Worsley Bridge Road, Beckenham, Bromley, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a developer client as landscape architects on this proposed new build residential development, located off Worsley Bridge Road, Bromley. The existing site area measures about 2.0Ha and is located on a former sports ground which has been unmanaged for a number of years. The entire site area is classified as Metropolitan Open Land. To the south and west of the plot existing sports ground and playing fields are located. To the plot’s north and east boundaries, residential dwellings abut the boundary. Existing allotments are located at the plot’s north east corner. To the south boundary, adjacent to the Worsley Bridge Road, a significant existing tree belt is located.

Within our landscape design a significant portion of the plot has been given over to sports facilities and outdoor activities. These are located between the Worsley Bridge Road and the proposed residential development towards the rear of the plot. The proposed facilities include three dedicate play ground areas which catered for all ages of children; three padel tennis courts; and three tennis courts. Changing rooms are also proposed to support these facilities.

Towards the rear of the plot, surrounding the proposed dwellings, the paving has been carefully specified and arranged to clearly delineate footpaths, carriageways and crossings. Spaces adjacent to proposed ground floor dwellings were carefully considered so as to provide privacy to their residents.

Ecology was a big driving force behind a significant number of landscape design decisions. The majority of trees and hedging species specified are of native provenance. The majority of the ground cover planting is either native or sourced from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Plants for Pollinators list. Large areas of coppiced Hazel and flower rich grassland have been proposed.

SUDS also features heavily within our landscape design. Permeable surfaces and paving and rain gardens that collect water from carriageways and roofs are featured within our landscape design.

Gillan Court, Grove Park, Lewisham, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a contractor client to prepare landscape architect’s tender then construction packages of information for this infill residential development located behind an existing block of flats. This phase of the landscape design information was based on our planing approved pack of information. This was prepared for Riverside Housing, a housing association client.

This 0.27 Ha plot is located on a brown field site. Before development it had an underused car park located to the rear of existing dwellings which are located towards the Baring Road frontage. The plot contains a number of existing mature trees, a number of which have Tree Preservation Orders. There is an existing fall of approximately 2m from west to east across the site.

The pedestrian and vehicular routes were designed as a shared surface. Both paved surfaces are laid flush with each other. Their different function has been indicated by the use of contrasting paving. All sight lines within the carriageway have been kept free of visual obstacles to help to minimise the risk of vehicles colliding with pedestrians.

The new communal garden space, between the existing and new buildings, has been designed to be used by both the existing and new residents. This space is made up of grass and a permeable footpath circulation route. Elements of under 5 years play equipment and a picnic bench are accommodate within this space.

Proposed levels across the site were carefully considered by our landscape architects. The paving and wall structure details surrounding the retained TPO trees was coordinated with the project arboricultural consultant. Permeable paving was specified within the root protection areas of the existing trees to ensure water and oxygen could continue to reach their existing roots. The levels associated with drainage and Building Control Part M compliance we methodically calculated to ensure a positive outcome.

We were also responsible for the preparation of landscape architect information for the planning phase of this project.

Albany S05 & S06, Walworth, Southwark, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a contractor client as landscape architects on this 0.83Ha new build residential development located on the north boundary of Burgess Park, Walworth. These two blocks (S05 and S06) form the second phase of this three phase development. Both blocks have courtyards at their centres, with buildings of varying heights surrounding these two spaces. Building S06 courtyard is located at ground level and has a roof garden/ viewing platform located at level 14 on top of the south east corner tower. Building S05 courtyard is located on the level 1 podium deck and has a roof garden/ viewing platform located at level 18 on top of the south east corner tower. Our initial scope was to provide landscape architect’s information satisfy landscape related conditions. This included providing general arrangement drawings and a number of sections through the podium deck buildups.

We are now in the process of finalising our construction packages of information and works for both block is due for completion later this year.

When developing the layouts at ground level for both plots, the site existing conditions to their perimeters were carefully considered by our landscape architect. Building Control, Part M4(3) compliance was required for a significant number of ground floor dwellings. Each dwelling at ground floor has their own private patio and planting to their boundary.

