We were appointed as landscape architects by our fund manager client for this office development near Little Chesterford, Essex. Our landscape architect role covered the development of the initial sketch landscape design for client approval. We then prepared the landscape architect’s information required to discharge the relevant planning conditions. In addition, we produced a comprehensive landscape architect’s tender package for the external works. Finally, we attended progress meetings periodically and inspected the landscape works at key stages and on completion.
The Science Village development provides laboratory and office space within an attractive parkland setting. The wider Chesterford Research Park combines open parkland, an arboretum, lakes, laboratories, offices and supporting buildings. As landscape architects, we developed the external landscape design to complement this established setting while responding to the requirements of a modern research and office environment.
The principal external works comprise vehicular circulation, parking and pedestrian routes. Therefore, the landscape architect’s design carefully integrates these functional requirements with the character of the surrounding landscape. We selected a coordinated palette of paving and surfacing materials to complement the architecture and landscape setting. Contrasting materials distinguish vehicular routes from parking bays, while contrasting blocks clearly define individual parking spaces.
At the site boundaries, the landscape design responds to the rural character of the surrounding area. Native hedging species and trees create a strong green edge and help integrate the development into its landscape context. Furthermore, the landscape architect’s planting strategy provides valuable wildlife habitat and foraging opportunities for local fauna. The planting proposals also supported the client’s BREEAM objectives and wider sustainability aspirations.
Within the development plot, the planting takes a more ornamental approach. This creates an appropriate transition between the surrounding parkland and the predominantly hard-landscaped areas around the building. Consequently, the landscape design provides visual interest while maintaining a coherent relationship between the building, circulation areas and wider landscape.
Existing trees surrounding the development plot also formed an important consideration for our landscape architects. We carefully considered the root protection areas of retained trees when developing the external works. In particular, the design of paved surfaces and circulation routes responded to existing tree constraints. Careful detailing therefore helped protect retained trees while maintaining practical and accessible external spaces.
Our landscape architect services provided a coordinated approach from concept design through planning, tender and construction. The completed landscape design responds to the rural setting of Little Chesterford while providing a functional, attractive and ecologically valuable environment for this specialist office and laboratory development.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 4a to 6
Client: Aviva Investors
Architect: BCR Infinity Architects
Developer/ Contractor: Churchmanor Estates Co. plc