Challenge

The makers of Channel 4’s youth-oriented soap, Hollyoaks, required a durable hard landscaping solution that also would add a splash of colour to their proposed new outdoor set, located outside the show’s student union building. The overall design of the scheme had to reflect the upbeat, vibrant feel of the programme and be durable enough to withstand frequent use as part of daily filming. Crucially, with pre-arranging filming schedules set, the paving had to be specified, ordered, delivered and laid within very tight timescales.

Solution

Marshalls rose to the challenge and supplied 570 m2 of La Linia 200 x 200 x 80 mm block pavers from the architecturally-led Stein+Design range. The pavers were laid in a three-colour patchwork pattern, consisting mainly of yellow La Linia, with detailing in Anthracite Basalt and Light Granite.

The newly-paved area formed the main outdoor meeting point for the Hollyoaks cast, with the stunning effect of the geometric block paving patterns created by the La Linia paving blocks able to be captured on film from a walkway above.

Mark Line, from Landscape Architects on the project, Cass Associates, said: “Originally we had looked at 450 x 450 mm Marshalls’ Perfecta paving in buff colour to match the surrounding buildings, but as part of the area was to be used for parking, we then looked at a smaller block size. When we saw the colours and finishes available in the Stein+Design range, we knew this was the right product to reflect the contemporary, aspirational qualities of Hollyoaks.

“When the client made the decision to proceed with the La Linia pavers, Marshalls supplied samples, confirmed the quote and order and delivered products to site all within a 72-hour period.

“In addition, as space on site was restricted, Marshalls was also required to source and supply a haulage truck with a Moffett truck-mounted forklift – at 4pm in the afternoon, for a delivery on-site the following morning."

Benefits

The effect of the La Linia paving has helped create an aesthetically appealing and highly durable Mediterranean outdoor café-style area on the new Hollyoaks set.