The planting to both courtyard spaces was carefully considered by our landscape architects. We ensured they were suitable for their specified locations and that they would provided all year round interest. A significant proportion of evergreen species were specified to provide an evergreen backdrop to the courtyards.

Both courtyard gardens provided private patios for each dwelling located at landscape level; age appropriate play spaces; growing spaces and spaces in which residents can relax. Structural planting was use to help provide a variety of spaces open and intimate spaces.

London Square, Tower Hamlets, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a local authority client as landscape architects on this new public square development, located between the recently completed Tower Hamlets Town Hall (formally the Old Royal London Hospital) and the Royal London Hospital. The new 2300msq square has been created by piecing together a section of land released by the re-configuration of the new Town Hall and a former drop off/ pick up point for ambulances from the Royal London Hospital.

An iteration of this scheme already had planning consent when we were invited to tender our services. Our scope was to provide landscape architect’s information to satisfy planning conditions; a full package of tender and construction information for the external works; and to periodically attend progress meetings and to inspect the on site works as they progressed until the completion of the project.

The new square provide an attractive break out space for both the Town Hall and the hospital. Ample seating has been integrated into the design of this new square. Seating is provided in the form of individual seats, concrete benches, concrete picnic tables, wooden topped benches to the edges of the raised planters and the concrete edges to the raised planters. Our landscape proposal also integrates a section of the main route from Whitechapel Road and Underground station, via East Mount Street, to the main entrance of Royal London Hospital.

Circulation through and within the square were carefully considered and integrated in to the final layout of this space. Pedestrian desire lines, fire tender access movements and crane access requirements for building maintenance were all incorporated into the final layout. Building fire access and egress requirements were carefully considered and integrated into our landscape proposals. All parts of the square provide Part M (Buildings Other than Dwellings) compliance.

The palette of hard landscape materials were carefully selected to ensure the external works complemented that of the built form. High quality pavers were selected throughout the ‘carpet’ of the square. High quality paving to match the existing interfaces were selected to ensure the square sat comfortably within its existing context.

A robust planting palette was carefully selected for environmental conditions found in the location of the new square. Tree species were selected for their aesthetic appeal and wildlife benefits. The shrub and ground cover planting were selected evergreen foliage, scent and wild life benefits.

Newnham Building, Chesterford Research Park, Essex

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a developer client as landscape architects on this repurposed office and research building located on a 1.28ha brownfield plot within a research park. Our scope was to provide landscape architect’s information for a detailed planning submission; information to satisfy planning conditions; a full package of tender and construction information for the external works; and to periodically attend progress meetings and to inspect the on site works as they progressed until the completion of the project.

The plot is set between an existing pond, to its west at a higher level, and existing woodland to its east, at a lower level. There was a steep bank between the building and the pond. This bank and associated vegetation mostly obscured the building when viewed from the park access road.

The strategy for the landscape design was to provide a more comfortable interface between the new building and the existing pond. This was achieved by regrading the bank along this edge and removing redundant areas of vegetation and areas of hard standing. This approach opened up views of the new building when viewed from the existing access road to the park. In addition, our proposals needed to consider and accommodate vehicular circulation, car and cycle parking, pedestrian circulation and wayfinding and Part M compliance.

There were a significant number of existing trees on plot and adjacent to the plot boundary. Their locations were carefully considered by our landscape architects, particularly in locations where the ground plane was being recontoured.

The palette of hard landscape materials were carefully selected to ensure the external works complemented that of the built form. Materials were selected for their robustness and arranged so as to aid with wayfinding. High quality pavers were selected for the main entrance of the building.

Appropriate planting was carefully selected for each location. All tree species specified were native and the shrub and ground cover planting selected was a mixture of native and non-native wild life friendly planting.

