Aaron Gayle Court, Partridge Way, Haringey, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a design and build contractor client to prepare information to discharge landscape architect’s planning conditions, tender information, then a full construction package of information for this new build residential development with a public open space.

This 0.15 Ha plot is made up of two parts. One portion of the site is located on a former garage building site on which a new nine story building to accommodate 23 council homes is located. The other is an area of communal grass with a few trees and paths. Our proposals were based on a consented planning scheme prepared by ME Landscape Studio.

The busy Bounds Green Road is located to the south of the new building, beyond a grass median strip in which a few new trees are planted as part of this proposal. To the north of the new building and green space is Partridge Way, an access road serving an existing council estate. The south and east edges of the green space are bound by existing low rise council housing.

Our proposal surrounding the new building dealt mainly with addressing the existing and proposed levels. Part M compliant access was necessary for all thresholds. It was necessary to introduce stepped and ramped accesses with associated handrails and Part K compliant barriers.

Our proposal for the existing green space was that of enhancement and the introduction of a new community playground. As many of the existing trees within this space were retained as part of the final proposal. Where possible, the railings to the perimeter of the playground were located within planting. The intension was that the railings should become less visible over time as the planting grew.

The proposed playground provides play opportunities for children aged 0 years to 11 years. A variety of surfaces and play equipment were accommodated and benches have been strategically located to provide places for parents and carers to sit.

Chocolate Factory, Western Road, Haringey, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a design and build contractor client to prepare information to discharge landscape architect’s planning conditions, tender information, then a full construction package of information for this new build residential development.

This 0.40 Ha plot is located on a brown field site and these proposals form part of the Chocolate Factory masterplan prepared by Barton Willmore. Our proposals were based on their consented masterplan.

A railway line embankment is located beyond west boundary of this site, adjacent to Western Road. Beyond the north boundary the existing Chocolate Factory Workspace is located. The remainder of the plot’s boundaries abut already demolished and cleared buildings.

The proposals for this plot consisted of residential dwellings fronting onto Western Road at ground floor and residential dwellings on all floors above. To the rear, commercial units are proposed at ground floor. At the core of this development an at grade car park is located beneath a podium deck landscape.

A significant amount time was spent by our landscape architect’s ensuring all proposed levels were Part M compliant and that they tied into existing levels. This was particularly important along the Western Road boundary as sections of the site along this elevation was to be adopted by Highways. Numerous meetings were had with Haringey’s Highways Engineer to ensure they were happy with the levels proposed.

At the centre of this development at level one, located above the residents parking, a communal landscape space has been accommodated. This has been designed for the enjoyment of the residents of this development. At its centre is a children play space, this provides play opportunities for children aged 0 years to 11 years. Incorporated into the play space topography is an undulating landform. This allows for larger species of planting to be incorporated into the design in strategic locations. Benches have been strategically located to provide places for parents and carers to sit.

Heylyn Square, Tower Hamlets, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a design and build contractor client to prepare information to discharge landscape architect’s planning conditions, tender information, then a full construction package of information for this new build residential and ground floor retail unit development.

This 1250msq plot is located on a brown field site, previously occupied by a parade of shops and their associated parking. There is one notable tree within the plot boundary. This plot sits at the northern edge of a housing estate, with Malmesbury Road to its north.

Our proposals were based on a consented scheme prepared by Staton Cohen Landscape Architects and developed to the satisfaction of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

The ground floor of this new building is dedicated to a single retail unit and the functional services and storage related to the residential units above. The roof of the building accommodates the required photovoltaic panels, service access routes and an area of biodiverse planting.

To the west of the building a new play space has been created. This contains a number of items of play equipment, picnic tables, areas of grass and planting. At the north west corner of this space a semi mature trees has been retained. Levels surrounding this tree were carefully considered so as to ensure it long term health. At the north east corner of this space an attractive enclosure to a substation has been created.

