Kilsaran said Dobbies required a landscape which included "a palette of natural and high quality materials which would integrate seamlessly with planted and green areas around the site".
The company said because of heavy trolley usage within the garden centres, a product had to be found which would allow ease of access while reducing slips or trips in and around the retail areas. Possible problems with damaged or stained block paving also needed to be addressed to ensure the centre would remain hazard free and look aesthetically pleasing.
Kilsaran suggested the use of Lismore, a contemporary block paving which comes in a large selection of colours and sizes. Lismore Natural, 120x160x60, was specified on the paths and indoor floor covering. Slane Rustic block paving in 200x100x80 and Belvedere Curragh Gold paving flags in 400x400x60 were also laid in outdoor plant display areas.
Kilsaran’s technical team produced a new product mould to cope with the requirements for a smooth and clean finish, which incorporated no nibs to stop trolley vibrations. The blocks were also laid flush so that trollies could travel over them as easily as possible.
The use of block paving means any staining or damage can easily be replaced or repaired unlike a solid concrete floor.
A hard landscaping solution to reduce the risk of flooding and dealing with excessive water also had to be found and Kilsaran’s design team worked with Dobbies and Engineers Gilbert Ash to provide a suitable sustainable urban drainage system on site. Kilsaran’s Clima-Pave permeable block paving was specified.
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