Costa Coffee, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed as landscape architects by a client’s agent for this commercial coffee outlet at the edge of a retail park on the north edge of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. We developed a landscape design to the satisfaction of the client then prepared landscape architect ‘s information to support a detailed Planning submission.

The landscape design for this project dealt with the pedestrian entrance to the building, an outdoor seating area for customers and the outlet’s parking requirements for a number of disabled users. Our landscape architects worked closely with the client’s architect to achieve a harmonious design between the internal and external spaces.

Within the plot boundary, to its western edge, six small to medium sized TPO trees are located. Our landscape architect’s needed to consider these carefully, minimising the detrimental impact of development on their roots. In addition to the design of the external space and associated planting schedules our landscape architects were required to considered the likely build process and how that might impact on the health of these existing trees.

The Local Authority Tree Officer was very interested in our landscape design, particularly the locations of proposed trees and the detailed design of their installation. Due to the narrow zone in which the proposed trees were to be planted it was considered necessary to specify a plastic load bearing cell structure (backfilled with topsoil) beneath areas of hard paving. This detail ensured the roots of trees planted in these locations would thrive. After much negotiation the Tree Officer accepted our landscape design and details were approved.

Watts Grove, Tower Hamlets, London Residential Landscape

Posted on by Justin Davis

For this project we were appointed as landscape architects by a housing association client on this residential development project located on a brownfield site in east London. We were tasked to provide our client with an initial landscape design for approval. Once signed off  we proceeded with the preparation of landscape architect ‘s information to supporting a detailed Planning submission.

Our landscape architect’s brief was focused on three main areas of this development. Firstly, the landscape design of a private courtyard space located at the heart of the scheme. Secondly, the landscape design of the north/ south semi public space which accommodated a pedestrian thoroughfare. Finally, the design of the connecting public path which runs along the south plot boundary.

The landscape design for the courtyard space performs a number of functions. It accommodates  the flow of residents from the west building to the east building through this space. It also functions as an areas of play and relaxation for residents surrounding this space. Finally, a number of private ground floor patios/ gardens  have been accommodated in various locations. Our landscape architects carefully considered the arrangement space so as to best accommodate these conflicting functions.

In addition to providing a pedestrian route through this proposed development, the north/ south space provides pedestrian entrances to the residential units fronting onto this zone of public realm. The landscape design for this pedestrian zone has incorporated a play area, this will encourage and provide opportunities for door step play.

The brief for the south public footpath was to provide some defensible space between the ground floor units and members of the public. Our landscape architects achieved this by proposing a simple buffer strip of thorny planting.

Mile End Road, Tower Hamlets, London Landscape Design

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed as landscape architects by our developer client on this residential development project with an element retail. Once our initial sketch landscape design was approved we proceeded with the preparation of a landscape architect ‘s tender package of information to enable the tender of the external works. Our scope included the production of a general arrangement drawing, a planting plan with schedules, technical sections and a full NBS specification. Coordination with other members of the design team and the existing on site conditions was an essential requirement.

Our landscape design input into this project was limited to two main areas. These included the central courtyard space and two private patios to the rear of the development. As this was an infill site the development was bound on three sides by party walls. Our landscape design needed to consider this existing edge condition and treatment carefully.

The central landscape space accommodated a communal courtyard through which all residents of the development must pass to access their dwelling. In addition a private patio for the ground floor residential unit facing this space was also accommodated. Within the communal space the civil engineer had located two surface water attenuation tanks. Our landscape design proposed two raised planters on top of these locations. These planters would provide attractive planting whilst making an attractive feature of this potentially ugly piece of infrastructure.

The planting was carefully selected by our landscape architect so as to survive in this potentially shaded environment.  A combination of evergreen and deciduous planting was chosen so as to provide all year round interest.

Silver Works, Colindale, Brent, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed as landscape architects by a developer client on this 227 unit new build residential development located in north London. Our initial task was to prepare a sketch landscape design which reconfigured a consented scheme for sign off by our client. This approved design was then developed and was resubmitted to the Local Authority for approval. We were then tasked with the prepare landscape architect ‘s information to satisfy Conditions and then to produce full tender and construction packages of landscape architect ‘s information to enable the external works to be tendered and built. Finally, we were appointed to monitor the external works as the progressed on site.

This new build residential scheme is located on a 1.15ha brown field site of a former factory. There were no existing trees on site and the plot was considered to be of low ecological value by our ecological consultant. All party walls to this development were carefully considdered by our landscape architects. A plan was produced identifying our proposal for every boundary condition and this was submitted for approval.

