Port Lane, Hythe, Colchester

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a developer client as consultant landscape architects for this new build low density housing scheme. The plot is located on a 2.38ha brownfield site to the south east of Colchester town centre. Our scope was to provide landscape architect’s information to support a detailed planning submission.

The plot is connected to Port Lane at it north west and south west corners. The existing site is relatively flat, with the exception of its north west corner where there is a significant change in level. The existing plot is currently occupied a number of large warehouse type buildings and areas of car parking associated with its former use as a manufacturing site. There are a number of significant trees to the south boundary and the north west portion of the plot. The Old Heath Recreation Ground is located a short walk from the south west corner of the plot.

The built form for this proposed development consists low rise dwellings fronting onto a spine road that arcs through the site. At the road’s end provision has been made for vehicles to turn. Each dwelling has been provided with defensible planting, provision for parking and a refuse store. Along the route of the road trees are proposed. These trees are to be planted within tree pits joined together with soil cells. This detail will ensure these trees continue to thrive into the future.

The principals of Home Zone have been adopted when designing the streetscape. Flush surfaces between the footway, carriageway and parking has been specified in the majority of locations. Paving materials were carefully selected to ensured the clear delineation between the carriageway and footways. This will help to improve pedestrian safety and provided a clear wayfinding strategy.

Mid way along the western edge of this scheme a public open space is shown. This will provide relaxation and play opportunities in a community focused environment.

The ‘Heritage Trail’ is located at the north west corner of the plot. This provides a pedestrian and cycle connection between the site and Port Lane. Along the route of this path information board are proposed. These will convey the Paxman’s Engineering story and the site’s history. The location of a former notable building will be marked on the ground and an electricity generating exercise area will also be incorporated into this space.

Ecologically beneficial planting has been specified throughout this scheme. Within the ‘Heritage Trail’ location a significant number of trees and understory planting have been retained as part of our final proposal. There is a dedicated wildlife corridor to the site’s south boundary.

Palliser Road, Barons Court, Kensington & Chelsea

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a design and build contractor client as consultant landscape architects for this new build affordable housing scheme. The plot is located on a 0.125ha brownfield site within Barons Court Conservation Area. Our scope was to provide landscape architect’s information to discharge planning conditions; provide a full package of tender and construction information for the external works and to provide support during the construction phase of this project.

The bulk of the plot is occupied by the new five story building footprint. This new building accommodates 36 new homes at affordable rent. A landscape strip is located along its three street facing frontages. A planted courtyard space is located at its centre, being enclosed on three sides by the new building. Our proposals we based on an already consented scheme.

The landscape zone to the building’s perimeter needed to accommodate lower ground floor patios, planting at ground floor level and Part M compliant pedestrian accesses from the existing footpath to the new building entrances. The brick coping details to the various retaining and upstand walls needed to be carefully coordinated with the civil engineer to ensure the structural elements tied in elegantly with the finishes. Part K compliant railings were carefully coordinated with the brick copings to ensure an aesthetically pleasing finish was achieved.

The courtyard space at the building’s centre provides shared amenity for all residents of this building. To the north and south sides of this space private patios are accommodated, providing external spaces for the use of the adjacent lower ground floor dwellings. The communal courtyard space contains elements of play suitable for children under the age of 5, benches, cycle storage, ecological features and planting suitable for this location.

Sidney Sussex Building, Chesterford Research Park, Essex

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a fund manager client as consultant landscape architects on this new build office and research facility located on a 1.32ha brownfield plot. Our scope was to provide landscape architect’s information to secure planning consent, discharge conditions; provide a full package of tender and construction information for the external works and to provide support during the construction phase of this project.

The existing plot is set within an attractive setting of open parkland, an arboretum and a number of lakes. These elements in conjunction with other laboratory, office and supporting buildings and infrastructure combine to form Chesterford Research Park.

The strategic landscape design for this development needed to consider interfacing with existing levels, vehicular circulation, car and cycle parking, pedestrian circulation, wayfinding and Part M compliance.

The car parking has been located to the front of this facility, facing the park ring road. Service deliveries and mechanical pant are located at the rear of the building, facing the arboretum. To the front and rear of the building a break out space has been integrated in the design.

The palette of hard landscape materials were carefully selected to ensure the external works complemented that of the built form. Contrasting materials were selected to define the vehicular running surface and the parking bays, with contrasting blocks defining the edges of the individual parking bays.

Planting has been used throughout the site to provide structure, enclosure, screening, opportunities for wildlife and joy. The planting to all areas has been carefully selected so as to thrive in their proposed locations. The types of vegetation are varied and are designed to provide interest all year round.

In all location native and/ or wildlife friendly planting has been specified. This includes Blackthorn and Wild Privet hedging to the perimeter of the plot and the planting of predominantly native tree species through out. Complimenting this is our predominantly native ornamental ground cover mix. These in combination provide a valuable wildlife resource.

Bancroft & Wickford Street Tower Hamlets

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a design and build contractor to deliver landscape architectural services for two new residential developments with an integrated public open space. Our role included preparing information to discharge the landscape planning conditions, producing tender documentation, and developing a comprehensive construction package.

The 0.45-hectare site was split into two parts:
•    The southern plot, located on a former garage site.
•    The northern plot, previously occupied by the Bancroft T.M.C. building.
•    Our proposals were based on a consented planning scheme by Farrer Huxley Landscape Architects.

Across both plots, the development provides 33 new affordable homes and office space at ground level within the northern building. Where possible, the buildings incorporate wildflower roofs and ecological features. All footpath routes have been designed to meet Part M Building Control standards, ensuring fully accessible pedestrian access.

The southern part of the site introduces a community open space between the new building and existing homes to the west. Designed to encourage both play and relaxation, the space features:
•    Play opportunities for younger children.
•    Wildlife-friendly planting to support biodiversity.
•    Robust seating for residents and visitors.
•    Rear access to adjacent commercial units.
•    Four disabled parking bays at the southern end.
A new playground for children aged 0–11 offers a variety of play equipment set within reinforced grass areas, blending resilience with green design.

The northern section enhances pedestrian movement by improving the connection between Wickford Street and Cambridge Heath Road. At the heart of this building, two small courtyard gardens provide sheltered, communal green spaces at ground level.

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.