Tobermore

WDR & RT Taggart was already familiar with Tobermore products from previous schemes and the architect had no doubt about specifying Tobermore again as the product aesthetics and costs met the project requirements for this refurbishment project at the Abbey Centre in Newtownabbey.

An attractive and functional hard landscaping method was required for the entrance area and car parking spaces at Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre in Port Talbot. The aged aesthetics of Tobermore’s Tegula and permeable capabilities of Hydropave Tegula Duo provided the ideal solution.

The Aeronautical Engineering Training Centre in Ayr College was designed with a modern edge and this style was reflected in the hard landscape which was created with an eye-catching Sienna mixed colour pattern.

A hard landscaping product with a natural appearance was needed for the historic Airfield Estate in Dublin and the aged, antique aesthetics of Tobermore’s Tegula was the ideal choice for the 1,400 sq. m. paved area on site.

The warm, vibrant tones of Tobermore’s Tegula Trio block paving in Heather created a beautiful finish for the external areas at Aldermans Green Community Primary School in Coventry.

Officially opened in September 2023, Allscott Meads Primary School is primed to become a community hub for the residents of the Telford area.Built on the former Sugar Beet factory site, the new school has capacity for 150 students aged 3-11 and comprises 6 classrooms, a sports hall, kitchen, staff room, storage rooms, offices for 1-1 teaching support and interviews. The grounds of the school also contain an impressive 1.1 acre sports field and hard-surfaced sports court, as well as 40 bike spaces and car parking for staff and visitors. Tegula and Tegula Duo Block Paving were used to create a warm, inviting feel to the external landscaping on this project.  The ChallengeAesthetically pleasing paving options were required to establish a welcoming entrance to the Telford community hub.Following the deterioration of the Sugar Beet Factory that once stood on the site, the vision for Allscott Meads was to create a modern school in a beautiful setting, that would become a hub at the heart of the community. To reach a wide demographic, creating an inviting space was imperative and the use of warm tones were requested for the paving. A retaining wall solution for a small area to one side of the building was necessary to optimise space for parking in a manner that would elevate aesthetic appeal.The SolutionHydropave Tegula Cedar and Bracken were used to compliment the modern building. To create a space where students could flourish and thrive, it was important for the area to feel modern but welcoming. Hydropave Tegula 240 and Hydropave Tegula Duo Block Paving in the homely colours of Cedar and Bracken were ideal products to realise a traditional, warm feel.To reduce flooding and remove harmful pollutants, a sustainable drainage system was implemented through use of Tobermore’s Hydropave products. All walkways and car parking areas were paved, with delineation added so that specific areas were clearly visible. Secura Grand facilitated a seamless, tiered retaining wall solution that enabled additional parking to be added to the grounds, simultaneously increasing aesthetic appeal.

When CAD Architecture was seeking paving products that could provide an attractive contrast to tarmacked roadways and a retaining wall solution for the new 23,500 sq ft Alphington Retail Park in Exeter, Tobermore provided a selection of products that would meet their design brief perfectly.

The Analog Devices Building at the University of Limerick was constructed as part of the ground-breaking Bernal Project and was since awarded the Irish Building Project of the Year at the Irish Building and Design Awards 2016 in Dublin. Irish architect, Brady Shipman Martin, was appointed to design the external landscape and Tobermore helped make their job easier with the provision of an attractive paving solution that complemented the distinctive new building whilst providing continuity with the other areas on campus.

The hard-wearing vibrant finish of Tobermore’s Pedesta block paving provided a functional and visually attractive finish for the refurbished trafficked area and train platforms at Antrim Bus and Rail Station in Northern Ireland. Tactile Flags were also implemented as an essential sensory health and safety measure on the train platforms and on crossing zones at the station.