Contamination, surface water drainage, existing levels and the interface at the plot boundary all needed to be considered carefully as part of the design process. The access and circulation of fire tender, refuse and delivery vehicles were accommodated within our carriageway design.

Part of the car parking for the site is located under the north residential block and carriageway. In this location the entire landscape design is located over a podium deck and has been detailed accordingly.

The site has been designed as a ‘Home Zone’ with shared surfaces throughout. Where possible all ground floor units were given private gardens with a patio and some planting. A dedicated under 5’s play area has been incorporated into the public realm landscape and a linear park has been located to the rear of the development.

East Village Marketing Suite, Stratford, Newham, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed as landscape architects by a developer client on this office building project located in  Stratford, East London. We initially produced a sketch landscape design for client sign off. Once our layout was agreed we proceeded with the production of landscape architect ‘s information for submitting to the Local Authority as part of a detailed Planning submission. Once consent was given to our proposals we prepared landscape architect’s information to satisfy Planning Conditions. We were instructed to provide a full detailed package of landscape architect’s information to enable a design and build contractor to bid for this project.

The proposed square in front of the marketing suite was designed to function as one of the main access routes into East Village. Its location is between the Stratford International train station and East Village development itself.

Our landscape design addressed the significant level change of 4m across the site and treats it as four distinct areas; the upper level, the public square in front of the marketing suite, the semi public area to the rear of the marketing suite and the main pedestrian route connecting the proposed square at the lower level and the East Village at the upper.

The planted landscape elements of the upper level of the site has been designed so as to be a continuation of Victory Park. The square in front of the marketing suite has been treated in a formal manner with blocks of panting to its edges and flush paving to its centre. The planters to the front of the square are raised with a wide topped wooden edging, performing the function of benches. The connecting pedestrian route is paved with a surface to match that found adjacent to Victory Park and  edged with a line of London Plane tree as a continuation of those within East Village.

Churchwood Gardens, Tyson Road, Lewisham, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

Our landscape architects were appointed by a developer client to develop a consented Planning scheme for this proposed residential development located on an 0.89 ha brownfield plot. The architect’ s proposal consisted of nine stand alone residential blocks located within a landscape setting. Our remit was to review the consented landscape design; produce drawings to satisfy conditions; produce a full tender package of landscape architect ‘s information to enable the tender and construction of the external works and once on site to monitor the works as they progress.

The existing site is surrounded by rear garden to existing dwellings. There are numerous existing trees on site, many of which are mature and covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO). The topography of the site has a significant fall, in excess of 10m from the south end of the plot to the north.

Our landscape architects considered the existing site constraints imposed on the landscape design by this challenging development. The landscape proposals aimed to retain and incorporate as many of the existing trees as possible; in one location a raised pedestrian connection link to a residential blocks was proposed. Our landscape architect ‘s detailed design dealt with the existing site levels pragmatically, adhering to Building Control Part M regulations wherever possible. From a cost perspective our landscape architects were tasked with finding practical solutions to minimise the volume of fill to be carted off site.

Our detailed landscape design accommodated the manoeuvring needs of private vehicle access to the undercroft parking and those of refuse and delivery vehicles. A sweep path analysis was carried out for the tracking needs of each type of vehicle.

Our landscape design needed to deliver a meaningful public open space at the heart of this scheme. The planting for this scheme was specified to create a number of distinct zones across the site, provide all year round interest and to provide food and shelter for our native fauna.

Science Village, Chesterford Research Park, Essex

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed as landscape architects by our fund manager client on this office development project located near Little Chesterford, Essex. We were tasked to develop a sketch landscape design for client approval; provide landscape architect’s information to discharge Planning Conditions and to provide a full landscape architect ‘s tender package of information to enable the tender of the external works. Finally we were appointed to periodically attend progress meeting and to inspect the works on site at critical times and at completion.

The Science Village development is a laboratory and office space building set within the attractive setting of open parkland, an arboretum and lakes. These in conjunction with other laboratory, office and supporting buildings combine to form Chesterford Research Park.

The main body of the external works within this development is comprised of vehicular circulation, parking and pedestrian circulation. The palette of materials were carefully selected to ensure the landscape setting 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 bays.

The edge of the plot is defined in such a way so as to be sympathetic to it rural landscape setting, using mainly native hedging species and trees. The landscape design intention was to provide valuable wildlife habitat and foraging opportunities for the fauna found within the vicinity of the park and to support our client’s BREEAM application. Planting within the plot is of a more ornamental style and is visually appropriate to its mainly hard paved setting.