Chesterford Research Park, Essex

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a developer client as landscape architects on this infill research and office development located within an existing research park setting. Our scope was to provide landscape architect’s information to support a hybrid planning application (outline planning and details planning). This included providing strategic layouts for the plots for client review and comment; demonstrating how the new developments would sit within the existing park infrastructure and how the new developments would likely impact on long distance views. Two of the plots were developed to outline application status and one was developed to detailed application status.

When developing the layouts for all plots, the existing site conditions were carefully considered. This research park is located on the site of a former mansion with a mature arboretum at its centre. To the perimeter of the site a significant tree belt is located along its north and east edges. The existing trees and the benefits they bring to the new developments were seen as a positive asset. Their locations were carefully considered and incorporated into our proposal. As this park is located directly on top of a hill, the topography of the site and tree locations were carefully considered, as we were keen to minimise the detrimental impact of this development.

The strategic landscape design for these plots needed to consider vehicular circulation, car and cycle parking, pedestrian circulation, wayfinding and DDA compliance. In addition, the phasing of development and strategic infrastructure was considered as an integral part of the landscape design process.

Due to the parkland setting of this development the screening of parking and service plant with vegetation was considered essential. Native planting was specified to provide valuable wildlife habitat and foraging opportunities for the local fauna. The planting included Hawthorn hedging to the perimeter of the plots, native tree species through out and appropriate ornamental native and wildlife friendly planting.

Senior Landscape Architect Required

Posted on by Justin Davis

Company Background
We have a steadily growing portfolio of work in and around London. We have a variety of projects at all work stages, from planning to construction. Our current portfolio of work focuses on the landscape design associated with residential and work space developments.

We are keen to make an appointment of a Senior Landscape Architect to support the growth in our London office. Part time candidates will be considered and salaries will be commensurate with skills and experience. We would like to hear from suitable candidates.

Senior Landscape Architect Role
A suitable candidate will:
• Hold a master’s degree or post graduate diploma in landscape architecture
• Be chartered member of the Landscape Institute or on the Pathway to Chartership.
• Have three to seven years of work experience in professional practice.
• Be proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Suite & NBS Chorus.
• Have a good attention to detail and able to check and comment on the work of others.
• Have a good understanding of the UK planning system.
• Have an excellent understanding of relevant construction detailing.
• Have good eye for design detail and attractive graphics.
• Have good communication skills and able to represent the practice externally.
• Be confident in dealing with professional colleagues and clients.
• Have proven experience at effectively managing a range of projects at all work stages.
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Must be able to work in the UK permanently, with immediate effect.

A working understanding of Revit and or experience of the detailed design of podium deck landscape would be an advantage.

Please submit a one-page CV together with a selected portfolio of work (PDF format only, maximum size 10mb). Any links to external websites will not be viewed.

Please submit your application to [email protected]

Posted in Job

Phoenix House, Raynes Park, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a developer client to prepare a sketch landscape design for this proposed residential development. We then prepared a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission. This proposed residential development is to accommodate a total of 18 self contained flats.

The development plot is an elongated rectangle in shape, with its narrow west boundary facing onto Amity Grove. The north and east boundaries abut existing residential buildings. The southern plot boundary runs through an existing shared access. This access was to be retained as it serves a the rear access for a number of commercial units fronting onto Coombe Lane. The application area is approximately 800msq in size.

The existing plot contains a dilapidated commercial building and areas of hard standing which are currently used for car parking. There are no existing trees on or adjacent to the plot boundary and no significant vegetation.

The proposed building is slightly set back from Amity grove, at its west elevation. The built form extends back to the full depth of the plot, with a slight break at its centre. To the south of the proposed buildings, the existing communal vehicular access has been retained and enhanced.

Where the building is set back from the Amity Grove elevation, an area of high quality brick paving has been specified. This functions as the main communal entrance into this residential development. This space also incorporates a single disabled car parking space. In addition, ornamental planting and a number of trees have been integrated into this space to help improve the streetscape and to soften the visual impact of this proposed building.

The brick paving specified at the communal entrance continues through the internal communal area of the building at the front of the site. This brick paving continues into the external communal walkway, providing communal access to the dwellings at the rear of the site.

