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.