Project OverviewThe Arts Centre Washington, housed in a former 19th-century farm building, recently benefitted from a substantial £250,000 grant aimed at upgrading its facilities. The project included both internal and external improvements to enhance the centre’s accessibility and appeal. Inside, renovations were made to the lower barn, granary, and theatre, featuring new lighting, carpeting, and decoration, along with the installation of an accessible lift to the upper granary. Externally, the focus was on transforming the courtyard and surrounding outdoor space into inviting and functional areas for visitors and passersby. The courtyard resurfacing was complemented by feature planting and a wooden wall to allow for the space to be enclosed for events.  The ChallengeCreating a welcoming, modern space that blends with the historic character of the Arts Centre.The Arts Centre’s ongoing refurbishment required contemporary paving to complete the transformation of its external space. Following the enhancement of the building and its surrounding land, the focus shifted to the courtyard. This crucial phase involved a complete resurface with high quality block paving that would not only modernise the space but also harmonise with the building’s aesthetic. The primary goal was to create a versatile outdoor area that could host live music, theatre, and performance events, ensuring it was both accessible and welcoming to the public.  The SolutionProviding a perfect mix of warmth and modernity through Tobermore’s tailored paving solutions.Tobermore’s Artro Mensa Constellation offered the ideal blend of warmth and modernity for the Arts Centre Washington’s courtyard. Achieving a seamless integration of the paving with the building’s existing colour scheme was essential for this project.  To support Sunderland City Council in their decision-making process, Tobermore provided a Live Design Studio session. This collaborative session, guided by one of our expert representatives, allowed for an in-depth exploration of product options. The council could easily view, compare, and discuss various solutions, ensuring that the chosen products aligned perfectly with both the aesthetic vision and budgetary requirements. Artro paving in the Mensa signature mix from Tobermore’s Constellation collection was selected for its perfect balance of warmth and contemporary style, complementing the building’s exterior flawlessly.To introduce contrast, Manhattan Pavo block paving constellation in cool tones of Graphite, Mid-Grey and Silver was incorporated, with Fusion kerbs adding a final touch of elegance to the courtyard. These enhancements not only improved accessibility but also transformed the area into a vibrant venue for hosting live events.  Explore Tobermore’s full Constellation range.

An environmentally-friendly hard landscaping material was absolutely essential for this project and Tobermore provided the perfect solution. The University won a RIBA East award for its architectural excellence following this scheme.

A visually appealing yet functional hard landscaping solution was required at Ballymakenny College in Drogheda. Tobermore supplied Tegula for the pedestrian area on site and Hydropave Tegula Duo for the trafficked areas where a SuDS system was required.

Barronsfield Grange

Bausch + Lomb is a world leader in eye health manufacturing contact lenses and pharmaceuticals at their Waterford site. The Bausch + Lomb Ireland Campus extends over 55,000m2 where over 1,400 staff produce market-leading contact lenses.

Leonard Design Architects were appointed to create a residential development within a listed building setting with sloping site conditions. When sourcing hard landscaping for the development, Leonard Design Architects required attractive and modern paving for patios and car parking. However, they faced issues with the external areas due to the sloping site conditions. Tobermore’ Secura Grand Retaining Wall provided the solution to the sloping site issues while Tobermore Fusion block paving in contemporary tones of silver, mid grey, and graphite created the desired contemporary look.

As a central hub for the community, it was essential that this project achieved an attractive finish whilst also meeting SuDS requirements for the pedestrianised areas at this urban location. Tobermore provided a permeable paving design service and the choice of Sienna and Hydropave 240 met the aesthetic and functional requirements desired as well as budget restraints.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council headed the plans to regenerate Bedlinog Square in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, in 2015. The construction contract for the £300,000 project, which was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, was awarded to Alun Griffiths. As a public realm initiative, the choice of hard landscaping materials was a significant factor in achieving the aesthetics envisioned for the scheme. Already familiar with the quality paving and walling range available at Tobermore, Alun Griffiths had trust in Tobermore products. The contractor was not disappointed as Tobermore provided a full paving, kerb and step solution that created an attractive, modern new look at Bedlinog Square.

