Outdoor Engineering
Can hard landscaping enhance new residential and commercial mixed
use developments? by Mike Davies,
Specification Manager for Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries
Whether a single new-build home, or a larger multi- dwelling development, outside space is no small thing. Between the front of house and the wider streetscape, there is much to consider if you are to tick all the boxes that a potential homebuyer could be looking for: does it look good? Will it last? Is it sustainable? And ultimately, is this a place I want to live?
KERB APPEAL
Arguably, the most important aesthetic element is the property’s kerb appeal. First impressions are important after all, and it’s no different when it comes to that first ‘meeting’ between a potential buyer and their new home.
Space to park a car is a must for many homeowners, so - where the space allows - it’s important to opt for a stylish driveway solution that is both striking and brings character to the property, but also complements the existing bricks and mortar that has been specified.
Block paving represents an extremely practical and durable solution. Opting for paving with a permeable surface, which allows water to drain away between the blocks, is a perfect choice when you need to satisfy the strict legislation regarding front of homes.
AN APPEALING STREETSCAPE
If your development consists of several properties, it may well give you the opportunity to create a wonderful and unique landscape setting for residents. Rather than just connecting all the pathways and roads, think in broader terms about how appealing the streetscape could be.
On a basic level, all that is needed is to make sure the walkways, kerbs and other hard landscaping components complement the fabric of the housing, as well as the driveways where applicable.
However, for an outside space that offers greater value for the residents- to-be, you may be required to include areas of public open space, such as playgrounds. Hard landscaping can be cleverly used as a durable solution to fashion bespoke benches, steps, planters, litter bins or water features that will stand the test of time, yet require minimal ongoing maintenance.
GETTING ON TREND
Trends in the domestic market have followed on into the commercial domain, with a general preference for a more contemporary look.
In terms of shapes and sizes, we’re seeing architects specifying smaller blocks in assorted shades, allowing designers to get creative with an array of interesting and eye-catching design solutions; and rectangular or linear paving rather than square to make spaces look and feel larger.
Dark, natural and muted colours remain popular, both with homeowners and in areas of public realm. Greys and whites, particularly, bring a contemporary feel to outdoor spaces, creating an effective backdrop for an attractive streetscape.
A good example of this is at Trafalgar Place in Elephant & Castle, London which turned an office block of recycled shipping containers into a 235 home development. With a project brief to create a quality urban residential space, we supplied Andover Textured small block pavers in Midnight Grey, Silver Grey and Light Grey for the avenues, and Appalachian flag paving in Leemoor Ground for the residents’ private courtyard.
Together with the buildings, planting and communal space, the project has been praised within the industry as an example of top design, scooping prestigious awards such as The Mayor’s Award for Planning Excellence and Best New Place to Live, both at the London Planning Awards 2016.
THE RIGHT MATERIALS
We advise housebuilders, developers and landscape architects to consult with a hard landscaper such as Charcon as early in the process as possible to make sure the right materials are specified. This will depend on the amount of pedestrian or vehicular traffic that the paving can expect to withstand.
Our hard-wearing Granite Flags and Granite Setts for example are a great natural stone choice for more premium developments where high trafficked areas are to be expected. Whereas Andover Textured, our blend of Cornish aggregates, is an alternative to natural stone that, despite being textured, still has the hard-wearing qualities of granite. It is also available in a range of shades that complement and contrast with each other.
Charcon Andover Textured in Midnight Grey, Silver Grey and Light Grey, Trafalgar Place, Elephant & Castle, London. Image source: Randle Siddeley
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