As there are a number of existing trees surrounding this development plot our landscape architects needed to consider the root protection areas of the trees to be retained. Careful detailing of paved surfaces and the considered locations of circulation routes was an integral part of our remit.

Wapping High Street, Tower Hamlets, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by our developer client as landscape architects on this refurbished residential development located on the north bank of the River Thames, East London. The existing building is being converted for residential use and extended upwards. Our scope of works was to develop a landscape design, prepare landscape architect’s information to discharge Planning Conditions and the preparation of a full landscape architect ‘s tender pack of information to enable the tender of the external works. Our landscape design was focused on the roof garden garden area. This zone is to be accessed by the residents of this building, both during the day and the night.

Our landscape architects needed to consider the exposed environment in this location as it is seven floors up and on the banks of the River Thames. Plant selection was critical to the success of this scheme. In addition we needed to be mindful of loading being imposed on the structural slab by our landscape design. We needed to create an environment in which residents would want to visit and enjoy the stunning views which are on offer.

Access requirements to this roof space were also carefully considered and all areas have been designed so as to be fully accessible by all. At the centre of the roof space it was necessary to locate a large piece of mechanical plant. In addition, in a number of locations at the perimeter of the roof space, solar panels needed to be accommodated. Our landscape architects needed to carefully locate raised planters, planting and trellis panels with climbers so as to screen these items. As this roof garden is located on the seventh floor, our landscape design needed to carefully consider health and safety. A combination of appropriately high planters and glass barriers ensure the residents of this development are kept safe.

Stanley Primary School, Teddington, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed as landscape architects by a design and build contractor client on this refurbished school project located in Teddington, West London. Our scope was to develop an existing landscape design and to provide detailed landscape architect’s information to submit to the Local Planning Authority to satisfy Conditions. In addition, we provided a detailed package of landscape architect ‘s construction information for specific areas of the site to enable our contractor client to implement these proposals. Due to the significant number of existing trees on site the Local Authority’s Tree Officer were very interested in the specific construction details proposed within the root protection zones of existing trees to be retained.

The site was an existing school where a number of structures were to be demolished, a number of classroom blocks were to be built. The external spaces were to be rationalised and modified to suit the revised building layouts and to provide an improved external environment for the children attending this school.

Within the canopies of the existing trees our landscape architects proposed no dig construction, in line with industry best practice. Where wooden decks were proposed we adopted construction techniques which would minimise the likely detrimental impact on the roots of the existing trees. In addition we adopted a number of construction techniques on paved surfaces to provide the desired surface finish whilst minimising the impact of construction on the existing trees.

The football pitch was remodeled to accommodate excess fill and some contaminated fill generated by site excavations. We developed a landscape design so as to minimise the impact of the football pitch on existing and proposed structures and ensured that adequate circulation space was maintained.

Our landscape architects worked closely with the architect and engineer to ensure our proposals were suitable for their specified end use.

The Oaks, Acton, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

Our developer client appointed us as landscape architects on this proposed 144 residential units, 5,000m2 commercial space and 2,444m2 refurbished retail unit mixed use development located in West London. We were tasked to develop a landscape design to the satisfaction of our client the to prepare landscape architect ‘s information to support detailed Planning submission.

The site is located at the heart of Acton town centre and is intended to provide improved shopping facilities at ground level and significant housing above. This development is part of the continued planed regeneration of this area.

At ground level, our landscape design addressed the proposed buildings interface with the existing urban context. The needs of deliveries, commercial unit access and pedestrian access were all considered within our landscape design. The banding within the ground floor paving pattern responds to the elevational treatment of the building, providing a suitable context in which the building is to be located.

We proposed new connection routes from the proposed development into an adjacent existing park. The intention of this proposal is to bring this under used park into common use and to create a safer, self policing environment.

Our landscape architect’s second and third floor landscape design responds to the needs of the adjacent proposed residential units. Enclosed private patios are dedicated to all adjacent residential units. Communal spaces are proposed for use of all residents at second and third floors. These include hard and soft landscape elements and three informal play areas split between two levels. In locations where roofs are not publicly accessible, Sedum green roofs were proposed. Both second and third floor landscapes are located over podium decks.

Our landscape architects were also commissioned to carry out a landscape appraisal of the small park, formally a burial ground, adjacent to the above mentioned proposed residential development. This appraisal was prepared to support the detailed planning application for the residential site. The details of this report informed the boundary treatment between the two plots and the locations of proposed connection into the existing park. This document helped to support the argument that the connections proposed would help to enliven and reinvigorate this under used public space.