Landscape and Construction

Portfolio:
Site Design, Preparation and Completion
Introduction
As part of a class project, we were tasked with laying a patio area next to the polytunnel on the school
grounds. As part of this task, we were also required to complete the French drain that runs alongside
the paving area, which had been started by a previous year’s class. Individually we were asked to create
a mood board to brainstorm what type of paving to lay and as a result, grey limestone slabs were
chosen.

Another part of this project involved completing the area around the raised beds by laying a protective
membrane to act as a weed barrier and then covering the area with decorative stone.

There were multiple skills learned during the process of this assignment such as how to mix mortar,
using a cement mixer and how to correctly level and lay paving slabs. After completing the project, I feel
I have learned many new skills which will prove useful in the future as it will equip me to work in
different areas of the horticulture industry and will give me the experience required to work in
landscaping.
Process 1: Preparing the Area for Paving
Before any work could begin, it was necessary to remove all weeds and clear the desired area of debris.
Once this was completed, we trenched down until we reached solid ground. As the ground level was too
low, we needed to spread gravel over the area to raise it up. This was done by shoveling the gravel into
a wheelbarrow, pouring over the required areas and then raking it out and levelling it off. It was then
compacted in preparation for laying the slabs.

Process 2: Laying Grey Limestone Slabs

The first step in this process was to mix up a batch of mortar. The correct
ratio of mortar for this kind of work is 5:1 sand to cement. To begin, about
3 quarters of a bag of cement were added to the cement mixer. Then it was turned on and sand was
shoveled into the mixer and allowed to mix together for a while to ensure the two were properly
combined. Next, water was added a bit a time until the desired consistency was met. Plasticiser was also
added to the mix to make the mortar more workable. The mortar was then poured into a wheelbarrow
and brought over to the patio area ready for laying slabs.

As we went along, we only

poured enough cement for
one slab at a time as it we
would not get the entire
area completed in one class
and it would then dry and
become unworkable for the
next time. Cement was
poured over the compacted
gravel to about 2-3 inch
depth. Then a paving slab
was placed one top, gently
maneuvering it to settle it
into the mortar. A spirit
level was used to ensure there was correct fall in the slab to prevent flooding. Sometimes it would take a
few tries to get the level right and mortar would have to be added or removed underneath. Other times
the slabs needed to be lifted as the shape or pattern did not fit correctly with the rest of the patio
design. As a rule, we were taught it is best to avoid cross joints and continuous lines while paving. After
the paving was laid we made sure to wash the surface by lightly brushing it with water to remove any
mortar that could harden on the surface.

Process 3: Cleaning the Polytunnel Area

The edges of the patio area required cleaning up and de-weeding as did the previous year’s patio areas
and the French drain site. Weeds were removed by hand and disposed of. I removed weeds from the
French drain area and with a classmate were instructed to add a small amount of mortar to the drain
and then fill it with gravel. Another classmate power-washed the planters, cold frames units as well as
the other paving areas and Liscannor stone.
Process 4: Completing the Paving Area
In order to finish off the paving area, we needed to create a border around the edges. For this we used
grey bricks to line the border. First, we added a layer of quary dust for the brick to sit on, compacting it
and making sure once the brick was placed, it was level with the other limestone slabs. Finally, to finish
we brushed in Jointext grout into the joints of the limestone slabs and brick border ensuring that each
joint was fully filled in. Then we hosed down the slabs well to set the grout into the joints.
Process 5:Decorative stone and Patio Sealing
For this process we were required to level off the area around the raised beds and cover it with
decorative stone to finish the site. As the ground level was much lower than the level of the raised beds
we first needed to put down a layer of 804 stone. We used this stone first instead of completely filling
the area with decorative stone as it is cheaper in price. We filled barrows with the 804 stone and then
poured it onto the ground, levelling it off with a rake. Our first layer was not high enough so another
layer was added on top. Once all the 804 stone was levelled off, we then put down a protective
membrane as a weed barrier. This helps prevent any weeds from sprouting through the gravel. The final
step was the cover the membrane with decorative stone, making sure none of the membrane could be
seen underneath and levelling it off with a rake.
Materials Used
 Load of 804 Gravel – College stock
 Load of Quarry Dust – College stock
 Tonne Bag of Sand - €60
 Cement, 10 bags @€8 - €80
 Kingspave Cobblestone Grey Brick – College stock
 KelTec Sand Silica – College Stock
 ROMPOX Grey Joint Filler - €40
 Grey Limestone Slabs, €45/m2 - €405
 Shannon Gold stone – €2x 218.80
 3x2 Treated Timber 16ft - €14.50 x 5

Main Tools Used

 Spirit level
 Cement mixer
  Consaw - €50 rental
 Trowels
 Block hammer and chisels
 Power washer
 Knapsack sprayer

Health and Safety

Throughout the entirety of this project, it was important to adhere to the relevant health and safety
guidelines in order to protect myself and my classmates from accident or injury. Safety gloves were
worn at all times, most importantly when working with mortar and hands were washed thoroughly
afterwards. Suitable clothing was worn throughout the project. Care and proper manual handling
techniques were used when lifting cement bagss, slabs and when unloading wheelbarrows. Directions
and instructions were followed attentively when given by the teacher.
Sketches