To the east of the building a new thoroughfare has been created. This connects the housing estate to the south with Malmesbury Road to its north. Along this route new benches and planting have been installed. To the west of the new footpath a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) feature has been created. This will intercept all the water from the adjacent areas of hardstanding.

The levels to the north of the building were carefully considered and developed to the satisfaction of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. All footpaths were Part M compliant. It was necessary to install a double height kerb along Malmesbury Road edge to ensure the crossfall to the footpaths were comfortable for pedestrians. In addition, the location of a drop kerb for refuse collection had to be carefully considered both in terms of levels and bin drag distances.

Rowan Court, Remington Road, Haringey, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a design and build contractor client to prepare information to discharge landscape architect’s planning conditions, tender information, then a full construction package of information for this new build residential development.

This 0.65 Ha plot is located on a predominantly brown field site. The former uses of this site included disused pram sheds, sections of unnecessary carriageway and disjointed areas of grassland with no clear identity. A railway line embankment is located to the north west boundary of the site. Within this embankment a significant tree belt is located, this contains a number of mature trees. The remainder of the plot’s boundaries abut existing residential dwellings. At the north east corner of the site a passageway connects the site with Seven Sisters Road.

Our proposals were based on a consented scheme prepared by Satish Jassal Architects and developed to the satisfaction of the London Borough of Haringey.

Connecting to the Seven Sisters Road passageway, at the east end of the site, Tramway Mews invites pedestrians into the site. This passes a newly created wildlife space then between the mews type dwellings. This space has been designed as a pedestrian only thoroughfare with attractive and wildlife friendly planting along its route.

Newly constructed footways, patios and parking bays are located along a section of Pulford Road and the full width Remington Road. The paving pattern continues from the newly built dwelling to the existing dwellings on the other side of Remington Road. This helps to create a unified space between the buildings.

At the west end of the site the space between the existing and new buildings opens out, allowing for a new public square to be created. This new Seven Sisters Square is made up of robust glazed brick walls to its perimeter, with areas of grass, paving and benches at its centre. Within the areas of grass glacial boulders have been included as items of inform play or seating.

To the rear of the new central block and the existing railway line embankment, a communal courtyard space has been created. This accommodates private patios, a play space and areas for residents to relax.

Throughout the scheme permeable paving has been specified. Bonding patterns were carefully considered and elements of banding has been introduced within the paving design.

Island Gardens Cafe, Tower Hamlets, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a local authority client as landscape architects and tasked with designing a new public space surrounding new public cafe, located within Island Gardens, Tower Hamlets. The brief was to design a new space to serve the new cafe and to provide additional seating and picnic tables for users of the park. Our scope was to prepare information to satisfy landscape architect’s planning conditions, prepare a package of landscape architect’s tender information and to monitor the works when on site until the completion of the project.

Island Gardens is Grade II listed and is located on the North Bank of the River Thames. It provides fantastic views across the river towards the former Greenwich Hospital and other notable Greenwich landmarks. This new 350msq external cafe space is located at the west end of the park, adjacent to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel North. It is surrounded by significant number of mature London Plane trees, with one tree being located at the centre of the newly designed external cafe spaces.

Due to the large number of existing trees surrounding the site area and an existing tree within the site boundary, levels were carefully considered by our landscape architects. Our proposed edging details and paving build ups were carefully coordinated with the project arboricultural consultant to ensure the best outcome for the existing trees. Where possible existing kerbs, sub bases and foundations were retaining so as to minimise any root disturbance to the existing trees. The proposed paved surface was also sympathetic to the existing tree roots and consisted of a permeable resin bound product.

Another significant constraint imposed on the proposed levels came from the requirements of Part M (Buildings Other than Dwellings); all parts of the space needed to be compliant. Gradients needed to be sympathetic and level access to all thresholds to the new building was required.

Where possible, existing vegetation was retained. This was the supplemented with a robust planting palette, carefully selected for the environmental conditions found within the vicinity of the existing mature trees. The shrub and ground cover planting were selected evergreen foliage, scent and wildlife benefits.

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.