Transforming Venture Farm Cat Rescue’s Outdoor Space

Creating a clean, practical space for cats to enjoy and visitors to admire all year round.

Got a project in mind?
Rear of octagonal yellow shed inside the cat enclosure. Artificial turf runs up to the shed with a small yellow bench sitting on it. A cat can be seen sitting on the bench.
Picture of cat enclosure from outside the wire gate surrounding it.
Resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding a trapezoid shaped patch of artificial turf. On the two bottom corners of the artificial turf there are rectangular raised beds running along the wire gate surrounding the cat enclosure. The raised beds are filled with bark to act as cat litter. There is also a small shrub planted within the aggregate flooring.
Resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding a trapezoid shaped patch of artificial turf. On the two bottom corners of the artificial turf there are rectangular raised beds running along the wire gate surrounding the cat enclosure. The raised beds are filled with bark to act as cat litter. There is also a small shrub planted within the aggregate flooring.
Rear of octagonal yellow shed inside the cat enclosure. Artificial turf runs up to the shed with a small yellow bench sitting on it. A cat can be seen sitting on the bench.
Picture of cat enclosure from outside the wire gate surrounding it.
Resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding a trapezoid shaped patch of artificial turf. On the two bottom corners of the artificial turf there are rectangular raised beds running along the wire gate surrounding the cat enclosure. The raised beds are filled with bark to act as cat litter. There is also a small shrub planted within the aggregate flooring.
Resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding a trapezoid shaped patch of artificial turf. On the two bottom corners of the artificial turf there are rectangular raised beds running along the wire gate surrounding the cat enclosure. The raised beds are filled with bark to act as cat litter. There is also a small shrub planted within the aggregate flooring.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. At the rear of the shed there is artificial turf laid for easy maintenance. Within the enclosure there is also a few raised beds filled with either bark to be used as cat litter of artificial turf where cats can lounge on. There is also a few circular plant beds cut out the aggregate flooring where small bushes have been planted.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. Running the perimeter of the enclosure is a slabbed path visitors can use to walk around the enclosure. There is also a blue and pink shed in the background of the enclosure.
Small shrub planted within the cat enclosure. In the background there is a pink shed and a blue shed.
Small shrub planted in side cat enclosure.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. At the rear of the shed there is artificial turf laid for easy maintenance. Within the enclosure there is also a few raised beds filled with either bark to be used as cat litter of artificial turf where cats can lounge on. There is also a few circular plant beds cut out the aggregate flooring where small bushes have been planted.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. Running the perimeter of the enclosure is a slabbed path visitors can use to walk around the enclosure. There is also a blue and pink shed in the background of the enclosure.
Small shrub planted within the cat enclosure. In the background there is a pink shed and a blue shed.
Small shrub planted in side cat enclosure.
Raised bed inside cat enclosure with cat sitting on it showcasing its use for the cats to lounge on.
Raised bed inside cat enclosure with cat sitting on it showcasing its use for the cats to lounge on.
Resin bound aggregate flooring inside cat enclosure. Three circular holes have been dug out the flooring and filled with top soil ready for shrubs and small plants to be plated. There is also a raised bed with green turf where the cats can lounge on.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. Running the perimeter of the enclosure is a slabbed path visitors can use to walk around the enclosure.
Raised bed inside cat enclosure with cat sitting on it showcasing its use for the cats to lounge on.
Raised bed inside cat enclosure with cat sitting on it showcasing its use for the cats to lounge on.
Resin bound aggregate flooring inside cat enclosure. Three circular holes have been dug out the flooring and filled with top soil ready for shrubs and small plants to be plated. There is also a raised bed with green turf where the cats can lounge on.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. Running the perimeter of the enclosure is a slabbed path visitors can use to walk around the enclosure.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring and raised bed filled with bark to act as litter tray for the cats.
Cat enclosure under construction with a wheel barrow of resin bound aggregate ready to be laid on floor.
Slabbed path leading to gazebo in middle of cat enclosure.
Slabbed path leading to gazebo in middle of cat enclosure.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring and raised bed filled with bark to act as litter tray for the cats.
Cat enclosure under construction with a wheel barrow of resin bound aggregate ready to be laid on floor.
Slabbed path leading to gazebo in middle of cat enclosure.
Slabbed path leading to gazebo in middle of cat enclosure.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. Running the perimeter of the enclosure is a slabbed path visitors can use to walk around the enclosure. There is also a blue and pink shed in the background of the enclosure.
Cat enclosure during construction. Raised beds has been made and a slabbed path has been fitted leading to the gazebo in the middle.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. At the rear of the shed there is artificial turf laid for easy maintenance. Within the enclosure there is also a few raised beds filled with either bark to be used as cat litter of artificial turf where cats can lounge on. There is also a few circular plant beds cut out the aggregate flooring where small bushes have been planted.
Image showcasing the cat enclosure under revamp. The lawn has been ripped up around the gazebo ready for new flooring to be laid. A small ditch has been dug out around the perimeter with piping fitted for land drains to help drain excess water so flooding does not occur.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. Running the perimeter of the enclosure is a slabbed path visitors can use to walk around the enclosure. There is also a blue and pink shed in the background of the enclosure.
Cat enclosure during construction. Raised beds has been made and a slabbed path has been fitted leading to the gazebo in the middle.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. At the rear of the shed there is artificial turf laid for easy maintenance. Within the enclosure there is also a few raised beds filled with either bark to be used as cat litter of artificial turf where cats can lounge on. There is also a few circular plant beds cut out the aggregate flooring where small bushes have been planted.
Image showcasing the cat enclosure under revamp. The lawn has been ripped up around the gazebo ready for new flooring to be laid. A small ditch has been dug out around the perimeter with piping fitted for land drains to help drain excess water so flooding does not occur.

