"outdoor"

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.”

Plaza 13 stands on a space previously occupied by an old industrial warehouse. A residential development designed by the Bueso-Inchausti & Rein architecture studio, this 3,566m² complex comprises 14 apartments spread over four floors, four of which are penthouses with private garden and swimming pool. In order to keep a flexible interior layout, Bueso-Inchausti & Rein decided to maintain a geometric uniformity in the complex, with a facade that is almost entirely glazed, fitted with the O-Box system as a solar control solution to optimize sunlight and heat.This was an ambitious and daring project aiming to create a distinguished product with clear floor heights of 3.5m. In this context, the Bandalux outdoor O-Box roller blind systems offer a simple and elegant esthetic solution for the facade, as well as exquisite solar control to create maximum comfort inside the spacious apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows.The O-Box technical blind has an attractive cylindrical box and an aluminum side guide that binds the fabric. To fulfill the project requirements, Bandalux developed a cylindrical handrail, which limits the run of the blind and creates the impression of a floating rail.The O-Box system works like a double skin for the apartment windows, ensuring an excellent compromise between thermal efficiency and visual comfort thanks to the Polyscreen 550 Pearl fabric with a 5% openness factor. A fabric with a high resistance to extreme weather conditions and chlorine which, from outside, contributes to significant energy savings in terms of heating and air conditioning inside. The Polyscreen 550 Pearl fabric is also easy to clean, as it can be simply wiped with a damp cloth, and no harmful elements are used during the manufacturing process.Bueso-Inchausti & Rein works in the field of architecture and urban planning, specializing in residential and tertiary projects. Its buildings are spread across Spain, Romania, USA, Mexico and Switzerland.

Hand Made Places were approached by Appleby Magna Parish Council to provide them with a wide range of playground equipment. The equipment was for an already established recreational ground in Appleby Magna, Derbyshire. The parish council acquired funding to expand their playground. This was done in order to encourage more children to get involved in outdoor activities. The funding was supplied by Tesco’s ‘Bags of Help Initiative’. This uses the money from carrier bag sales to enhance their surrounding communities. Working to the strict budget supplied by this great scheme Hand Made Places needed to provide a wide variety of equipment, which would be suitable for all age groups. The equipment not only had to be enjoyed as a collection of single units, but it also had to work well together. The equipment also had to integrate well with the pre-existing metal equipment which was already present on the piece of land.Our wide range of equipment which was installed created a fun and interesting trim trail. This surrounded both the pre-existing equipment as well as our Hawks Nest. The installed trim trail included: Swing Steps, Trapeze Rings, Duck ‘n’ Weave, Wobble Bridge, Rope Walk, Zig Zag, Balance Beam and Stepping Stones. These pieces of equipment fit the clients brief in providing a fun place for children to enjoy physical play. It also provided a wide range of equipment which will help to encourage children to develop certain important skills, including both coordination and balance. All of these products were positioned in such a way as to allow the playground to flow whilst not overshadowing the pre-existing metal equipment.Our equipment is both fun and safe for use by a wide range of children all of whom fall into different age groups. To further enhance safety however, grass matting was installed to provide an impact absorbent surface.

The development of a new emergency care centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead was an investment of £32m. The project provided state-of- the-art healthcare services to people across the region. The centre now provides a smoother service to its patients and a more efficient way of treating people.Artform Urban Furniture were asked to provide seating and litter bins to the main entrance of the hospital's drop in centre, as well as the car park and the taxi drop off / pick up point. The products had to complement the soft landscaping whilst also being durable enough to cope with the extensive usage. The Artform team proposed items from the Multiplicity range, with their cast anodised aluminium frames, offering superb longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.The overall project was constructed within a tight budget and the street furniture supplied by Artform needed to be of a very high standard, ergonomically designed for comfort and all delivered within the economic constraints.The products also had to be on site and installed within a short time frame, due to the fast track nature of the project. The Artform team provided full technical drawings and specification information to ensure that the client’s facilities team were supported fully and the installation process was seamless.OutcomeThe completed emergency care centre is now a busy hub for all types of emergency healthcare services and the entrance provides a clean and welcoming first impression to all those using the centre. The landscaped outdoor areas including the entrance, the car park and the busy taxi point, offer an engaging space, for use by staff, patients and visitors alike, with the thoughtful distribution of attractive seating and clean, modern litter bins.Ian Renwick, chief executive of QE Gateshead commented: "This is a unique hospital building and the environment for patients and visitors is really something special."

