"paving"

Exchange Square, designed by DSDHA, is a refurbishment of a major 1.5-acre public park above the tracks of Liverpool Street Station in London. Our terrazzo was supplied throughout, including water features, amphitheatre steps, paving and planter edges with complex 3D pieces. The challenge for In Opera was to provide over 3000 pieces, 90% of which were unique and many having to fit into each other perfectly. The 1.5-acre park will see a four-fold increase in the amount of planting and dramatically enhance biodiversity, with 25% of the area featuring green space that is accessible to all.Quadrupling the amount of green space at Broadgate, the aim is to boost the emotional and physical well-being of those that work at Broadgate and the local community while supporting British Land’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.We are proud to have been involved in such a major development, which aims to draw people together and help the communities thrive in a better environment. What was once a dark uninviting space has been transformed into a light and welcoming place where people can truly live, where communities and businesses can thrive, and that helps the planet to flourish. It is a more attractive, less corporate environment for Broadgate, which creates places to dwell, not just pass through.

A major urban regeneration programme to revive a neglected area within the town centre, creating a vibrant community of shops, workplaces, and open spaces.Striking a balance between modern facilities and historic features was at the heart of the design brief, particularly referencing the industrial heritage. In former times this town played a major role in establishing the UK shoe industry Street furniture is throughout the re-development for which the architect decided to use premium powder-coated galvanized steel, delivering both visual appeal and high levels of resistance required within a heavy footfall outdoor environment. Rust-effect powder coat finish, ‘Sahara’ evokes the town’s manufacturing heritage that captures the look of weathered steel without the concern of staining the surrounding paving. Providing excellent weather resistance, colour stability and durability, Sahara was applied to metal planters, seating, bollards, railings and art installations. This achieves visual appeal and a fresh and bold aesthetic. The use of proven powder coating combined with galvanizing technology established in the architectural industry ensures that the street furniture will remain structurally sound and smart for many years to come. The project has achieved a key objective in attracting increased footfall in the commercial ‘sole’ of this once down-at-heel area.

Resin bound Addabound porous surfacing for sports complex swimming pool surround.Addagrip approved contractor Total Protection (GB) Ltd has installed 294m2 of Addabound Resin Bound surfacing around the swimming pool at the David Lloyd Gym in East Acton, London.The client was looking for a decorative Resin Bound paving for the outdoor swimming pool at the gym which has just undergone a £9m refurbishment to provide an indoor and outdoor pool, modern spa and racquet courts. The requirement was for a low maintenance system that would be smooth and comfortable underfoot, providing a decorative aggregate finish that could be power washed as part of the cleaning regime of the pool area.Interserve Construction appointed Total Protection (GB) Ltd to prepare the surface and install 294m2 of BBA approved Addabound Resin Bound surfacing in a recycled marble Dune blend.The challenge was the preparation required to the existing surfaces surrounding and adjacent to the outdoor pool to ensure a suitable substrate for the Resin Bound system. Undulations and differing depths were regulated with compatible screed material and an aluminium edge detail was installed to provide an edge for the 12mm depth of Addabound.The new surface was installed in a single application in May 2018 to prevent any day joints and ensure the smooth, seamless finish was achieved in time for the grand opening.

Lakeside Developments is a unique development offering a selection of six to seven storied apartments, semi-detached and detached houses situated in Coleraine. The homes have been designed to exceed expectations of modern buyers. A cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable facing brick was required to complete the scheme.The exclusive housing development has been ‘highly commended’ in the sustainability category at the Placemaking Awards which celebrates projects, plans, people and organisations that are making places better.The unique project, described as one of the most unique and visionary civil engineering projects ever attempted in the UK, has transformed the 42-acre redundant quarry into a modern housing development with a lake, which was formed using water that had been pumped out of the site.According to Alan Patterson Design the project demonstrates its environmental credentials through its ‘engineering initiative and excellence’ in the re-use of the redundant basalt quarry to meet present day housing needs.AG’s facing brick Woodward in Ashbrooke Smooth was chosen due to its hard-wearing capabilities and long-lasting colour retention. The smooth finish of the brick gives a modern appearance to the houses.Additionally, Homepave Cobble Paving was selected for the walkways and garden of the new development. Due to its rumbled surface, it provides a charming additional to the scheme

AG was delighted to continue our partnership with Braidwater Homes at one of the house builder’s most prestigious private housing development, Castlehill, located just off the Ballygowan Road in Belfast.Braidwater Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Boyle said:“AG’s paving and walling products which are aesthetically pleasing, tie in totally with Braidwater’s ‘living the dream’ aspirations. For the Castlehill development we had a number of requirements, which included ensuring that the landscaping tied in with the modern feel of this high-end development.” To this end, we utilised AG’s Vertica® and Diamond® retaining walls, where appropriate, together with AG’s River Stone 3’s set pavers in contrasting tones.”AG’s Regional Sales Manager, Barry Scott commented:“We have a really good relationship with the Braidwater Group and are currently involved in a number of their sites across Northern Ireland. The Castlehill contract was an important one for us and we have worked hard to ensure we live up to their high standards. As part of our commitment to Braidwater I personally make visits to their sites to ensure their team always have the products they need. Our personal service supported by speed and ease of delivery is something they appreciate. They also like the fact that by utilising our Anchor® Diamond® mortarless/pin-less segmental retaining wall system their team can work on in wet weather with no breaks in construction.”

