Corten House, Aykley Heads Business Park

The Challenge

Carefully selected landscaping to balance aesthetics and functionality and enhance the entrance to Corten House. 

For the new Corten House office accommodation at Aykley Heads Business Park, selecting the right hard landscaping materials was crucial to enhance the exterior and meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. The paving, a key feature of the building’s entrance, needed to not only complement the modern design of the office, but also fit within the set budget. Additionally, this entrance area was designed to incorporate seating, creating a welcoming and practical space for both visitors and employees. Careful consideration of these elements was required to ensure an attractive and functional outdoor environment.

The Solution

Durham County Council partnered with Tobermore for expert guidance and design services, ensuring the project was completed efficiently, on budget, and to the highest standards of design and functionality. 

To guarantee that the most suitable and cost-effective hard landscaping products were selected for the Corten House project, Durham County Council turned to Tobermore for their expert guidance and design services.  

Recognising the importance of aligning the landscaping with the high standards of the new office development, Tobermore’s team worked closely with the council to identify materials that not only complemented the modern architectural design, but also stayed within budget. Their expertise ensured that every element, from the paving to the retaining walls, was tailored to meet both functional needs and aesthetic expectations. 

Tobermore collaborated with Durham County Council to deliver a comprehensive Hard Landscape Proposal (HLP) to simplify the process of selecting and organising the right products for the area. The focus was on achieving a balance between traditional and modern design elements, while maintaining functionality and adhering to the set budget. 

To create a striking pathway to the main entrance, Tobermore Retro paving in Bracken was chosen. The traditional style of Retro paving provided a visually appealing contrast to the building’s modern exterior, adding character to the space. Retro Bracken paving was also used to highlight seating areas, enhancing the flow and integration of the outdoor space. 

Complementing the traditional elements, Braemar block paving in Jura Grey was selected for the surrounding areas, bringing a sleek, modern touch. The primary paved areas were framed with Kerbstone Bracken, providing a stunning finishing touch to the overall design. 

Access to the building was carefully considered with pedestrian safety in mind. Steps leading to the entrance were finished with Mayfair Silver Step slabs, featuring contrasting nosing and Tactile Hazard Warning flags to ensure accessibility and compliance for all users. 

A standout feature of the project was the multifunctional retaining wall. Not only did it provide essential support to the landscape, but it also doubled as an integrated seating area and planter, blending practicality with visual appeal. Tobermore’s team developed a preliminary design for the retaining wall, using Secura Grand Slate walling and copings. This was supported by site-specific drawings, created with bespoke Secura design software to assist in the specification and planning process. 

Through their expert design services and high-quality paving and walling products, Tobermore ensured that the project was completed efficiently, within budget, and to the highest standards of both design and functionality.