Buckshole Reservoir Spillway
Engineering
Visualising Landscape & Engineering Integration.
Project Description
We were commissioned by RPS to create two detailed photomontages showcasing the improved spillway design for Buckshole Reservoir. The project focused on developing a robust and effective solution to enhance the existing spillway’s capacity.
The scheme involved the construction of a new 4-meter-wide, 90-meter-long reinforced concrete channel, serving as a direct replacement for the under-capacity existing spillway channel. Additionally, there was a new 300mm diameter siphon draw-off pipeline, cored through the existing overflow weir, enabling the reservoir to be drawn down for maintenance or in cases of emergency.
Buckshole Reservoir is situated in Alexandra Park in Hastings and spans 44 hectares and stretches 2.5 miles long. Constructed in 1851, the reservoir is located at the northern end of Alexandra Park, which opened in 1864. It was named after Princess Alexandra, who officially opened the park in 1882.
The reservoir functions as a spillway on the southern side, playing a crucial role in flood management and water retention for the area.
Details of Our Involvement
Our previous collaboration with RPS led to this commission, leveraging our expertise in landscape visualisation. Our primary task was to create two high-quality photomontages that accurately depicted the proposed improvements to the spillway and the surrounding landscape. We worked with the basic images provided and enhanced them to provide a realistic representation of the finished project.
Key tasks included:
Model Development: We built a 3D model of the spillway based on engineering drawings and matched it to topographic survey data.
Photo Integration: Using photography references, we matched the camera angles to the 3D model. This included replicating the right time of day to maintain the original lighting conditions of the existing photography.
Rendering and Enhancement: After rendering the images, we conducted colour matching and utilised post-production techniques to create a lifelike view of the design.
Throughout the project, we maintained close communication with RPS to ensure our vision aligned with their overall design philosophy. Despite limited verification of camera views, we carefully set up the photographic elements to fit the proposed designs.
Location
- Lower Park Road, Hastings
Client
- RPS Landscape Architects
Buckshole Reservoir Spillway View downstream
Buckshole Reservoir Spillway View Upstream
Project Highlights
One of the challenges faced was working with photographs depicting the landscape in winter. This season limited options for concealing project elements behind abundant greenery. Consequently, the planting scheme required significant adjustments to achieve visual harmony in the photomontages.
Our team adeptly modelled engineering details and combined them with accurate landscape representation, enabling us to develop compelling visuals that communicated the project’s intent effectively.
Conclusion
The final output resulted in obtaining planning permission for the new spillway, which enhances flood protection for the dam against larger predicted events. The new spillway channel follows the historical route of the original channel, reinforcing the reservoir’s structural integrity.
This case study showcases the importance of accurate modeling, effective stakeholder communication, and how adapting designs to existing environmental conditions can significantly influence project outcomes and client satisfaction. Our knowledge of engineering and ability to interpret complex engineering drawings enables us to better assist our engineering clients in achieving their project goals while maximising the ecological and community benefits of their initiatives.