Marlborough Manor is one of Carrickfergus’ newest and most sought-after developments, with façades reflecting a traditional, Georgian-style design created by premium AG facing bricks whose hand-crafted aesthetics appeal to architects, house builders and professional designers alike. The ChallengeBuilt by HJ O’Boyle contractors in November 2015, the 16 homes making up the £2.5m Marlborough Manor development mark the first residential development by Rosemount Homes Ltd, an offshoot of Lagan Construction Group, with whom AG has enjoyed business relations for nearly 20 years.Befitting the aesthetic tone of the Georgian-style homes the development called for facing bricks with the hand-crafted appearance sometimes only associated with clay bricks.Key to the development was also attractive and comfortable outdoor living spaces. The SolutionThe Heritage range, with its rumbled edges and traditional, rustic finish was chosen by the contracting team – and they haven’t looked back since.The beautiful Heritage facing brick – in Fergustie Mixture – was matched with AG’s Rectangular paving in Creagh Peat Brindle colour which affords a smooth finish with clean lines and richness of colour plus great skid and slip performance. And, of course, it’s also renowned for its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Architect Alan Bennett has been completely won over by AG’s high quality facing brick – “The Heritage Fergustie brick is a great product and one I hope to use in the future.”

Our premium granite TerraPave® flagstones were a perfect choice for this scheme at one of London’s foremost rooftop cocktail bars and pizzerias. Skylark Roof Garden, located on Kingdom Street, sits on the 10th floor of Paddington Central, offering incredible views overlooking the beautiful Notting Hill, on the banks of Little Venice. For this project, a combination of Pedestals and TerraPave® flags were utilised. The incorporation of Pedestals (stools on which the flags were laid) , meant no base was required. The depth of TerraPave® flags is calibrated as part of the manufacturing process, delivering exceptional dimensional accuracy which in turn delivered consistent levelling across the terrace. Project architects, Allies and Morrison selected our TerraPave® Flags, in Rimini and Milano Ground due to their rich, distinctive styles and impressive durability in highly pedestrianised areas. These flags are produced with locally-sourced, natural aggregates instead of pigments meaning their unique colouration won’t fade. TerraPave® also offers a cost-effective, and practical alternative to traditional stone paving. The £80m Paddington Central scheme was completed built by Wates Construction and designed by Allies & Morrison. Some of the impressive project’s additional features include London’s highest basketball court, an external glazed stair tower, and a public colonnade around the retail space on the ground floor.

West Lindsay Council sought out to build a new crematorium for the area, as statistics showed that 75% of funerals are now cremations. The £6.3m site is state-of-the-art and includes landscaped grounds, remembrance gardens filled with young trees and wildflower meadows, a reflection pool, a car park for 120 vehicles and ample space for further development if necessary; to include a second chapel if there is demand.The new crematorium will be welcome to all forms of religious and/or secular services. With beautiful views of the woodland across Nottinghamshire, this facility will help make a real difference to residents at difficult times in their lives.With the building itself boasting modern design, the chosen paving materials for the hard landscaping were chosen to help complement the rural nature of the area and make the best use of the natural boundaries.Modal textured in Charcoal Grey Granite and Oatmeal Granite were used alongside Myriad Sunlight for the pristine entranceway, working brilliantly with the warm tones of the building and soft landscaping in the surrounding area.Main contractor, Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd. alongside Haverstock as the architects, carried out the project.The result was a warm and beautiful landscaped area. The combination of sizes and colours create an unmissable entranceway that is modern and welcoming. The facilities are now open to the public to provide a much-needed service for local’s in a tasteful and well-designed environment.Images supplied by West Lindsey Council