This reimagined building in Fitzrovia, which puts people, wellness, and sustainability first, is another project we are particularly proud of and here’s why.The Met Building is 12 storeys high and one of a few such examples in London’s West End. Its design was inspired by one of New York’s landmark buildings, Lever House, one of Manhattan’s leading examples, which inspired decades of US corporate architecture.While the building’s interiors are crafted to appeal to corporates and creatives, the Tower has been designed to put people first, offering breathtaking views across London, and focusing on efficiency and productivity.The whole roof terrace of the Met Building’s Podium was built over the top of the existing roof and on a huge network of steels that are designed to direct the load away from the roof below.The system used on the roof terrace is our TerraSmart® Rail Paving System finished in our Porcelain Paving Range. This system features super-strong, 100% recyclable aluminium joists, overlapping to create a lattice framework that delivers maximum support for the porcelain paving above. In addition to complementing the overall aesthetics of the entire project, the system is fully non-combustible (Class A1 fire-rated) and, as such, in perfect harmony with the focus on the wellness and safety of all the building’s occupants. The porcelain pavers were inspired by nature and feature the performance of high-quality ceramics and environmentally conscious manufacturing that aligns with the project’s focus on sustainability.And to top it all, the entire solution installed is backed by our RYNO® IGNO® 30-year system warranty and 60-year design life.In total, the RYNO® TerraSmart® Rail Paving System was installed on 3 terraces at the Met Building, all built on the existing steel frame, and the planters that add to the outdoor experience have been integrated into the design and placed directly on top of the RYNO paving system.We are proud to have collaborated very closely with Vert Projects (the Main Contractor) and The Landscape Partnership (the Landscape Architect) in delivering this great design.

More than 5,000 m² in porcelain stoneware for Germany’s largest leisure pool – Villeroy & Boch tiles in the Stegermatt Swimming Pool in OffenburgSport, wellness and leisure spanning more than 10,000 m² – the largest leisure pool in Germany, Stegermatt Swimming Pool in Offenburg, opened in late July 2017. Along with an outdoor area with 50-metre swimming pool, wave slide and adventure pool, indoor visitors can look forward to a fitness courses pool, a teaching pool, a diving pool with two diving platforms and a 25-metre competition pool. The sauna landscape comprises a variety of saunas, a steam bath and a cold-water area with adventure showers and a plunge pool. The developers for the project were the City and Technical Operations of Offenburg. 4a Architekten of Stuttgart were the architects in charge of planning for the project. The tiling work, with a volume of EUR 2.5 million, was performed by the Freiburg subsidiary of Fliesen Röhlich GmbH; with a staff of around 300 professional layers of tile and natural stone, the company is considered the largest tile specialist in Germany. For an entire year, this major project in Offenburg had 15 employees working constantly, increasing to 25 in peak periods. As a result, in spite of at times difficult weather conditions, the work was completed on time.  With the exception of the swimming pools themselves, the entire bathing level, including the changing rooms in the interior of the facility, was designed in the X-PLANE range of vilbostone porcelain stoneware by Villeroy & Boch Tiles. The range features a trendy concrete look with fine colour gradations. Spanning an area of 5,000 m², cream-coloured tiles in the two modular formats of 30 x 60 cm and 15 x 60 cm were laid in a brickwork-effect pattern, creating a space with a harmonious and at the same time vibrant look. Another approx. 600 m² of matching mosaic tiles were also used. With the special 5 x 5 cm format and a slip-resistance class of R10 they are suitable for use in shower areas.

