Showcasing Our Top 5 School Paving Projects

Across the UK and Ireland, Tobermore’s high-quality paving has been instrumental in enhancing the functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability of educational facilities. 

From modern primary schools to expansive secondary campuses, Tobermore’s innovative hard landscaping products—such as permeable paving, block paving, and retaining walls—have been integrated to create inviting entrances, durable walkways, and carefully planned parking areas.

This case study explores some of the school developments that feature Tobermore paving and walling, demonstrating how thoughtful landscaping can complement contemporary architecture while providing long-lasting benefits for educational communities. 

Allscott Meads Primary School – Telford, Shropshire 

Products used: Hydropave Tegula block paving, Secura Grand retaining wall 

Combining landscaping and sustainable design

Opened in September 2023, Allscott Meads Primary School is a newly constructed educational facility designed to serve the growing community in the Telford area. The school occupies the site of the former Sugar Beet Factory, fulfilling a vision to transform the location into a modern, community-focused hub. 

The school accommodates up to 150 students aged 3–11 across six classrooms along with extensive outdoor amenities, including a 1.1-acre sports field, a hard-surfaced sports court, 40 bike parking spaces and dedicated car parking for staff and visitors. 

The external landscaping aimed to create a welcoming environment while integrating sustainable solutions. Hydropave Tegula Cedar and Bracken Duo block paving were selected to give the site a warm, inviting aesthetic. These permeable paving solutions, part of Tobermore’s Hydropave range, were instrumental in implementing a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) to mitigate flooding risks and filter harmful pollutants. 

All walkways and parking areas were paved with clear delineation added to enhance usability and safety. The parking design incorporated a tiered layout using Secura Grand retaining wall systems. This approach not only optimised available space but also elevated the visual appeal of the grounds. 

A small retaining wall was constructed on one side of the building to maximise parking capacity while maintaining an attractive design. This solution seamlessly integrated functionality with aesthetics, ensuring the school grounds met both practical needs and design aspirations. 

Chryston High School – Glasgow, North Lanarkshire 

Products used: Mayfair Slabs, Sienna block paving, Tegula Block Paving 

A modern exterior to complement a contemporary school building 

Chryston High School, a non-denominational secondary school in North Lanarkshire, underwent a major redevelopment to create a modern, state-of-the-art campus. Construction of the new £22 million facility began in 2010 and was completed in mid-2012, just in time for the new school year. 

The new school building was constructed on the site of the original playing fields and provides 23 classrooms, 27 practical rooms, a fitness studio, a four-court games hall and five changing rooms. 

To complement the contemporary design of the new building, Tobermore’s high-quality hard landscaping materials were selected. A mix of paving slabs and block paving was used to enhance the school’s exterior, blending functionality with aesthetics. 

• Entrance Area: Mayfair paving slabs in Silver and Graphite were chosen to create a sparkling, modern appearance that perfectly complements the red brick façade of the main building. 

• Parking Areas: Tegula Bracken block paving was used to define and enhance the main parking areas. 

• Pedestrian Walkways: Sienna Silver block paving was selected for the pathways surrounding the building, creating a cohesive and visually striking design. 

• Planted Areas: Flower beds and landscaped sections were edged with Mayfair Graphite slabs to tie the design together seamlessly. 

This combination of materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Chryston High School but also ensures durability and practicality for daily use by students, staff, and visitors. 

Ruchill School – Glasgow, Scotland 

Products used: Sienna block paving 

Enhancing education through thoughtful design 

The Ruchill Primary School and Nursery Unit, constructed as part of the Three Primary Schools initiative for Glasgow City Council, serves as a combined denominational and non-denominational primary education facility. Designed to accommodate a total of 600 pupils, the project not only meets the educational needs of the community but also offers shared spaces for broader public use. 

In addition to classrooms, the school provides a range of community-oriented facilities, including a media suite and library, conference room, games hall and dining hall 

Located on a prominent elevated site within Ruchill Park, the design team looked for innovative ways to integrate and enhance the greenspace, aligning it with the demands of contemporary urban living. 

Landscaping and Materials 

The choice of materials and landscaping was integral to the project’s vision of blending modern aesthetics with functionality. Tobermore Sienna block paving was selected to complement the architectural design. Key features include: 

• Pedestrian Areas: Sienna Silver block paving was used throughout the surrounding walkways, along with planted areas and seating to create inviting communal spaces. 

• Main Entrance: A modern covered walkway serves as the focal point of the entrance. Sienna Graphite block paving was chosen to highlight this feature, offering a striking contrast to the adjacent Sienna Silver paving. 

Park Mains High School – Erskine, Renfrewshire 

Products used: Sienna Silver and Graphite 

A modern, durable solution to complement an innovative school design 

Park Mains High School, located in Erskine, Renfrewshire, opened its doors in August 2012 following a £31 million investment by Renfrewshire Council. Designed to accommodate 1,400 pupils and 136 staff, the school features a state-of-the-art building with teaching spaces spread across three levels. 

The school design prioritises natural light and spaciousness, with a central ‘street area’ that serves as a bright, open hub for students. 

The exterior of the main building showcases a striking red brick finish, complemented by a two-storey management and administration wing clad in stainless steel. 

Hard Landscaping Solution 

To complement the school’s modern architectural style, high-quality block paving was chosen for key outdoor areas. Tobermore’s Sienna Silver block paving was selected for the entrance concourse, creating a formal and welcoming approach. This contemporary paving range was also used across the car park and pedestrian pathways. 

Key design features include: 

• Sienna Graphite Setts to highlight seating areas and create feature pathways. 

• Borders using Sienna Setts to frame Sienna Silver paving on pathways, adding a sophisticated touch. 

• Disabled parking bays highlighted with a combination of Sienna Silver and Sienna Graphite Setts, ensuring functionality and seamless integration with the overall design. 

The Tobermore Sienna block paving range provided a modern and durable solution that perfectly complemented the school’s innovative design, delivering an attractive and practical landscape that enhances the overall appeal of the site. 

Strabane Academy – Strabane, Northern Ireland 

Products used: Tegula Bracken and Charcoal 

A Modern Educational Facility with Timeless Design 

Strabane Academy was formed through the merger of Strabane Grammar School and Strabane High School. The journey culminated in 2020 with the opening of a cutting-edge £21.47 million school campus, eight years after the initial amalgamation. 

Prior to this development, the academy faced logistical challenges operating from two separate sites. The new 10,000m² facility brought together students and staff under one roof, offering an environment designed to encourage learning and collaboration. 

The Strabane Academy campus extends beyond its impressive school building, including a synthetic hockey pitch, two rugby pitches, a cricket pitch and tennis courts. 

Tobermore played a pivotal role in the design and delivery of this project, contributing expertise from the specification stage to final implementation. Their high-quality paving solutions were integral to the campus’s aesthetic and functional design. 

• Tegula Bracken Block Paving: Used to create feature walkways, parking bays and a landscaped planted area. 

• Visual Appeal: The warm tones and traditional style of Tegula Bracken blend with the modern architecture of the school, adding a timeless yet contemporary touch to the campus. 

This collaborative effort between Tobermore and the design team resulted in a state-of-the-art educational facility that combines functionality, durability, and visual sophistication, setting a new benchmark for school infrastructure in the region.