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DS Properties recently undertook the task of redeveloping The Pumphouse in Barry which previously formed part of Barry’s historic dock complex and provided one of the few hydraulic power buildings in Wales. The building had gone unused for several years but had always remained a local landmark and so the decision was made to regenerate the site for housing and commercial accommodation. Retaining the nostalgic style of the historical Pumphouse was hugely important to DS Properties and therefore the developer was seeking hard landscaping products that would complement the traditional surroundings. Tobermore provided the perfect solution in the form of vintage-themed block paving product, Tegula, and striking plank paving product, Manhattan.
Alex Knight, Development Surveyor at DS Properties, explained the project objectives: “The Pumphouse is a Grade II listed building constructed in the 1880’s and the aim of the refurbishment and new build scheme was to create the first local purpose-built live/work facility at the centre of Barry’s commercial regeneration, offering 14 live/work apartments, office units, a gym and a restaurant and cafe.”
Acanthus Holden Architects was appointed to design the redevelopment works and the new build elements. DS Properties advised the architect that the landscape design needed to incorporate paving products to complement the period-themed Pumphouse building. Alex commented: “As tarmac was incorporated on part of the site, we wanted to break up the space and create a more visually attractive external area. The landscape needed to harmonise with the historic buildings and be sympathetic to the traditional backdrop on site.”
The choice of paving supplier was a relatively easy choice for DS Properties as Alex explained: “Tobermore products came highly recommended by one of our trusted suppliers, Robert Price, and after examining product samples kindly provided by the Tobermore South Wales Sales team, the aesthetics and quality was a key factor in confirming our decision to use Tobermore products.”
Tobermore’s Tegula and Manhattan block paving was specified as the best method to meet the design vision for the project. Tegula is manufactured with an aged, antique appearance and so it was the perfect choice for the Pumphouse in creating a rustic look and complementing the historic structure beautifully.
Manhattan is a plank paving system and although contemporary in style and contrasting to the traditional ambience of Tegula, the addition of this product reflected the modern new buildings on site. Manhattan is manufactured with a granite aggregate surface layer that produces a similar look to natural granite. As part of the landscape design, the linear paving product was delicately intertwined with Tegula to create a stylish square border pattern running throughout. The integration of Tobermore’s Tegula and Manhattan created a fabulous infusion of traditional and modern styles.
The project was completed in early 2016, breathing new life into the town of Barry. Although only one building, the Pumphouse in an integral part of the regeneration of the town and is hoped to act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area.
Alex commented on the result of the redevelopment scheme: “Thankfully there were no issues encountered during the design and construction process. We are absolutely delighted with the result and in reference to the hard landscaping works, we would most certainly recommend the products and service provided by Tobermore – it was excellent.”