Hadfield Carkwell Davidson specified Tobermore for the 376,737sq ft job at the IKEA retail store in Sheffield.The large-scale scheme, which has created nearly 500 jobs, involved construction and fit-out of the two-storey superstore, providing a sales floor, warehouse, staff facilities, café, and children’s play area, as well as underground and external car parking. The project has received a BREEAM excellence accreditation due to its application of sustainable technologies like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and electric vehicle charging points on-site.The ChallengeBlock paving was required to meet both SuDs requirements and aesthetic aspiration.The IKEA store was constructed adjacent to the famous Tinsley Viaduct on the outskirts of Sheffield, bringing the popular retail destination to the area near the Meadowhill Shopping Centre.A crucial part of the £60M project was that the hard landscaping design would satisfy SUDs requirements but maintain a high-end aesthetic appeal that would reflect the IKEA brand.The SolutionTobermore Hydropave products provided suitable drainage for the project.The hard landscaping solution created an outdoor area that effectively promoted the IKEA brand. By utilising high-end block paving product Fusion in the cool tones of silver, mid grey, and graphite, the elevated finish was beautifully realised. Permeable paving was employed in certain areas to support drainage that would meet SuDs requirements for the site, exemplifying the project’s green credentials. This in turn made it one of IKEA’s most sustainable stores.Tobermore’s Granite Step Units with Contrasting Nosing allow for the uneven terrain to be navigated elegantly with appealing steps that augment the customer experience at the IKEA store. Hazard Warning flags also ensure that the site fully meets modern accessibility standards for people with impaired vision.Laying patterns and delineation enhanced the area to meet customer expectations, creating spacious parking bays and attractive pedestrianised walkways. Hydropave Pedesta and Fusion paving combined to realise a project that radiates a unique, high-quality feel.

The Challenge Modern paving was required for community-based retail developmentSuperValu invested €12m in a 15,200 square foot store in Dunboyne, Co Meath. The location of the retail development has great significance to the local community, having previously served as the local GAA grounds.  Extending its current product offering, the new scheme also aims to become a local community hub. The design champions a community ethos with the inclusion of a large open outdoor space. The open plan space offers flexibility for market stalls or event structures. The new development has incorporated four adjacent units, office accommodation and a café. The new state-of-the-art retail hub required high quality paving that would complement the grey brick and granite cladding of the building. The main entrance and pedestrian walkways needed to fulfil the hard landscape design aspirations.  The Solution Tobermore’s Fusion and Manhattan perfectly complement the retail hub  Tobermore presented hard landscaping options to complement the new state-of-the-art retail development. Fusion and Manhattan block paving were the perfect choice to blend with the grey brick and granite cladding building.  Laid in alternating bands, the striking granite aggregate finish of the paving responds to the staggered elevations of the building. Linear paver Manhattan was used for areas of the main walkways in mixed sizes with smaller units of Fusion laid either side. The three-colour mix of grey tones in a stretcher bond laying pattern adds character and visual appeal to the central plaza.  The grey tones do not follow a particular sequence and the linear bands do not adhere to fixed widths. The intention was to achieve a certain randomness that feels natural and softens contrast. The range of unit sizes and colours of Fusion and Manhattan helped create this vision.  Tobermore’s Fusion kerb added the finishing touch to the project with its striking granite aesthetic as a border surrounding the soft landscaping in the central plaza.   

