Carl Bailey of Elevate UK & Ireland, discusses the construction of a new Australian-themed adventure golf centre, including the waterproofing of a 2,000 m² lagoon.
The new £2.5m Adventure Golf Course at Adlington Golf Centre in Cheshire is one of the UK’s largest and most interactive. Constructed by Dominic Developments, which specialises in creating golf experiences, the ambitious 18-hole facility is situated on a two-acre plot.
Working in partnership with the site owners, Dominic Developments developed the concept into a full design. A host of features, all based on an Australian theme, can be found along the course ranging from the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to King George falls – a 7.5m waterfall. The 10,000 m² site is also home to model caves, snakes, kangaroos, Australian birds, Tasmanian devils and giant spiders. Australian wildlife sounds and tributes ranging from branded rubbish bins to a ‘dunny’ add to the experience.
At the heart of the course is a large 2,000 m² lagoon, designed and built to maximise visual impact and performance. Its irregular shape has multiple curves and varying widths that mimic the uneven contours of a natural lake or pond, helping to create an immersive environment for visitors. Its size and shape also accommodate a variety of themed features. including the 7.5m waterfall, rocks, beach areas and an eye-catching fountain.
Optimising resilience
To prevent the risk of any leaks and maximise the lagoon’s lifespan, Elevate’s GeoGard EPDM geomembrane liner was specified and installed by specialist supplier, Stephens Industries. A total of 2,840 m2 was supplied in a 1.1mm thickness to provide a higher puncture and tear resistance, ensuring the liner will withstand any mechanical stresses during its service life.
A synthetic rubber, GeoGard EPDM has a chemical composition making it resistant to UV, heat, microorganisms and extreme weather conditions. If water levels reduce, this means there is no risk of any damage to the liner.
Further maximising durability, the geomembrane doesn’t contain any plasticisers or antioxidants which could risk the liner degrading over time or aging prematurely. Its stable chemical composition offers environmental benefits too. As it does not release any pollutants, there is no negative effect on air or water quality.
A further benefit of GeoGard EPDM is its elasticity which allows the geomembrane to elongate by more than 300 per cent and return to its original form, enabling it to handle substrate movements without damage. It also remains flexible even in very low temperatures, allowing it to adapt to the lagoon’s irregular shapes while remaining flat on the substrate, whatever the outside temperature.
Overcoming installation hurdles
Prior to installing the geomembrane, a site survey was conducted by Stephens Industries, and the area measured. An overlay drawing was then used to determine the optimal sheet layout for the Elevate GeoGard material, which is available in sizes up to 30m (100ft) in length.
The lagoon was broken down into sections and the length of the sheets confirmed for each corresponding area of varied lengths to minimise on-site cut-offs and thereby reduce waste.
The lagoon area was then excavated requiring 50,000 tonnes of earth to be moved and redistributed around the site. This process was made more challenging by the sand surface and the presence of extensive groundwater. To overcome these issues, the contractors mixed the water with the sand to make a thick slurry, enabling it to be removed more easily.
The GeoGard EPDM panels were installed on site by a team of four specially trained operatives from Stephens Industries, who took three days to complete the work. A primer was applied to the splice area in preparation for joining the panels together. A 75mm wide splice tape was used for this process, joining and sealing the panels with no need for mechanical attachments. To consolidate the bond, installers used a seam roller, no special electrical or other tools required.
The flexibility of GeoGard EPDM combined with a high friction angle (27.5°) made it easier for the installers to manipulate the liner around the different angles of the lagoon while preventing the risk of workers sliding on the surface when dry.
In shallower areas and where natural rocks were placed around the edging, additional precautions were taken to protect the geomembrane. This saw an additional layer of geo textile overlay installed together with sand and a 50mm concrete layer.
A drainage system under the liner prevents the risk of blistering caused by trapped groundwater or gas pressure build-up beneath the geomembrane. A series of land drains are also connected to the lagoon to drain the surface water from the adventure golf area.
Built for generations
The adventure golf course opened its doors in August 2024 following a 12-month construction programme. It forms part of the family-owned Adlington Golf Centre which was opened in 1992 by owners David and Sandra Moss as a diversification to their farming activities.
Sons James, Tim and Nick are also actively involved in the business and have the led the development of the adventure golf course. The lagoon provides an impressive centre piece which is guaranteed to remain watertight for 20 years and has a life expectancy of five decades.
Carl Bailey is regional technical manager for Elevate UK & Ireland