We were appointed by a developer client as landscape architects for this residential project in south London. Our role included developing the landscape design and preparing landscape architect information for submission to the Local Authority. This information supported the discharge of planning conditions.
The planning submission included a landscape general arrangement plan and planting plan with schedules. The general arrangement plan identified proposed materials, boundaries, planting areas and other landscape features. Following approval of the planning conditions, we developed detailed planting plans for tender and construction.
The existing site contained several listed buildings undergoing refurbishment, conversion and extension. Therefore, our landscape architects needed to carefully integrate several uses within the spaces surrounding the buildings. These included car parking, bin storage, cycle storage, private gardens and shared amenity areas.
Careful planning of these elements helped maximise the usable landscape space. In addition, the landscape design responded to the character and setting of the existing listed buildings.
Numerous existing trees occupied land to the front and rear of the site. Several trees also stood outside the site boundary. Our landscape architect proposal retained the majority of these trees wherever possible. Furthermore, we considered the root protection areas of retained trees when developing the hard landscape design.
This approach helped minimise potential impacts on existing trees during construction and throughout the development’s future use. It also supported the integration of existing vegetation into the wider landscape strategy.
At the front of the site, our landscape architect team considered the tracking requirements of resident and delivery vehicles. We incorporated these requirements into the paving and car parking layout. In addition, the design adopted shared space principles to create a simple and cohesive frontage.
The area uses a single paving material across the shared space. Consequently, the design avoids a defined footway and carriageway. This creates a visually unified landscape while accommodating pedestrian and vehicle movement.
Finally, our landscape architect planting strategy combined native and non-native species. The planting design supported the project’s sustainability objectives and helped the development achieve the required BREEAM credits for a Very Good rating. In addition, the planting plan provides year-round visual interest.
The planting also provides valuable habitat and foraging opportunities for local fauna. Overall, the landscape design integrates existing trees, high-quality materials, functional spaces and ecological planting within a considered residential setting.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: E - F/G
Client: Harman Enterprise Ltd.
Architect: Archipek