DCM Surfaces recently completed work on one of Europe’s most significant construction projects – the redevelopment of Prospect Park Playground at the legendary Battersea Power Station.Prospect Park took inspiration from the power station’s iconic chimneys and brickwork patterns and was designed to be a vision of colour. The playground features areas suitable for all ages, allowing children to discover fun new climbable elements as they age.Careys Construction was the successful bidder for the contract. Following a rigorous selection process based on quality, cost and Health and Safety, DCM Surfaces were selected to install the synthetic surfacing for the playground.As part of the redevelopment scheme, DCM installed over 500m2 of Wetpour at various depths and colours. DCM worked closely with the contractor and architect to ensure that the ground was correctly prepared before installation and that suitable Wetpour RAL colours were used to blend in with the surrounding architecture.Wetpour provided a soft, impact-absorbing layer and achieved the maximum 3m Critical Fall Height required around the timber play equipment. Eight colours of Wetpour were used with an aliphatic binder to create colourful surfaces around the play equipment area and ensure no discolouration of the play area over time.One of the critical challenges DCM faced working on the largest construction site in Europe was related to logistics. All haulage vehicles entering the area were required to be FORS Gold, and a ticketing system for the entry of deliveries often resulted in materials being held for long periods in the queuing system.Regardless of the delays in material deliveries, the installation took place within the tight time frame allocated.The Mayor of Wandsworth, who officially opened the new children’s playground, said:“I would like to congratulate all those involved in delivering this exciting outdoor space, which is a great addition to the new riverside neighbourhood created at Battersea Power Station. I’m sure many families and children from the local community will enjoy hours of fun here.”

The initial phase of a large-scale regeneration project featuring community sports facilities, office accommodation and an Enterprise Hub in Irvine, North Ayrshire, has been constructed with the use of 50,000 Carsington Cream bricks produced by Forterra in Measham exclusively for Taylor Maxwell. The construction on Quarry Road, Irvine, houses the office headquarters of a local leisure company and work spaces for Business Gateway, who aim to support local entrepreneurs and business start-ups, encouraging local employment. It provides a gateway into the development that will include local indoor and outdoor sports facilities and multi-use community spaces. The building was designed to mark the development entrance, draw people into the site and set the construction standard for the phases to follow. Andrew Martin, Sales Executive at Taylor Maxwell, said: “We were tasked with finding a suitable facing brick for Irvine Community Hub. With a budget to adhere to and a remit to provide a buff/cream coloured brick with a traditional appearance, the Carsington Cream Facing Brick was ideal. “This brick type is part of a commitment to certain product lines manufactured in the UK and mainland Europe that Taylor Maxwell makes to provide a ‘Select’ range of brick types. This provided Clark Contracts with a commitment on price and availability for a soft mud manufactured brick with the technical qualities needed for the Scottish climate.” Steven Nicolson, Forterra’s Area Sales Manager for Scotland, said: “The Carsington Cream brick is a handmade, low water absorbency brick that was used here to combine with the modern aspect of the building and to complement the surrounding buildings.” Nick Shepherd, Architectural Assistant at Anderson Bell + Christie, said: “Forterra and Taylor Maxwell’s Carsington Cream brick was used to contrast with the residential context and establish the building as a landmark. The tone of the brick was selected to harmonise with the timber cladding, as well as the timber louvres within the window openings which accentuate the texture of the brick.” Forterra nominated the project for the 2018 Brick Awards, in the Public category. 

Gripsure decking has been used to complete a landmark health building. The £41 million Health Innovation One is the new home of Lancaster University’s Medical School and Division of Health Research.The state-of-the-art building is also a regional hub, which brings together industry, research partners, health and care providers, the voluntary sector and local authorities. The focus is to help improve the health and well-being of the area.With such a variety of uses and needs, it was important to get Health Innovation One’s outside space just right.BAM Construction Ltd, the firm behind the project, came to Gripsure because they wanted a safe, non-slip decking area which blended with the style of the building and its natural surroundings. Gripsure Cumaru was the ideal choice. This hard-wearing, non-slip decking range comes with a 25+ year expected in-service life.Up to 3,500 linear metres of our Cumaru boards have been used outside Health Innovation One’s main entrance and for the flooring of an outdoor seating area.“The Cumaru product was offered as a value engineering option and offered a significant saving to the specified product as well as being a high-quality solution.” said Jonah Speaks, Assistant Project Surveyor at BAM Construction Ltd.As well as the quality and look of the product, Jonah said the construction team was impressed with Gripsure’s support and help at every stage.He said: “There was ongoing support from the technical team to propose the correct fixings and interfaces to ensure long term performance and robustness.”Work was completed last year on Health Innovation One, which features various meeting rooms and event spaces – including a dedicated Innovation Lab and Business Lounge and an on-site cafe.The building is part of the wider Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University. The site will allow external organisations to work with university experts when addressing health challenges in Lancashire, the North West and across the country.Gripsure is proud to have contributed to such an important project.

