Designing, specifying and constructing hard landscaping schemes for housing developments can be complex. With this in mind, Tobermore has launched Create & Construct, the most comprehensive housebuilder support hub on the market. Here, Krisa Montgomery, Housebuilding Team Leader at Tobermore, looks at recent projects to see how housebuilders and contractors have used different elements of the service to overcome design, specification and construction challenges.
Specifying permeable paving for a SuDS scheme
Climate crisis has increased the intensity and frequency of rainfall in the UK, so to mitigate the risk, housebuilders and contractors need to utilise Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) on schemes where possible. Architect and developer firm, Vabel, chose permeable paving for the residential development in Lawrence Road, Seven Sisters, London.
Senior Architect at Vabel, Tommy Devine explained how the project benefitted from elements of Tobermore’s Create & Construct approach: “We received excellent support from conception to completion, including expert guidance on SuDS. The ‘Virtual Sample Studio’ was invaluable in reducing the number of physical samples we had to order – a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. The process was inspiring, project-focused, and gave us complete confidence in specifying their products.”
As a result, Tobermore’s Hydropave Braemar & Hydropave Fusion products were selected for their aesthetic and performance characteristics.
Overcoming materials and skills shortages
When considering retaining wall options for the Bushby Fields Housing Development in Leicestershire, contractor P Hughes Construction Ltd first considered traditional masonry walling. But as skilled brick layers were in short supply and masonry walls were slow to build, they were open to alternatives.
Tobermore’s Secura Grand in Slate was selected as it was readily available, quick to install and, as a mortar-free solution, doesn’t require skilled labour. P Hughes accessed Tobermore’s ‘Retaining Wall Design service’, which forms part of Create & Construct.
Senior Quantity Surveyor, Ian Perkins, explained: “Tobermore provided us with design and technical support, including preliminary and fully indemnified retaining wall designs. Secura is perfect for housing applications. We are extremely happy with the quality and final look of the product.”
Preserving the character of heritage sites
Many areas have strict planning guidelines for heritage sites, and this was the case for the hard landscaping product selection for Vicarage Gardens, Stockport.
The project involved close coordination with Stockport Council’s conservation officer and careful consideration to ensure the landscaping harmonised with existing structures and the new development. To support this approach, the scheme’s architects, Sanderson Borland, utilised the Create & Construct ‘2D & 3D Design service’ (previously called the ‘Hard Landscape Proposal’.
Matthew Gibson, Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist, Sanderson Borland, explained: “Tobermore provided a great and detailed service for this project, supporting the challenges of a listed building and conservation. Hard Landscape Proposal service was great for presenting proposals to the client and key parties in a simple and easy-to-follow manner.”
The proposal facilitated crucial decision making and ultimately influenced the selection of Tobermore’s Tegula in Heather, which played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth integration of both the buildings and landscape within the Vicarage Gardens development.
Safeguarding brick supply
Recent clay brick factory closures mean many housebuilders need a reliable alternative. The Marlmount housing development, south of Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland, demonstrates what can be achieved with concrete facing bricks.
Fajon Construction had traditionally opted for clay brick; however, they agreed to consider Tobermore concrete facing bricks as a replacement. A key concern was whether facing bricks could match 20 courses per day.
To assess its suitability, they utilised the Create & Construct ‘Request a free wall sample’ service. Three sample panels were built on-site to assess aesthetics and ease, and speed of construction.
The sample panels played a crucial role in enabling the client to see the product in context, ensuring it met both quality expectations and the desired aesthetic. As a result, Tobermore Lansdowne facing bricks were selected for the Marlmount development.
As we’ve seen, Create & Construct helps take the hassle out of every stage of a hard landscaping project. It is free to use and combines 20 different services, encompassing everything from easy-to-use online tools to access to Tobermore’s in-house design and technical teams.
Simply visit Create & Construct and move the slider to identify the services you need based on the stage of your project.