The Barony Campus in Cumnock is one of Scotland’s most innovative, ambitious and inclusive learning facility. It opened its doors to the Robert Burns Academy and Supported Learning Centre pupils in October 2020.The Barony Campus in Cumnock will be the biggest capital project ever undertaken by East Ayrshire Council, with costs in the region of £68m. Situated on a 19.8-hectare site, the innovative new Barony Campus consolidates five schools into one shared community campus, creating a centre for education for the towns of Cumnock, Auchinleck and the surrounding area.The project for East Ayrshire Council, and based on standards set by the Scottish Futures Trust, includes a secondary school (for 1,633 pupils), a primary school (517 pupils), a nursery (240 children) and an 80-place supported learning centre. £40,000 worth of AG’s Plaza Salt, Pepper and Kardemom paving was provided to the campus’ grounds which accommodates over 2,700 pupils.Plaza is manufactured using the highest-quality aggregates, giving it an uncommon durability that’s ideal for large number of pedestrians. Set into the landscape on a radial geometry, the design helps to break down the overall mass of the building, minimising visual impact and giving each element of the school its own identity. The fresh, crisp look of Plaza makes it particularly suited to create a contemporary feel.Sustainability was at the heart of the design from the outset of Barony Campus thus the choice of Plaza was ideal as the product is produced in the UK from locally sourced materials. Using a high percentage of recycled non-primary materials in the base mix, and 90% harvested rainwater and 100% renewable energy in the production process.

The Burton Borough School development is a brand new sports hall for Burton Borough School in Newport, Telford. As this building will be used primarily by schoolchildren, it was especially important that it was built using a durable solution which can stand up not only against weather conditions, but is fully non-combustible.Ash & Lacy worked through Kynaston Contract Services with Pave Aways Building Contractors and TACP Architects to deliver for Telford & Wrekin Council a MechSlip façade employing Ibstock’s Himley Ebony Black brick. Developed in conjunction with Ibstock Kevington, MechSlip is a lightweight, mechanically fixed system that offers significant advantages including reduced installation times and associated costs, as well as being classified A1 (non-combustible) to EN 13501-1 fire testing standards by Exova Warringtonfire.This project shows some of the design versatility of MechSlip as well, with the projecting header pattern on the building’s front elevation being achieved by alternating between half bricks and full bricks to create a memorable impression which manipulates shadow well. MechSlip allows specifiers and architects to create distinctive façades thanks to the flexibility of different sizes of brick slips and choice of multiple colours and textures.As well as offering the reassurance provided by a mechanically-fixed design, MechSlip has been rigorously tested to the Centre for Window & Cladding Technology (CWCT) standards, for wind resistance, water tightness and impact resistance. The result is that it eliminates the weather dependency of traditional building methods without compromising on the choice of brick finish.

This project was a re-development of an existing supermarket together with the adjoining Fulham Wharf site. It comprised the new 100,000 sq. ft store and 463 residential units with their own balcony and terrace, many with views over podium gardens and the River Thames.Systems in useWilotekt®-PlusEcoflex®Starcoat® PMMAStarcoat® QCStarcoat® RChallengesThis was a challenging site logistically with limited delivery and site access points, and the project had to be completed with consideration being given to residents and with the existing supermarket remaining fully operational. The waterproofing system had to be monolithic, fully adhered to prevent water tracking during and post construction, robust, durable and capable of withstanding construction-related traffic without defect.SolutionsCareful design consideration was provided to ensure Axter’s driving philosophy of the right system in the right place was employed successfully. The design, supply and installation of Wilotekt-Plus, unique second generation hot melt structural waterproofing system, provided 30% quicker on site installation speeds than traditional first generation hot melt systems. This ensured the waterproofing was completed swiftly, which enabled landscaping finishes to be installed within deadline.Wilotekt-Plus also fulfilled the requirement for a system that was adaptable through its approved application beneath a variety of roof finishes including ballast, decorative paving and living roofs, so as to facilitate the achievement of interesting visual aesthetics, enhancing built environment and life experience of its residents.

Developed as a great space to live in one of Manchester's best-connected locations, close to the city's shops, restaurants & bars, and next to Manchester Victoria train station, the project comprised two 20 and 25-storey residential towers, which delivered 520 new homes.The architect Sheppard Robson, main contractor VINCI Construction, and installer Deckbuilders, all came together to deliver a great project, that is part of a gateway into the city, featuring fantastic-looking balconies, which we were very happy to secure against the forces of nature: namely wind-uplift.There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mitigating the effects of negative pressure on balconies and terraces in high-rise buildings, and in this particular case, we had to fix the paving down to the main structure of the building mechanically, to de-risk against the impact of up to -2.68kPa of suction on the roof.To account for cost and time constraints, the system we used to secure the balconies against wind-uplift was the TerraSmart™ Pedestal system with the addition of a visual wind-uplift mechanical fixing.The tiles were mechanically restrained to the pedestals which, in turn, were mechanically fixed to the concrete deck of the balconies.And the outcome? Balconies secured, the project de-risked against wind-uplift, and the beautiful Quadro Argento Tiles (600x1200x20mm) safely in place for all residents to experience and enjoy. Listen to what our specification manager had to say.If you are specifying a project and want to know how you can mitigate the effects wind-uplift or the impact that occurs as a result of urban canyons, we can help.

