Exeter Train Depot

The maintenance depot is on a prominent site adjacent to Exeter St David's Station, therefore careful design considerations were taken regarding the site context and proximity of the new building to the Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed station and the river Exe. Careful planning to facilitate construction whilst minimising the impact to ongoing depot and station operations were key considerations in the design, coupled with the relocation of a culvert crossing site. 

Environmental factors required the office welfare areas to achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' certification. 

Given the inherent nature of the facility there were a number of challenges in terms of fire safety in which the application of standard fire safety guidance could not be applied for a number of design elements.  Challenges faced included operations undertaken during normal servicing of trains within restricted maintenance pits along with extended travel distances given the linear nature of evacuation routes along trains and maintenance personnel located on high level gantries.