We were appointed by a developer client to provide a landscape architect’s tender package for an internal atrium within a refurbished residential development. Our landscape architect services developed the detailed design from a design intent visualisation produced by others. Therefore, our scope focused solely on the planted and planter elements within the atrium.
Our appointment covered two key elements. Firstly, our landscape architect developed the technical design for a ground-level planter located over a structural slab. Secondly, we provided the technical design for cantilevered pots positioned outside the balustrades serving the residential walkways.
The ground-level planter required an in-situ, self-contained construction. It needed to accommodate drainage, with outfalls connecting to a silt trap. In addition, the design incorporated an automated irrigation system and decorative lighting. Our landscape architect coordinated these requirements with the civil and electrical engineers. As a result, the planter provided an attractive landscape feature while creating suitable growing conditions for the proposed planting.
The cantilevered pots presented additional structural and maintenance considerations. Each pot required secure fixing to a supporting structure connected to the existing load-bearing structure. Consequently, the combined weight of each pot, growing medium and planting became a critical design consideration. Our landscape architect worked closely with the structural engineer to coordinate the fixings and supporting structure. This process ensured that the proposed arrangement met the required structural performance.
Furthermore, our landscape architect considered health and safety during the early design stages. Each pot incorporated an integral irrigation reservoir to support plant health and simplify ongoing maintenance. This approach reduced the need for frequent manual watering and supported the long-term performance of the planting.
Finally, our landscape architect carefully selected plant species for both the ground-level planter and raised pots. The selection responded to the specific environmental conditions within the atrium. Consequently, the landscape architecture provides a robust and maintainable planting solution designed to perform successfully over time.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 4b
Client: Galliard Homes
Architect: Buckley Gray Yeoman