The original timber sleepers used for Manchester Royal Infirmary external areas had begun to rot away quite early in their lifespan. We were tasked with replicating the existing footprint of planters to replace them within the confines of the existing paving. All installation works were undertaken in a busy hospital with minimal impact on patients and workers. Using a typographical survey we created CAD outlines for each planter, a number of existing structures featured extremely tight angles, which meant we needed to modify our corner cuts to ensure a perfect match.Our components were all pre-cut ready for installation so there was no need to use any heavy machinery on site. WoodBlocX modular system is guaranteed for 15 years and because the structures are made up of a series of individual blocks, held together by strong dowels, they will not warp or distort, nor will they rot, thanks to the pressure treatment used.WoodBlocX components are manufactured in five different sizes and work in the same way as bricks, in addition, any capping and angled parts are pre-mitred, which saves installers significant build time and eliminates the need for sawing, drilling and disposing of waste. With WoodBlocX you receive a guaranteed standard of material. From the planting of the trees to harvesting of timber all the way through to cutting the WoodBlocX components, we keep on top of every aspect of each process - maintaining the highest standards of timber quality. Using WoodBlocX, specifiers can be safe in the knowledge that the supply chain of their timber products is sustainable and reliable.

Guilden Village is brand new to Guildford, offering 533 high-quality bed spaces accompanied with 1030 sq. m of student amenity space including a fitness boutique, sky lounge, and an indoor mini golf course: all revolving around student mental well-being.The space was designed and created by Future Generation to create the perfect home away from home for students who want something more. The scheme which has a GDV exceeding £102 million will help to deliver on the much-needed increase in quality student accommodation that Guildford requires to meet demand.A mixture of AG products were supplied throughout the project entirety with 60mm and 80mm Plaza (Salt, Pepper, Birkes, and Kardemon) and TerraPave Rimini Ground Flagstones being utilised across the scheme. Additionally, our TerraPave step units and Buff Corduroy were also added to further compliment the scheme. The combination of Plaza colours and sizes provides the complex with a beautiful vibrant modern look with the addition of TerraPave’s durable granite finish.Aneed Mohammed, AG’s Technical Specification Consultant stated, “We thoroughly enjoyed working with the design and whole project team at Guilden Village to provide specification support throughout the stages to ensure all appropriate products were utilised across the PBSA scheme. A wide range of high-quality granite-topped products were utilised with the further adoption of granite step units to continue the granite theme throughout the project in order to give the scheme the high-end appearance they required. Another project once again with a great showcase of our high-quality paving products”.

Addagrip Terraco were delighted to see our BBA approved Terrabound Resin Bound porous surfacing installed at Constitution Hill as part of the new East-West Cycle Superhighway. The project will run through central London from Tower Hill to Lancaster Gate. The installation of this new stretch of the cycle path runs alongside Green Park to provide a safe route for cyclists from Buckingham Palace to Wellington Arch.BBA approved Terrabound Resin Bound surfacing was selected to provide over 2,200m2 of smooth, seamless, porous paving that would be hard wearing and provide good slip resistance for the cyclists. The natural aggregate finish in a 6mm Rhine Gold complements the location alongside Green Park and will provide a low maintenance surface in this very busy location.Working for Transport for London, F M Conway carried out the installation over a 9-day period working in one of the busiest tourist areas in Central London and during a period of very hot weather. The team started at Wellington Arch/Commonwealth Memorial end of Constitution Hill and finished the last 185m stretch outside Buckingham palace on Friday 8th July. Whilst the crowds gathered to watch the Household Cavalry ride up Constitution Hill from Wellington Arch, St James’s, London to Buckingham Palace there was also much public interest in seeing the team’s coordinated system of installing the resin bound surface and watching the transformation as it happened.The work was completed alongside the existing path that runs along Green Park so a metal edging detail was used, separating the Resin Bound surface from the hoggin surface around the mature trees that line the roadside.

October 2021 Cheshire East Council officially marked the reopening of Castle Street in Macclesfield following the completion of a scheme to transform the area and support the town’s regeneration. After delays, the work began in April 2021 and has seen footways widened and roads resurfaced with a natural cobblestone-style paving, newly planted trees, and improved street lighting.Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Ringway Jacobs Ltd to provide seating and cycle parking to the new external space. The seating option selected was the robust and sizable Canape Bench.The units consist of a powder-coated steel frame topped with exotic hardwood timber slats and backrest, providing a spacious bench for a number of users. In order to maintain the appearance of the benches, custom skate deterrents have been integrated into the design. The benches are positioned in rows of three, complementing the new resurfaced space and surrounding architecture. To further improve the space a number of Lucchetto Cycle Stands featuring a sealed Corten and stainless steel finish installed at the end of the new road providing stylish cycle parking. Lucchetto stands have the unique appearance of a padlock creating an original cycle parking offering. The project is part of a larger strategic regeneration of Macclesfield town centre to encourage greater footfall and business to the area. Castle Street was previously an underused space with vehicles having priority. The road has been opened up to the public to move freely and businesses can also apply for an alfresco dining license to expand their seating to the outside.Much of the Bailey Street Furniture Group workforce have been raised in and around Macclesfield, making this project a privilege to be a part of.

