Dosing Unit: A small chemical dosing unit was included to inject chemicals into the tank. These chemicals were designed to prevent odour, control septicity, and break up congealed fat build-up, ensuring the system remained clean and odour-free.
   With over 60 years of experience in the design, manufacture, supply, and installation of pumps, controls, valves, and environmental systems, T-T was able to provide a complete solution that not only met the technical requirements of the project but also blended seamlessly with the building’s restoration plans.

Implementation and Outcome

The team at T-T Pumping Stations® worked closely with the contractors and project team to ensure the system was installed with minimal disruption to the building’s renovation. The decision to suspend the pumping system under the property was a particularly challenging aspect due to the limited access and the need to protect the system from the harsh coastal weather.

Despite these challenges, the team successfully installed the system, commissioning it to handle the building’s wastewater needs efficiently. The result was a discreet, high-performance pumping station that functioned perfectly within the constraints of the project.

The Grand Design Revealed

Once the renovations were completed, the lifeboat station was transformed into a beautiful, modern home with sweeping views of the sea. The integration of the new system allowed the property owners to enjoy the comfort of a modern home while ensuring the wastewater system remained discreet, reliable, and efficient.

The project was featured on Grand Designs, showcasing how thoughtful planning and the right technical expertise can overcome even the most difficult challenges in building and renovating in difficult locations.

The Tenby lifeboat station renovation project demonstrates T-T’s ability to provide tailored, innovative solutions to complex challenges. By leveraging over 60 years of industry experience and working closely with the project team, T-T was able to deliver a bespoke wastewater management solution that met the specific needs of the site and the vision for the new home.