Stunning spaces and dynamic designs: stand out schemes from 2016
As 2016 draws to a close, Managing Director Mathew Haslam reflects on the company’s achievements this year and showcases three stand-out schemes from across the UK.
“We’ve come a long way since Hardscape was born in 1994. Driven by our desire to support our customers in selecting the best hard landscaping materials for their projects and a commitment to educating the industry about the properties and benefits these materials can deliver, we’ve been able to work on some truly amazing public regeneration schemes.
2016 has been a fantastic year and we’ve completed a number of stunning projects, overcoming challenges along the way with creative and innovative hard landscaping solutions. We have lots of great opportunities lined up for the New Year so watch this space.
Although I consider all of our projects to be prestigious, it would be impossible to discuss them all. Here, the Hardscape team has picked out three particularly leading edge projects from across the UK including London, Scotland and Liverpool to demonstrate how we help bring our clients’ visions to life.”
Oban, Scotland
“Known as ‘Gateway to the Isles’, this beautiful boat-side bay needed a re-fresh to help maintain itself as a popular tourist attraction and the main base for marine activity.
A fantastic project to undertake, working with architects from Capita, we helped to transform the waterfront into an attractive space using innovative hard landscaping techniques and stunning materials.
We used warm-toned Magma granite paving with a course sand-like texture to lighten the pathways and give them a welcoming feel. Burlington Stone was layered in natural colours to create unique rustic walling. We also crafted a bespoke commemorative plaque with an iconic red remembrance poppy.”
Oban is ready to set sail – read about the full transformation here.
Battersea, London
“It’s hard to picture Riverlight in Battersea as the rundown industrial space it once was. Now, the area is an attractive residential space overlooking the River Thames and a place for passers-by to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
We used Royal White granite kerbs, bollards and steps, which are particularly beautiful as they catch the light and sparkle in the sun, emphasising the reflective water surface.
We also created stone water features using Kilkenny Irish Blue Limestone to compliment the surroundings while Kellen Breccia concrete was used for the paving.
We worked with landscape architects, Gillespies and architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, to help create this serene space which has provided 802 new homes and 250 jobs.
Read more about Battersea’s breath of fresh air here.
Eberle Street, Liverpool
“If you’re familiar with Liverpool, you’ll have probably heard of Eberle Street which is located close to the popular Beatles tourist attraction and round the corner from Liverpool Town Hall.
Creating a footpath honoring the Wizard of Oz and the Yellow Brick Road was a truly unique and memorable project to be involved with, working in collaboration with BCA Landscape and Liverpool City Council.
To create the nostalgic designs such as Dorothy’s ruby slippers, the Emerald City and Toto the dog, we used recycled coloured glass – Crystalpave – crafted using our unique ‘Artscape’ process. Sleek Kobra and Crystal Black granite was used for the paving, interspersed with Kellen Liscio Giallo and Ambrogio.
The street’s re-vamp was completed in late 2016 as part a wider £1.6m scheme to help drive footfall to the city centre.”
Read more details about Eberle Street’s magical make-over here.