Stockport Exchange has been undergoing extensive refurbishment since 2014 with improvements to the train station, a new multi storey car park, new retail and leisure facilities as well as office buildings. Given its location on the doorstep of one of the busiest train routes in the country, connections to London in under 2 hours, and less than 10 minute journey into Manchester - The potential and popularity of the scheme has seen well known brands such as Stage Coach, Music Magpie and many others fully occupying the office spaces. The external area surrounding the buildings is completely pedestrianised with a combination of paved walkways, grass plots, and raised concrete edging for plants and trees. An open green space that is the first thing visitors see of Stockport after leaving the train station.Artform Urban were asked to provide their popular Stone Benches in HPC Granite with a smooth Velluto finish. The unique design and polished finish invites users to interact whether to rest or to climb and play. The solid stone bench becomes an immovable barrier offering security and protection once it has to be maneuvered into place with cranes. A modern and monolithic design that creates a striking visual contrast to the contemporary glass and steel architecture. The stone bench range has recently been expanded with three sizes now being offered in new finishes.The client, George Cox & Sons, have a mission to present a high quality finish on all their projects that provide essential transport links. Stockport Exchange is another excellent scheme added to their portfolio. The regeneration scheme has and continues to be a success for Stockport Council and is a benchmark for future renovations to the town centre. 

The first part of a vital £23m project to alleviate the risk of flooding in Hull has been completed with product, design support and on-site assistance from Brett Landscaping.Brett Landscaping has worked with contractor Morrisons Water Services, Yorkshire Water and Hull City Council to retrofit Rosmead Street, a residential street vulnerable to surface water flooding, supplying 4,000 square metres of concrete block permeable paving.The Rosmead Street scheme is the first part of a £23m investment in surface water management schemes planned across Hull and East Riding due to be completed over the next five years, coordinated by the Living With Water partnership. Hull has always been a city susceptible to flooding, due to its location on low lying land alongside the Humber estuary and River Hull. Surface water from the surrounding area and city itself has to flow through a series of drainage and sewer networks to discharge into the estuary. This system was challenged in 2007 when over 9,000 properties were flooded. Since then the partners have joined together to work on increasing the cities resilience through awareness and engagement, alongside investment in the infrastructure. The Living With Water partnership was set up by Hull City Council, East Riding Of Yorkshire, Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and University of Hull with two key objectives to educate the community and look at ways to mitigate the problems with surface water drainage in the area, based on the concerns and requirements of residents.At Rosmead Street the Living With Water team committed to a SuDS retrofit scheme that would help to mitigate any future serious rainfall incidents by removing the original MacAdam roadway and using permeable paving to attenuate the water flow and ease pressure on the sewer systems.

The Old War Office is a magnificent refurbishment of Winston Churchill's headquarters during the World War II. The sensitive restoration of this Grade 2 historic building includes a 125-room world class Raffles Hotel and 85 luxury residences, along with restaurants, exclusive bars, a Spa and Wellness centre. Referred to as London’s anticipated destination, this architectural landmark opens its doors to the public in Summer 2023.RYNO’s involvement in the scheme included providing the paving and substructure to the Centre triangle Courtyard and the Penthouse Roof Terraces. The triangle Courtyard was finished with a RYNO Quadro porcelain range and supported on our TerraSmart Rail system. The system uses a double lattice structure to provide superior support to the pavers even around the complex curves of the planters on the courtyard and penthouse terraces. The design and detailing of the build-ups from concept to completion has been brilliant, fully complementing the building’s magnificent heritage and unique character.RYNO worked very closely with The Gardenists to ensure the rail layout and build-ups were designed to absolute perfection. Seeing is believing and as Calvin Dalrymple, Specification Manager at RYNO, testifies “to come to the site and see the results…, they really just speak for themselves. Knowing and understanding the coordination that's gone into this whole project and now to see it looking so fantastic has really been a huge reward.” Home to Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, the Old War Office was designed in a trapezium shape to maximise the use of the land in Whitehall. Of the 25 million bricks that make up the building, the first was laid in 1901: the building was completed in 1906. For all Bond-fans out there, the building has featured in the background of many films: its first Bond-appearance was in 1983.

