Holly Lane

Tobermore’s Rustic Roma Helps P & K McKaigue Create ‘Home from Home’ at Gransha Park

When P & K McKaigue Ltd was appointed the job of managing the construction of Holly Lane – a new care facility designed by McGirr Architects at Gransha Park in Derry/Londonderry – it was vital that the contractor sourced a hard landscaping solution that was in keeping with the traditional style and character of the project. Having worked with Tobermore on a number of occasions previously, the contractor was confident that Tobermore would have a product to suit. Tobermore provided P & K McKaigue Ltd with an attractive block paving solution consisting of Roma, a rustic three-sized product, Tegula Setts, an antique style bordering product, and Turfstone, a ground reinforcement paving system, which completed the project beautifully.

Johnny McKaigue, Commercial Director at P & K McKaigue Ltd, explained the contractor’s role in the project: “The client’s objective was to provide an independent care facility for adults recuperating from complex and enduring mental illnesses and we were assigned with the task of constructing 16 self-contained units to accommodate living space for patients, staff facilities and communal areas. The units were built to provide a warm, country feel, creating a ‘home from home’ for patients residing within Holly Lane.”

McGirr Architects focused on a communal area landscape design concept with small areas of soft landscaping and planting to reinforce the ‘home from home’ ambience.

Johnny noted that the likes of tarmac would not have sufficed as a hard landscaping solution for the facility due to the distinct traditional theme of the project. Johnny commented: “We knew that concrete paving would offer the appropriate aesthetics for Holly Lane and after the Tobermore NI Sales team presented a variety of block paving options, we were totally sold on Tobermore’s Roma and Tegula Setts for the pedestrianised areas on site.

“The vintage appearance of Roma was the perfect accompaniment to the traditional brick façade of the care homes and Roma’s three-sized product mix offered a charming, unique look. Tegula Setts was the ideal bordering product for Roma with its aged, antique finish.”

Johnny McKaigue, Commercial Director at P & K McKaigue Ltd

Johnny added: “Roma and Tegula Setts also offered great technical capabilities that gave us assurance that the grounds at Holly Lane would look good for years to come.”

P & K McKaigue was keen to provide continuity between the pedestrianised and trafficked areas on site, so the contractor also sourced Turfstone, a ground reinforcement paving system, from Tobermore. Johnny noted: “Turfstone was a great choice for the entrance at Holly Lane as it met the essential SuDS requirements for the project and was also a very cost-effective solution.”

Holly Lane officially opened in August 2016 and met the client’s objectives wonderfully. Johnny commented on the project result: “We are very pleased with how the project turned out – the combination of building materials came together really well. Tobermore provided a great service in helping us select the best products for the site and we will have no hesitation in using Tobermore products again for future ventures.”