After almost 30 years, Bellway Homes has relocated to a new purpose-built headquarter office building. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the company have settled into the newly formed energy- efficient Airview Park adjacent to Newcastle Airport.  The company were previously based in a small, listed property with cellular offices that were no longer fit for purpose. With light and spacious open-plan office space, the move was the perfect opportunity to support the company’s growth.  The facility houses 100 staff members and include high-spec welfare facilities including a gym, breakout room and a roof terrace. The state-of-the-art office space also features a new training hub providing educational facilities for Bellway Academy. Benefitting from a rich landscape setting, the overall design concept was to create a ‘Pavilion in a Park’. With this in mind, the external design was equally as important as the building itself. Various Tobermore block paving and permeable paving products were used. The hard landscaping featured Tobermore’s award winning paving product Braemar. The premium product fulfilled both aesthetic and design aspirations. 

Located in Antrim with full site completion expected in 2028/29. Belmont Hall is a well-established development in the area. With easy access to the M2 and situated within close proximity to local schools, leisure facilities and shopping, Belmont is an ideal place to live. This environmentally sensitive development also offers immediate access to a range of parks, walkways and playing fields.The Challenge To create a unique and environmentally conscious housing development that was sympathetic to its natural surroundings. Belmont Hall aimed to establish itself as a relaxed and environmentally conscious development, paying homage to its natural surroundings, particularly the picturesque Six Mile Water River.  The procurement of a diverse range of facing brick in strong vibrant colours was a top priority for Antrim Construction Company . The goal was to offer homes with a range of finishes, fostering a sense of individuality and departure from uniformity.  Another important consideration for this project was budget. When compared to clay brick, Tobermore Facing Brick was far more competitive. In addition to this, the availability of stock ensured prompt delivery to meet tight project timelines.  The SolutionA unique development was achieved by utilising Tobermore Country Stone walling alongside Tobermore Kingston and Lansdowne facing brick ranges. To guarantee that Belmont Hall respected the natural environment that surrounds it, collaborating with a company committed to minimising environmental impact was paramount. Tobermore has consistently upheld responsible manufacturing practices aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of its operations. Comprehensive and reliable environmental performance data is readily available for all Tobermore products. These Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) undergo independent verification to ensure the accuracy of each product’s environmental performance. Antrim Construction Company (ACC) created a distinctive development for the significant 400 house site by incorporating a variety of colours of Tobermore facing brick in both Lansdowne and Kingston ranges, along with Slate Country Stone walling. After considering clay and various concrete alternatives, ACC chose Tobermore due to the quality product and range of colours available. The use of vibrant shades Cottage Red, Golden, Charcoal and Slate amplified individuality in this project through the complementary contrast of colour. Additionally, the utilisation of various finishes of facing brick further enhanced the development’s character. Initially unaware of Tobermore Country Stone, the client expressed interest in incorporating a split stone product into their project. Following an on-site visit and discussions with the Antrim Construction Sales and Marketing department, Tobermore was able to provide a quote alongside a sample panel of products on site. As a result, the company decided to include Country Stone Walling alongside Tobermore Facing Bricks.  Tobermore was able to offer Antrim Construction Company a competitive price point, promise of availability and an unrivalled customer service throughout the project.  

Wood Goldstraw Yorath was faced with a large undertaking when designing the new Bet365 Office Headquarters in Staffordshire. But Tobermore was on hand to help make the job easier with the supply of hard landscaping products suitable for the contemporary new building.The new 13,000 sq. m. base was built on the site of the former Sentinel Newspapers office in Media Way in Stoke-on-Trent and is nearly double the size of the Bet365’s previous headquarters at Festival Park in the area.

Tobermore is Westpoint Homes’ choice of paving and walling products for any project where hard landscaping is required as the developer has worked with Tobermore on a huge number of successful housing schemes in recent years. Boclair Gardens features a combination of traditional themed block paving, flags, kerbs, walling and retaining wall products which came together to achieve a stunning finish. The scheme was subsequently nominated for two Scottish Herald Property Awards.

This is one of many Persimmon Homes projects in Scotland that Tobermore’s smooth, vibrant Kingston facing brick has been specified for. The aesthetics, technical performance and cost of the product met the developer’s requirements perfectly.