Venture Farm Cat Rescue

Resin-Bound Paving
Drainage Solutions

Client

Venture Farm Cat Rescue

Date

November 2024

Location

‘Oldies Village’ - Home for Retired Cats

The starting point: A space in need of care

Venture Farm Cat Rescue provides a safe and loving environment for ageing and retired cats, offering them a comfortable home and serving as a welcoming destination for the public during open days.

The organisation’s outdoor area, known as ‘Oldies Village,’ was in desperate need of an upgrade. It featured overgrown grass and weeds, was prone to flooding, and was virtually unusable during the winter.

This left the space looking tired and neglected, failing to reflect the high level of care the cats receive.

Picture of cat enclosure from outside the wire gate surrounding it prior to full renovation.
Oldies Village - Before Project

Our goal: A space that works for cats and visitors

To transform the outdoor space into a practical, clean, and all-weather-friendly area that serves as a comfortable home for retired cats and a visually appealing showcase for visitors.

The new space needed to:

  1. Provide year-round usability.
  2. Create a welcoming atmosphere for public open days.
  3. Improve drainage to prevent flooding.
  4. Demonstrate the exceptional care given to the cats.
Cat enclosure showing the new resin bound aggregate flooring surrounding the wooden shed in the middle. At the rear of the shed there is artificial turf laid for easy maintenance. Within the enclosure there is also a few raised beds filled with either bark to be used as cat litter of artificial turf where cats can lounge on. There is also a few circular plant beds cut out the aggregate flooring where small bushes have been planted.

Overcoming obstacles

  • The existing area was prone to flooding, making it unusable for extended periods.
  • Maintaining the overgrown and weed-ridden grass required excessive effort.
  • The space needed to balance practicality, aesthetics, and functionality while ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for the cats.

How we brought the vision to life

To address these challenges, JG Paving and Landscaping created a comprehensive transformation plan that prioritised functionality, durability, and aesthetics:

Design Plan

Surface Redesign:

The entire area was paved with resin-bound aggregate, chosen for its clean, high-quality finish and fully permeable properties, which help manage water drainage.

Drainage Solutions:

  • Land drains were installed to address flooding issues, redirecting surface water away from the area.
  • A previously shallow and ineffective ditch was expanded into a larger land drain, which led into a newly constructed pond for efficient water management.
Image showcasing the cat enclosure under revamp. The lawn has been ripped up around the gazebo ready for new flooring to be laid. A small ditch has been dug out around the perimeter with piping fitted for land drains to help drain excess water so flooding does not occur.

Raised Beds for Cats:

  • Two brick raised beds were designed with artificial grass for lounging cats.
  • Two additional lower beds were filled with bark to function as litter trays.
  • Several ground-level planting cutouts were added to soften the area and enhance the visual appeal.
Raised bed inside cat enclosure with cat sitting on it showcasing its use for the cats to lounge on.

Pathways and Borders:

Natural stone paths and borders were integrated into the design to create a cohesive and natural flow throughout the space.

Slabbed path leading to gazebo in middle of cat enclosure.

Artificial Grass and Planting Areas:

A section behind the gazebo was covered with artificial grass, maintaining a soft, natural aesthetic that complements the lounging beds. Circular planting beds were added to further break up the area and provide greenery.

Rear of octagonal yellow shed inside the cat enclosure. Artificial turf runs up to the shed with a small yellow bench sitting on it. A cat can be seen sitting on the bench.

Material Modifications

To simplify the design and reduce the need for additional materials, raised beds were finished with K-render on the sides and tops, eliminating the need for capping materials.

Turning plans into reality

The transformation involved precise planning and execution to ensure all elements aligned with the objectives:

  1. Flooding Mitigation: The land was graded to ensure appropriate falls, allowing water to flow naturally toward the drainage systems.
  2. Resin-Bound Aggregate and Artificial Grass Installation: Both materials were selected for their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance, ensuring the area could withstand year-round use.
  3. Finishing Touches: Planting beds and raised lounging areas were carefully installed, combining practicality with visual appeal.

The transformation: A space reimagined

The finished project exceeded expectations, providing:

  • Usability: A clean, flood-resistant area that can be enjoyed year-round.
  • Comfort: Raised lounging beds and bark-filled litter trays cater specifically to the cats’ needs.
  • Aesthetics: A visually stunning space that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, reflecting the care and love provided to the cats.
  • Functionality: Improved drainage and low-maintenance materials ensure the area remains functional and easy to upkeep.

What Venture Farm had to say...

"As discussed we are all really pleased with the work you carried out in our Oldies Village recently. The layout is working very well and it is so easy and safe to work in for our volunteers, as well as looking fantastic! We appreciate the time you spent with us at the planning stage. Even though we had an idea of what we wanted, you had some excellent suggestions for the final project. It was a pleasure to have your team working at our premises. The guys were all polite, hardworking and conscientious and always left the site in a safe and clean state."

Project Gallery