Belsize Park, Camden, London

Posted on by emma

We were appointed by a developer client as landscape architects for this residential development in Belsize Park, North London. The scheme replaces four existing terraced houses within a Conservation Area. Our role covered the landscape design from initial concept through to tender.

First, we developed a sketch landscape design for client approval. We then prepared landscape architect information to discharge the landscape-related planning conditions. Finally, we produced a comprehensive tender package for the external works.

The proposed development includes basement parking beneath the dwellings and rear gardens. Consequently, the rear gardens sit on a structural slab and function as roof gardens. The landscape design therefore needed to respond to the constraints of a podium-style construction. In addition, a significant change in slab level required careful coordination within the garden design.

Our landscape architect brief focused on maximising usable garden space. At the same time, the design needed to provide attractive enclosures for mechanical plant serving each dwelling. We also aimed to create high-quality, flexible external spaces for residents.

Furthermore, our landscape architects carefully considered the available soil depths. The design incorporated deeper planting zones wherever possible. This approach allowed us to accommodate larger specimen plants within the restricted structural build-up. As a result, the gardens could achieve a mature and high-quality landscape character despite the basement construction.

The front gardens also required careful landscape design. They needed to provide safe and attractive pedestrian access from the street. At the same time, the design had to accommodate enclosed bin stores and suitable servicing access. We selected high-quality paving and planting to complement the architectural character of the development and its Conservation Area setting.

Finally, the landscape architect needed to resolve the access requirements for the basement car park. The rear access zone accommodates residents’ vehicles and service vehicles. It also provides occasional pedestrian access to two of the four rear gardens. Therefore, the landscape design balances vehicle movement, pedestrian access and the quality of the external spaces.

Hotel Neptune, Malá Morávka, Czech Republic

Posted on by emma

Our landscape architects were approached by a hotel owner in the Czech Republic to explore the future potential of the hotel grounds. The client appointed our landscape architect to develop concept ideas and a strategic landscape design.

Initially, the client wanted suggestions for developing land within the hotel ownership. The aim was to create year-round facilities that would attract visitors beyond the winter season. In addition, the client was considering extending the existing hotel grounds onto an adjacent plot.

The hotel occupies extensive grounds that include a mountain hillside and woodland. Currently, visitors mainly use the site during winter as a nursery ski slope. However, the site has significant potential for wider recreational and visitor facilities throughout the year. A public footpath runs along the northern boundary and connects with an extensive network of walking and cycling routes.

The client had no fixed ideas for the site’s future development. Therefore, our landscape architect worked closely with the client to explore a range of opportunities. Through these discussions, we established and defined a clear strategic design brief.

The project focused on identifying the site’s existing landscape assets and opportunities. Our landscape architects developed potential design strategies to diversify land uses and expand the range of visitor facilities. Furthermore, we considered how the site’s natural topography, woodland and existing recreational connections could support new activities.

Another key opportunity involved extending the site’s use beyond the winter season. Consequently, our landscape architect explored ideas for year-round recreation and tourism. These ideas included opportunities for both short-stay and longer-stay holidays.

The final project output comprised a strategic landscape design and ideas report for Hotel Neptune. Together, these documents identify opportunities to maximise the potential of the hotel’s extensive landscape and strengthen its visitor offer.

The client intends to develop the strategic landscape masterplan over several phases in the coming years. As a result, the landscape architect’s masterplan provides a flexible framework for the hotel’s long-term landscape development.

Greyhound Stadium, Blackbird Leys, Oxford

Posted on by emma

We were appointed as landscape architects by a developer for this low-density residential development. The 3.5-hectare scheme provides 220 new homes at the edge of an urban centre.

Our landscape architect team developed the landscape strategy to meet the client’s requirements and planning objectives. Following approval of the sketch design, we prepared the landscape architect’s information for the detailed planning application. This included landscape drawings and a supporting Landscape Design Statement.

The proposed development uses a low-density layout to create a varied sequence of landscape spaces. Along the northern boundary, three mews-style courtyards create attractive shared spaces. Here, our landscape architect applied a ‘Home Zone’ approach to encourage pedestrian activity and community interaction.

At the heart of the development, three connected public open spaces form a central landscape network. In addition, the layout adopts shared-surface principles across key streets and pedestrian routes. Consequently, the landscape design encourages slower vehicle speeds while giving pedestrians greater priority.

Our landscape architects incorporated two small parks, a pocket park and a paved pedestrian square. Furthermore, three dedicated play areas provide opportunities for children across the development. Each playground combines natural play features with more structured play elements.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) form an important part of the landscape strategy. These features manage surface water while supporting natural infiltration. In particular, our landscape design incorporates swales within the parks to manage surface water runoff. In addition, permeable paving provides further opportunities for sustainable surface water management.

Existing trees and hedgerows form an important part of the site’s landscape character. Therefore, our landscape architects carefully developed the proposals to minimise impacts on these valuable landscape assets. From the outset, we prioritised retaining as many existing trees and hedges as possible. This approach helped integrate the new residential development with its existing landscape setting.

