Detailing and materials were chosen with strength and durability in mind. The main surfacing material is concrete paving slabs, in different sizes and with varying textures, and edgings made of granite setts. The red brick used in planters and low walls make a major visual impact.

The Rana area has long and very snow-rich winters, but due to a clever under paving heating system the pedestrianized streets are kept snow-free. This allowed the designers to create a much more intimate streetscape and to have greater choice of materials, plants and street furniture than if they had had to allow access for heavy machinery and large areas for depositing snow.

The waterborne heat comes from the return pipes of the local district heating system, which again is based on surplus heat from Mo Industrial Estate. As this is energy otherwise difficult to sell, the price is good compared to other energy sources.