The ChallengeA rapid build retaining wall solution was required to cut down the construction programme.House builders are experiencing extraordinary pressure to meet targets despite the shortage of materials and skilled labour. Contractors are faced with incredibly tight construction programmes which are difficult to deliver on.This challenge is prevalent throughout GB and Ireland, and the case is no different on Bushby Fields Housing Development in Leicestershire. Contractor P Hughes explored every opportunity to claw back on their construction programme, without compromising quality, sustainability, health or safety on the Bloor Homes site.When considering retaining wall options, P Hughes first considered traditional masonry walling. But as skilled brick layers are in short supply and masonry walls are slow to build, they were open to alternatives.The SolutionSecura Grand was selected as it is readily available, quick to install and doesn’t require skilled labour.Tobermore is proud to have supplied their Secura Grand Segmental Retaining Wall System to the Bushby Fields Housing Development. Secura Grand is used in the attractive colour Slate to prevent sloping site issues as well as creating a more efficient use of land. Secura offered a cost-effective mortar-free solution which promised a fast and easy installation process.

Situated in the historic market town of Shepshed, just on the outskirts of Leicestershire, Buttercup Fields offers a picturesque place to live.Home buyers know to expect the highest standards and attention to detail when they buy from William Davis Homes. It is no surprise that they have been recognised as a five-star developer for five years in a row by the Home Builders Federation.Secura Grand from Tobermore offered an aesthetically pleasing Retaining Wall which complemented its surroundings. Upon presentation of block samples, William Davis Homes were convinced it would complement the scheme perfectly.Following a costing exercise, Secura also offered the most budget-friendly option.

A visually appealing and functional hard landscaping solution was achieved at Calderbridge Primary School in Lanarkshire thanks to Tobermore’s Textured Flags which offer a beautiful granular surface finish, and Pedesta block paving which provides a vibrant and hard-wearing finish.

The ChallengeModern paving was required to complement state-of-the-art offices Scott Brownrigg’s design aim was to attract the world’s most high-tech companies to the Science Park. The architecture, design and landscaping of Buildings 1 and 2 was key to setting the tone for the tech hotspot. Buildings 1 and 2 form a new gateway to the dedicated technology estate while collectively making up 210,000ft2 of commercial office space.  The two-building design spans four storeys tall and showcases a striking colonnade. The cladded feature columns provide an impressive new entrance to the park, while echoing the curve of the spine road. Buildings 1 and 2 offer a dedicated pedestrian and cycle area. The public realm space between the two buildings required extensive paving which complemented the state-of-the-art buildings. The client’s primary objective was to remove existing, dated buildings and replace them with state-of-the-art facilities for the scientific community. The master plan has sustainability and efficiency at the core of its design.The SolutionTobermore’s high quality granite aggregate paving accentuates the contemporary office scheme Tobermore supplied paving of exceptional quality to complement the state-of-the-art office hub. The public realm space between the two buildings features Tobermore’s granite aggregate paving in contemporary grey tones. The dedicated pedestrian and cycle area are paved with Braemar, Fusion and Hydropave Fusion which all feature a striking granite aggregate surface which adds to the ultra-modern scheme. Braemar offers a premium concrete paving product with aesthetic appeal of natural granite. It boasts a striking, contemporary look while being a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to natural stone.  Fusion made a modern striking entrance to the Science Park. The area required a combination of permeable and impermeable paving. It would take a keen eye to spot where the standard block paving ends and permeable paving starts. Hydropave Fusion and Fusion was applied in permeable and non-permeable format which added continuity to the streetscape.  The new buildings achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The facilities provide a much-needed innovation hub for scientists and graduates, and successfully generated income for Trinity College. 

When Regenda Homes was seeking a building solution for the homes at Carr Lane in Hambleton, Tobermore provided the perfect solution in the form of Kingston facing brick – the smooth, vibrant appearance of this product created the beautiful, elegant finish desired.

The Castle Basin area of Enniskillen in Northern Ireland was transformed with a £1.7 million investment, funded by the Department for Social Development and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Tobermore’s Fusion block paving and Mayfair Flags were used to create a contemporary look for the tranquil walking route.

Building Design Group Ltd specified a full hard landscaping solution from Tobermore for the expansive pedestrian and car park areas at Castlegate Park in Dudley which features a variety of popular restaurant and cafe chains.