Star Lane, Great Wakering, Essex

Posted on by emma

We were appointed as landscape architects by a developer client for a proposed 114-unit residential development. The 3.2 ha site lies at the edge of the Green Belt.

Initially, our landscape architect prepared a landscape masterplan for client and design team review. Once the team agreed the core landscape principles, we developed the landscape architect’s information for the detailed planning submission. This included a landscape masterplan and a landscape design statement. Together, these documents set out the landscape proposals in detail.

The proposed development has a low-density built form. Each residential unit benefits from a private rear garden. In addition, the landscape architecture strategy creates a pedestrian-friendly public realm across the site. The design follows Home Zone principles, with carriageways and footways generally set at the same level. Consequently, the layout encourages lower vehicle speeds and gives greater priority to pedestrians. It also creates opportunities for safe doorstep play.

Furthermore, our landscape architect developed three community pocket parks within the site-wide landscape masterplan. Two parks incorporate dedicated play areas as part of the overall landscape design. The play areas combine formal and informal play elements. As a result, the landscape provides opportunities for children across a range of ages.

Generally, each residential frontage accommodates a parking space and pedestrian access. Boundary planting also creates a defined zone of defensible space around each property. In addition, small areas of unallocated parking provide further visitor and resident parking throughout the development.

The site directly adjoins Green Belt land. Therefore, the local authority placed particular importance on retaining existing trees along and adjacent to the site boundaries. Our landscape architects carefully considered the root protection areas of retained trees throughout the design process. This approach helped minimise potential impacts on tree health and supported the wider landscape strategy.

Grange Road, Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, London

Posted on by emma

We were appointed by a developer client as landscape architects for this proposed 0.4ha residential development in east London. The site occupies a plot adjacent to a busy railway line. Our scope included developing a sketch landscape design for the client and design team.

Following approval, our landscape architect team prepared a detailed Landscape Design Statement. We also produced supporting landscape architecture drawings for the detailed planning application.

The existing plot was triangular and relatively flat. An elevated railway line formed the north-west boundary. Its embankment contained a significant number of existing trees, which the design retained. In contrast, existing rear gardens formed the southern boundary.

Our landscape architects designed the public realm as a Home Zone-style environment. Therefore, the scheme adopted shared-surface principles, allowing pedestrians and vehicles to use the same space. No formal footway or separate carriageway was proposed. This approach was considered appropriate because traffic volumes would remain low and vehicle speeds would be slow. Furthermore, clear sight lines were incorporated into the landscape design.

The external environment also provides opportunities for informal children’s play. In addition, planting along the building edges creates defensible space for residents. These planted areas extend into the shared surface and establish a clearly defined pedestrian zone before residents enter the main public space.

The landscape strategy also incorporates Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) principles. Permeable block paving was proposed in selected areas. In addition, planted areas provide opportunities to accommodate and manage surface water runoff.

Within the root protection areas of the retained trees along the north-west boundary, our landscape architect team adopted no-dig construction principles. Permeable block paving was also proposed in these areas. Consequently, the landscape design minimises ground disturbance and helps protect the existing trees throughout construction and the development’s future use.

Liverpool Grove, Walworth, Southwark, London

Posted on by emma

We provided professional landscape architect services to the Walworth Society for a review of Liverpool Grove, off Walworth Road. Initially, our landscape architect team assessed whether Liverpool Grove could adopt the principles of ‘Shared Space’. Our analysis confirmed that it was suitable. Therefore, our landscape architects developed a landscape design to support this approach.

Walworth Road runs north–south along the western end of Liverpool Grove. At the eastern end, St Peter’s Church forms a prominent landmark. The Grade I listed building creates an attractive vista along the street. Furthermore, the existing road has a wide building-to-building frontage. This openness strengthens views towards the church from Walworth Road.

Liverpool Grove does not provide through access for motor vehicles. Consequently, traffic volumes remain very low and vehicles generally travel at slow speeds. This made the street suitable for a Shared Space landscape design. However, the road also functions as a cycle thoroughfare. Our landscape architect therefore incorporated cycle movement into the proposed design.

The wide street frontage allowed us to introduce new trees without disrupting views towards St Peter’s Church. In addition, we proposed reorganising the existing parking layout. This approach would retain all existing parking spaces on one side of the street. As a result, the remaining street could accommodate a wider range of public realm improvements.

The landscape design also introduced new seating and cycle storage. We proposed a new paved surface extending from building frontage to building frontage. Together, these changes would transform Liverpool Grove from a residential road into a linear public square. The proposed landscape architecture would also provide an attractive setting for the Grade I listed church. At the same time, it would create a high-quality space for local residents.

Finally, our landscape architects presented the Liverpool Grove landscape design to the Walworth Society and other interested parties. The presentation generated considerable discussion and enthusiasm. Consequently, it helped build support for taking the project forward.