Poplar Riverside, London

Featuring Artro, our alternative to European-style clay pavers, this stunning mix of permeable and impermeable products helped revitalise this historic London site.

Tobermore offered an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable alternative to clay brick for the hard landscaping at Poplar Riverside, meeting both the customer’s carbon reduction and budgetary requirements. The specified product, Artro, draws inspiration from traditional European clay pavers, adding warmth and modernism to the development. To meet sustainability

standards, Hydropave Fusion was selected in colours that beautifully complemented the Artro range. 

Located on the historic gasworks site in London, Poplar Riverside is part of the ambitious new Aberfeldy Village neighbourhood, developed to support community and sustainability. A substantial portion of the project is dedicated to green space, including a two-and-a-half-acre public park, an adventure playground, and a nature area for children, with pathways planned along the River Lea. Over the next five years, the development will introduce 643 homes across four zones, ultimately providing housing for 2,800 families. Managed by Poplar Harca Housing Association, the project includes 96 shared ownership properties to support first-time buyers. 

The Challenge

Combining aesthetics with sustainability and performance 

The main objective was to find a product that mimicked the look of traditional clay brick but had a lower carbon footprint. Sustainability was a top priority, necessitating a material that minimised environmental impact while preserving the design’s aesthetic quality. Additionally, the paving design called for a variety of textures and patterns to introduce visual interest, while budget constraints demanded a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality. 

The Solution

Creating a modern, sustainable landscape with Tobermore’s Artro and Hydropave Fusion products 

Tobermore’s carefully chosen materials played a key role in achieving a dynamic, modern aesthetic at Poplar Riverside. Artro block paving provided the desired clay-brick look with lower environmental impact, enhancing the development’s visual appeal. By thoughtfully combining Artro with Hydropave Fusion Block Paving and Tobermore Fusion kerbs, the design introduced contrasting textures and finishes that added depth, character, and modern sophistication. These elements defined individual areas while creating a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space.  

Hydropave Fusion was chosen in the colours Graphite, Mid Grey, and Oat, delivering an option that would meet the sustainability goals of the project. These tones provide a striking contrast to the Artro colours Bracken and Heather, creating a balanced and visually engaging design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment while allowing for water drainage. 

Testimonial

"We chose Artro for this project because we were looking for something that gave the aesthetic of a clay brick but that carried a lower carbon footprint and price tag. In terms of product performance; it has been a perfect replacement and has allowed the product to be installed on flexible build-ups, reducing the carbon footprint of the project even further. "

-James Turner, LDA Design