Create & Construct aims to give landscape architects, local authority teams and groundworkers access to tools, services, resources and advice throughout their projects.
“Our research reveals 71% of hard landscaping specifiers use a design service on most of their projects, and they value being able to access the support they need quickly,” said Lisa Gow, head of specification at the hub’s developer Tobermore, which manufactures concrete landscaping and walling products.
“We have designed the Create element to meet these needs by giving customers instant access to a suite of free online tools and resources that help simplify the design and specification of hard landscaping projects,” she added.
“These online tools are supported by our design and technical teams, as well as our civil engineering partners, who are on hand to give tailored advice about how to address the specific challenges of each project.”
Sustainable design
Create suits use during early concept, planning, detail design and specification stages of a project and combines 15 different services to help users “shape ideas, specify correct products and design sustainably”.
These include Tobermore’s product design assets, which allow designers to select and download everything from seamless swatches and spec sheets to EPDs for multiple products at once.
Complementing this is Tobermore’s extensive inspiration gallery, which shows products being used in public realm, heritage, education, housing and leisure settings, among others.
Virtual Sample Studio
Online tools can create mood boards, visuals and concept inspiration, as well as the option to arrange a Virtual Sample Studio session, which allows specifiers to view samples and speak to Tobermore’s team via video call.
They also have access to Tobermore’s 2D and 3D design services. The 2D service takes the design team’s plans and translates them into polished, project-ready drawings. The 3D design service enables specifiers to walk clients through project-specific CGI visuals that showcase the textures, patterns, and surfaces that define the design.
There’s also technical support, including fully indemnified permeable paving design and retaining wall design.
“Sustainability continues to be an important factor on nearly every project,” added Lisa. “So, we have incorporated vital information such as environmental data, permeable paving design and retaining wall advice into the Create element.”5
Construct aims to aid contractors and installers take projects from tender through construction to post completion. It includes services to ensure construction and installation are correct, help solve technical challenges and answer maintenance and care questions for the finished project.