County Hall - LondonSystem Used - TerraSmart Aluminium IGNOA hub for businesses, a site of attractions and accommodation, London's iconic County Hall is as stunning on the outside as it is on the inside, made even more beautiful thanks to our TerraSmart Aluminium.In order to create a venue for events, Coronado Property Developments Ltd needed a solution for the huge steel floor installed into the lightwell.A Grade II listed building required a decking solution that would complement the overall aesthetics and cater for the increased load requirements: the design load went from a 2.0kN Concentrated Load and 2.5kN/m2 uniformly distributed load (UDL) (used for areas of residential activities, typically used for balconies) to a 4.0kN concentrated load and 5.0kN/m2 UDL (as an area where people may congregate).TerraSmart Aluminium was selected as the ideal system to meet the client's loading criteria. Aluminium decking is a lightweight system when compared to other paving solutions, but very strong. Coronado Property Developments Ltd were very impressed with the solution provided by RYNO and the work done by Pritchard & Pritchard, who installed the system in both lightwells in the building.The TerraSmart Aluminium system featured the ADB80 Deck Board, selected specifically for its increased top surface thickness, delivering superior durability, ADS50 Aluminium Joists to suit the spans of the steel frame underneath, and RD-FR Non-Combustible Joist Support Pedestals for guaranteed supporting strength.The steel grillage was supplied by another manufacturer and installed around the decking to meet the ventilation requirements of the air-conditioning units below.The County Hall was opened over 100 years ago by King George V and it's great to see our systems in London's most versatile, historic building.

LDA Design specified WoodBlocX Landscaping to provide the raised planters and seating for the courtyard areas of its Westpoint Homes project; One Hyndland Avenue, a development comprising of 63 luxury apartments with beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces in Glasgow’s West End.The design LDA created for the development featured a series of open paved spaces, ample seating and pergolas to add height, with large angular raised planters with integrated seating bordering the perimeters of the site to plant trees, shrubs and plants.Following a consultation with LDA on potential solutions, the WoodBlocX design team took the initial plans and recreated the original footprint using CAD designs of the modular timber blocks. Thanks to the versatility of the system WoodBlocX were able to match the design almost identically, incorporating the shapes and angles of the original outline.WoodBlocX supplied all materials directly to the Westpoint Homes’ site and the structures were assembled by their own teams. The space for materials on site was tight and the size of the planters meant that a large quantity of materials were delivered. WoodBlocX components arrive on site neatly palletised and the individual lightweight pieces are easy to access and manoeuvre when needed.All WoodBlocX structures are built in the same way using a series of light weight blocks which have been pre-drilled and then treated to provide superior strength - there is no waste or cutting needed.With all projects challenges can arise during the build, in this case some onsite changes were required due to manholes and water access getting in the way of original design. Our team swiftly redesigned instructions and supplied suitable components to match the change.

Ashdown Forest in East Sussex is a major destination for horse lovers, with several stables and riding schools amidst miles of bridleway. Clark-Drain supplied drainage solutions to one of the forest's prestigious equestrian centres, which is undergoing development of its visitor amenities.The centre has installed 3,000 square metres of new paving and parking areas, along with other upgrades to its facilities. Contractor Codrin Iordache of Cody Building took the opportunity to use Clark-Drain’s new HD-PE Technodrain solutions for the first time. Codrin says: “I was interested when I heard about Technodrain as an alternative to the polymer concrete drainage channels we generally use. Technodrain seemed to combine value with meeting all our technical specifications.“We found that the lightweight system is easy to handle. It’s also clear that, despite being light, the drainage channels have all the strength required.”All the Technodrain channel installed at the centre is in fact load rated to D400 and able to accommodate vehicles up to 40 tons. This means the area is equipped to handle even the biggest horseboxes, including HGVs carrying up to nine horses.Channels of two sizes were sourced from the range for this project:1. An external depth of 210mm, internal width of 100mm and max through-flow of 8.25 litres per second. 2. An external depth of 310mm, internal width of 200mm and max through-flow of 42.6 litres per second.Integrating sump units with channel drainageAlso supplied were several Technodrain sump units. These remove silt from the surface water, preventing dirt and debris from entering the drainage system and causing blockages. Codrin says: “I was impressed by the sump units. As with the channels, the galvanised steel edging made it simple for us to integrate them with the 80mm paving. They also feature grating that bolts in place, which is really easy to remove for maintenance inspection and cleaning of the unit and the channels.“The design of the Technodrain system also means that it’s easy to connect units together. Simple tongue and groove joints allow for the installation of channels with a ready-mounted grating, saving time on site and providing accurate connections. We will definitely be using Technodrain again on future projects.”Cody Building sourced the Technodrain products through the Tunbridge Wells branch of Professional Building Supplies, who specialise in drainage products as part of their wider range. Terry Hallett says: “We have been talking to customers since Clark-Drain introduced the Technodrain range and have had a really positive response. People like the value the range offers, and the fact that the light weight makes the units easy to handle.“The light weight is also good for us as a merchant. It makes this product sustainable to transport, and the HD-PE construction means there’s less likelihood of channels cracking in transit. It will also make storage at our central warehouse and branches simpler, with fewer issues around safe handling to deal with.”WHY THESE PRODUCTS WERE CHOSEN:Value - Technodrain consistently adds great value to excellent specifications.Load ratings - units chosen for this project were rated at Group 4 (D400), suitable for HGV parking. Robust - the HD-PE (high density polyethylene) channels and sump units are resistant to a wide range of acids, salts and hydrocarbons.Ease of installation - the 210mm deep channels used in this project weigh just 15kg each, including the ductile iron grating and galvanised steel edge.System integration - products in the Technodrain range connect easily together using simple tongue and groove joints.

Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Robertson Construction to provide a complete range of street furniture elements including seating, planters, cycle parking, and bollards to the external space of a newly built Care Centre and Library in the historic market town of Belper. We offered extensive assistance throughout the project including attendance at design meetings looking at materiality, cost, and installation demands which changed a number of times throughout the project.Although largely a new build, the existing façades of a former Thornton’s Factory have been retained, refurbished, and carefully incorporated into the scheme maintaining considerations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status of the area.Artforms' premium selection of street furniture perpetuates the careful consideration for the site heritage as well as offering an inviting space for the public and residents of the home. As well as providing space for socialising and natural splashes of colour with plants, the concrete seating and planters echo the light stone of the new section of the development.The inclusion of Moka Bollards and Cubes in Corten provides elegant seating and pedestrian safety whilst coordinating with the restored red-bricked factory façades. The Corten products were supplied with a unique seal coating that significantly reduces the risk of any leaching - ensuring the surrounding paving maintains its clean light colour.The symmetry in the positioning and layout of these elements creates an inviting space leading to the building’s entrance.Finally, a shelter and a number of cycle stands have been provided to ensure people traveling to the space on bikes have secure parking spaces. The new Ada Belfield Centre & Belper Library was previously an unused and derelict building, now it is a space to offer high-quality care that is connected to the local community. Events can now take place bringing residents and members of the public together by utilising the new external space as well as the Library, which also features a café.

The ProjectNew Build, State of the Art facility offering full-scale test equipment to create a realistic, complete test setting – ideal for training.  The facility is intended to offer a range of professional courses for technical staff from electrical utilities, industrial plants, equipment manufacturers and service companies. Space Invader architects designed the high-quality refurbishment and specified Excelsior to manufacture and deliver the washroom package.  The ChallengeThe washrooms form part of a £2 million build for Omicron. The building itself in its design and quality is at an extremely high standard.  All the latest technology from fittings, desks to equipment have been considered and the washrooms needed to equal this standard. The Architects vision was to create Superloo facility affording the user complete privacy and comfort which is what is expected in modern buildings.  The Solution Excelsior Flush 30 Full Height Cubicles provided complete privacy for the user and a flush frontage complete with aluminium rebated edge detail to the doors and pilasters enhance the cubicle system and protect the meeting styles.Vibrancy has been created throughout the building’s interior and exterior on this project and white cubicles with a vibrant pop of yellow on the cistern panelling created just the right finish.Built by Pave Aways, the building was handed over to a very happy client in September 2017.Flush 30 Cubicle (Floor to Ceiling)SpecificationProduct Range: Flush 30 HPLDoors: HPL Bonded onto 28mm MR Core, Blanc Megeve B070, rebated HPL/ABS edge detail.Pilaster: HPL Bonded onto 28mm MR Core, Blanc Megeve B070, rebated HPL/ABS edge detail.Partition: HPL Bonded on 18mm MR Core, Blanc Megeve B070 with matching HPL/ABS edge detail.Ironmongery: Stainless Steel

The £30 million Barbara Hepworth Building at the University of Huddersfield houses the School of Art, Design and Architecture for the University. Named after the famous Yorkshire-born sculptor, this new addition to the campus represents an excellent achievement in modern architecture and can be found by the side of the canal that runs through the University.Working closely with Morgan Sindall Construction and AHR Architects, OOBE were tasked to deliver a landscape masterplan for the new addition to the University’s campus. The brief was to design a landscape that fitted seamlessly with the industrial context of the building and natural nearby environment, whilst providing opportunities for students and faculty to socialise.OOBE incorporated the significant level changes between the building and canal into the design, developing several terrace spaces into this previously underused space. The internal environment also inspired the landscape design, which includes a new plaza and sculpture court that wraps around the building, helping showcase the University’s innovation and creativity.As a neighbour of the University of Huddersfield, with our head office being only five miles away, Marshalls has been a proud supplier for a large number of the University’s outdoor spaces for years, and we are thrilled to supply our British-made Modal Concrete Paving for the hard landscaping around this new, iconic building.We spoke to Mike Goodall, the Director of OOBE, about their work on the canal-side and his choice of materials “We had to make sure that the landscape design for the canal side sat in harmony with this award-winning building, its surroundings and wider masterplan proposals, including work around the main entrance carried by other landscape architects. By incorporating the same high-quality, durable landscaping materials used across the campus from Marshalls, it was great to find the right product from their range of options that complemented the building and helped bring to life this vastly inspirational space.”