Challenge Paving and flagstone products from the Netherlands were specified in the project plans for this regeneration of Dublin City University’s outdoor, communal areas and footpaths.Additional transport costs and CO2 emissions were involved in the project as the products were being shipped from the Netherlands.Solution - AG explained to the Landscape architect, it could produce bespoke paving and flagstone products with a similar finish to those already specified, and the products would be durable, available in various colours and sizes, and produced sustainability.AG created a display sample using Plaza paving and TerraPave® flagstones. The architect was satisfied with the finish and changed the specification – choosing AG’s products.By using a local supplier, like AG, the client received a greener and cost-effective solution as transport costs and CO2 emissions were reduced.AG supplied 6,500m2 of bespoke Plaza paving and 1,000m2 of TerraPave® flagstones during phase one of this project. In phase two an additional 1,000m2 of Plaza paving was supplied.AG’s Plaza paving is available in 11 colour blends and in a variety of colour intensities, depths and formats. Its surface is formed from natural granite aggregates giving it is durability. Its production uses several recycled materials, 90% of harvested rain and 100% renewable energy. It also has an excellent slip resistance rating and is a colour-fast product.TerraPave® is an aesthetically attractive and durable flagstone that uses the finest granite and quartz aggregates from around Europe to create its top layer. In both ground and textured finishes, TerraPave® is available in ten colours that complement AG’s Plaza paving – each produced with natural aggregates to ensure long-term colourfastness. With its range of depths and sizes and slip resistance quality – it’s a cost effective and a practical alternative to traditional stone paving.This project commenced in November 2018 and was completed in November 2019. The order value to AG was approximately €260,000 and AG was able to supply the products within the budget and timeline specified in the plan.

Artform Urban and the Bailey Street Furniture Group continue their ongoing partnership with contractors Renaker who have, over recent years, single-handedly transformed the Manchester City Centre Skyline. Following their collaboration with furnishing the roof terraces at the now-iconic Deansgate Square and Crown Street buildings, Artform has provided an array of high-quality external furniture for the Canalside terrace at Castle Wharf.Castle Wharf is the epitome of boutique waterside living.Castle Wharf is a modern and contemporary development of 188 apartments and penthouses in the heart of the Castlefield Conservations in Manchester's city center.The Building is designed by OMI Architects and reflects the area’s industrial heritage. Inside features high-end amenities; a gymnasium, spa, and lounge spaces.The exterior terrace has been designed by TPM Landscape and features sandstone to mimic the sandstone outcrops that are visible in the Castlefield Basin. To coordinate with this distinct colour pallet and style, Artform has provided a package of complementary street furniture elements. Large aged oak beams mounted on steel frames, as well as inset into the sandstone planter walls, create a plethora of seating options for dining and socialising. Bar stools, benches, and tables - as seen at Deansgate Square and Crown Street have been selected here. The range combines a minimal aluminium frame and hardwood clad toppers to create durable, stylish and lightweight products that offer ease of manoeuvrability and longevity.Finally, the popular Spencer litter bin clad in premium quality hardwood timbers have been placed around the terrace as well as the entrance to the building. The Spencer litter bin is a versatile design available in a variety of materials sizes and shapes - here the quality timbers harmonise alongside the sandstone. The Spencer bin has been used on all 3 projects that Artform has completed to date with Renaker.Artform’s world-leading products combined with their knowledge and experience within this sector has resulted in a unique and inviting outdoor social space for residents and guests.