Within the body of the building a number of external spaces have been carved out. These areas accommodate high quality paving, ground cover planting and climbers to the walls. These spaces will provide attractive private external spaces for its residents.

Part M compliance, pedestrian safety and clear wayfinding were carefully considered when designing the pedestrian circulation strategy for this development.

The plant palette selected was carefully considered by our landscape architects. The planting selected for the courtyard spaces will thrive in these potentially shady locations. The planting generally, throughout the scheme, will provide opportunities for pollinating insects and habitat for our fauna.

Landscape Architects Required

Posted on by Justin Davis

Company Background
We have a steadily growing portfolio of work in and around London. We have a variety of projects at all work stages, from planning to construction. Our current portfolio of work focuses on the landscape design associated with residential and work space developments.

We are keen to make a number of appointments to support the growth in our London office. Part time candidates will be considered and salaries will be commensurate with skills and experience. We would like to hear from candidates who would be interested in the role of:

Landscape Architect
A suitable candidate will:
• Be enthusiastic and self-motivated.
• Able to think for themselves and understand what is required of them.
• Hold a Degree in landscape architecture.
• Be proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Suite & Sketchup.
• Have at least one year of work experience in professional practice.
• Have a good attention to detail and able to check their own work.
• Have a reasonable understanding of the planning system.
• Have a good understanding of relevant construction detailing.
• Have good eye for design detail and attractive graphics.
• Intuitively comply with drawing standards, file naming and filing standards.
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK with immediate effect. Any permission required to work in the UK MUST already be in place.

Senior Landscape Architect
In addition to the above requirements, a suitable candidate will:
• Hold a master’s degree or post graduate diploma in landscape architecture
• Be chartered member of the Landscape Institute or on the Pathway to Chartership.
• Be proficient in NBS Chorus.
• Have three to seven years of work experience in professional practice.
• Have a good attention to detail and able to check and comment on the work of others.
• Have a good understanding of the planning system.
• Have an excellent understanding of relevant construction detailing.
• Have good communication skills and able to represent the practice externally.
• Be confident in dealing with professional colleagues and clients.
• Have proven experience at effectively managing a range of projects at all work stages.
• Must be able to work in the UK permanently, with immediate effect.

A working understanding of Revit and or experience of the detailed design of podium deck landscape would be an advantage.

Please submit a one-page CV together with a selected portfolio of work (PDF format only, maximum size 10mb). Any links to external websites will not be viewed.

Please submit your application to [email protected] by Thursday 31st March 2022.

Posted in Job

Capstone Green, Chatham, Medway, Kent

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a landscape contractor client to prepare information to satisfy landscape related conditions for this proposed residential development consisting of 82 houses and 28 flats and their associated car parking.

The development plot is irregular in shape and is located on part of a former Southern Water plot. This section of the former Southern Water site is 1.2ha in size and was occupied by various buildings, areas of hard standing, areas of grass and a significant number of trees. There is a fall of approximately 6m from the main entrance to the plot to the north corner.

The proposed built form consists of 9 terraces of houses and flats, all having dedicate vehicular parking spaces to their fronts. In addition, all the houses have private gardens with patios and sheds to their rears.

The main focus of our landscape design was the rationalisation of the planning approved layout; the selection of a coherent palette of hard landscape materials; and the selection of a robust planting palette. In addition, our proposed landscape layout needed to be fully coordinated with existing and proposed below ground services. A stand alone drawing needed to be prepared to demonstrate to the Local Authority that this exercise had been thoroughly considered.

The Local Authority also required the details of off plot planting which was located next to the plot boundary, within the adjacent playing field. This planting consisted of a mixed native hedge and native trees.

The carriageways were designed so as to encourage motor vehicles to drive slowly and carefully with pedestrian safety a priority. This was achieved by specifying contrasting paving material within the carriageway at pedestrian crossing points and changes of direction. In addition, where possible, carriageways were designed with kinks and sharp turns, once again to encourage slower traffic speeds.