Coventry is a city of movements; for struggling workers, for women, for political reformers, for ravers, for refugees. The UK's motor city. The UK's bicycle city. A center of the UK's watchmaking trade. A City of Culture that uses its past to forge its future. Coventry Moves! Its Upper Precinct was a very concrete heavy city center, partly because of the style at the time, and partly out of necessity to ensure it could be re-built as quickly as possible after the Blitz damage. The project had access to a partial fund of £7.75 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) as part of the overall £11.8 million scheme. The package of works included; the installation of enhanced paving, street furniture, lighting, water features, planting, and the restoration of the historical Levelling Stone monument that was originally placed to commemorate the re-build of Coventry after the 1940-1942 enemy attacks. With the initial removal of the 'big green elevator' and huge concrete, once considered an eyesore, a clear view of the cathedral can now be seen, a view that has not been enjoyed since the 1970s. Almost every design element of this project included natural stone of some sort, making the relationship between the contractor Eurovia, the City Council, and BBS as the supplier, vital to complete each task on time and on budget. The circular shaped 'show stopping' water features created in a combination of both Italian Porphyry and Portuguese buff granite - a place where many people are often seen enjoying the weather. The benches and planters created in Portuguese buff granite, none of which barely had the same two pieces throughout, putting the pressure on BBS to individually CAD each and every one. The project covering the entirety of the Upper Precinct and continuing on Market Way, and Smithfield way, saw the complete removal of everything in situ and replaced with an unrecognizable scenery. All in time for Coventry Moves the City of Culture event.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London, the best-known animal sanctuary in the world, is currently undergoing the biggest development in its 154-year history - a £5 million scheme delivered by main contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine. The development will bring the charity’s existing buildings and facilities into the 21st century and will include a new build, state of the art veterinary hospital which will be protected by an innovative new waterproof membrane – Cold Melt® from Proteus – a seamless application designed to work in harmony with the roof infrastructure and so tough that it has been BBA certified to last for the lifetime of the building.Quality Control An integral part of this transformation is the built up roofing system of 1,200 square metres of Cold Melt®. Applied by the Proteus Licenced Contractor, a 5 layer built up system was employed to offer a bespoke specification tailored to the client’s needs and budget.The built up system consisted of a layer of Cold Melt® Proteus’ own innovative, cold-applied liquid membrane, over which an insulation layer of Proteus Pro-Therm XPS was laid. The Licenced Contractor then added a separator sheet of Proteus Low-K followed by an attenuation mat and then three different finishes in three different areas of the roof – paving slabs, a green roof and decking.Health & Safety Proteus’ liquid applied systems are cold installed and therefore negate all the elements of fire risk when working in confined spaces. Of particular importance was the low odour that Cold Melt® exhibits, meeting all the health and safety criteria necessary to protect both the Licenced Contractor’s operatives and the dogs and cats home’s residents.Long term performance Cold Melt® incorporates recycled rubber-crumb and other organically grown products and when covered, creates an elastomeric, seamless and cold applied membrane which has a life expectancy longer that the design life of the building on which it is installed.

Unity Square, NottinghamPAS68 seating and plantersStreet furniture | Street Planters | HVMTownscape Products has recently completed the hard landscaping for the Unity Square scheme in Nottingham.Unity Square forms a major part of Nottingham’s southern gateway regeneration project, which includes work to create a new-look Intu Broadmarsh centre, central library, bus station and car park.The hub was forward funded by LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General) and will accommodate HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) new regional centre. The building now comprises of ten storeys and is due to open in late 2021. As the cornerstone of the redevelopment work taking shape across the city’s Southside, Unity Square will truly put Nottingham on the map once complete.”The site will eventually house up to 4,000 HMRC employees. Nicole Newbury, HMRC director and a senior sponsor for the Nottingham Regional Centre, East Midlands Region, said:“We can’t wait to move into our new regional centre. The new building is so much more than just bricks and mortar, it represents an exciting opportunity for us to utilise new technology and develop collaborative, new ways of working.Unity Square is one of ten regional hubs Legal & General has invested in to support the government’s efforts to modernise the civil service and save taxpayers’ money. Its investment in the programme crossed the £1.5bn mark last year. This scheme in Nottingham is particularly ground-breaking not only because of its size and central location but for its potential to transform the city centre, driving regional economic growth and supporting job creation.Working with Bowmer and Kirkland, a range of PAS 68 rated seating and planters were designed, manufactured, and integrated into the scheme.Finished in charcoal prestige, the concrete units were designed to complement the paving finishes.For more details of how we can help with your PAS68 requirements, please get in touch.