Building Design Group Ltd specified a full hard landscaping solution from Tobermore for the expansive pedestrian and car park areas at Castlegate Park in Dudley which features a variety of popular restaurant and cafe chains.Products Used: Mayfair Flags Silver Pedesta Heather & Charcoal Fusion Silver Marker Block WhiteProject Details: Architect: Building Design Group Ltd. Groundworker: IB Construction

The modern buildings at Chryston High School in Glasgow were complemented with an attractive and functional landscape which was created with a variety of Tobermore paving products.

Situated on the southern banks of the River Liffey overlooking Phoenix Park, Clancy Quay is a luxurious new housing development in Islandbridge, Dublin, from Kennedy Wilson Europe. Irish landscape architecture firm, Mitchell & Associates, was assigned the task of designing the external landscape surrounding the 46 designer apartments and townhouses on site which have replaced the historic Clancy Barracks. With the landscape consisting of vast, spacious gardens and courtyards, the design process was challenging, however, Tobermore helped make the job much easier for Mitchell & Associates with the provision of high quality hard landscaping products.

Clancy Quay is a high-profile residential development situated in Dublin. Made up of 845 units which can house 1,800 residents, Clancy Quay is the largest multifamily community in Ireland. The scheme presents a mix of new-build townhouses, apartments and conversions of historic army barracks, which gives the development a distinctive identity. A wide variety of Tobermore paving products were laid at each construction phase which spanned over a 12-year period. The development won the prestigious RIAI Housing Award in 2018.

This stunning contemporary home situated in Waterford features Kingston Facing Brick from Tobermore. MDP + Partners’ concept was to create an introverted house, using two separate forms. These blocks were defined in material and scale, to create a private garden that the home is centred around. The one-off build incorporates indoor/outdoor living by connecting the south-facing garden.

Tobermore supplied Kingston facing brick in the vibrant blended tones of Moorland and Cottage Red for the construction of the homes at this Persimmon Homes site in the charming market town of Epsom in Surrey.

The Challenge Modern paving was required for a contemporary farmer market and restaurant  Crimple Garden Centre in Harrogate has increased its retail offering to include a food hall, restaurant, gift shop and art gallery. The vision for the new building was to provide an open plan artisan style farmer market and restaurant that comfortably coexists with the existing garden centre.  The modern building form was driven by its highly sustainable design with natural ventilation, northlights and its saw-tooth style roof adding originality to the scheme. A key point when designing the area was the importance of creating an identity which relates to the adjacent garden centre but gives distinction to the new offering.  A visually appealing external area was important to attract customers into the farmers market and garden centre. Modern paving that could withstand significant footfall was required to complement the contemporary aesthetic of the new market.  The Solution Artro linear paving harmonises the styling, lines and tones of the new building  Tobermore worked closely with the project team to ensure design aspirations were met. Crimple required a unique external area to align with the quirky finish of the new artisan style farmer market and restaurant. Tobermore’s Artro linear block paving was the perfect hard landscaping solution for the main entrance area.  Artro’s strength lies in its ability to adapt its look depending on the colour and laying pattern used. A unique look was created using a mix of two cool grey tones. A high percentage of the lighter Platinum was combined with a low percentage of the darker Carbon. Artro’s stretcher bond orientation naturally guides customers inside the Crimple building. The linear paving blocks offer a modern, hard-wearing surface that will withstand significant footfall and vehicle trafficking, if required. With accessibility in mind, Artro provides confidence with a low slip/skid surface in all-weather conditions. The smooth surface finish is suitable for prams and wheelchair users.  A featured walkway from the front row parking bays to the main entrance was created using Tobermore’s Mayfair Flags. The silver slabs feature sparkling natural granite aggregates that add to the scheme’s contemporary aesthetic. As sustainability was a key consideration of the project, Tobermore’s permeable paving option Hydropave Tegula Duo was chosen with its ability to function as a SuDS paving system. Laid in the warm shade Bracken, the contrast between the paving products helped to zone the pedestrian areas.   Tobermore’s granite aggregate Fusion Edge added the finishing touch to the project with its modern aesthetic.