Works at Pecorama

Type: Commercial Development - Leisure Location: Pecorama, Beer, East Devon Website: www.pecorama.info

We have carried out a number of projects at this popular Devon attraction. Model railways are manufactured at the site and included are a retail outlet and leisure facilities. We have designed a new lecture theatre, various extensions to the existing factory, offices and an extension to the miniature railway platform.

An impressive ornamental garden was created in the year 2000. Gardens were formed on a sloping site which was divided into individual themes areas. Large retaining structures were constructed to separate and link these areas. Walls are up to 5 metres high and follow curved lines at various levels. Caves and grottos are formed in reinforced concrete construction to the rear of the walls.

We decided to design the walls as reinforced blockwork on reinforced concrete foundations so that shuttering was minimised enabling local small contractors to carry out the works. Shuttering was considered an expensive option due to the curved profile of the walls.

Nice features are included such as an underground lecture theatre and railway style platform bridge link.

Our role was to liaise with the landscape architect and to provide suitable designs for the retaining structures, bridge link and underground grotto to integrate nearly into the scheme. The gardens are now well established and an impressive feature of the site.