Our landscape architect team was appointed by a housing association client to prepare a landscape design for a detailed planning submission. The proposed infill residential development occupies housing association land beside an existing block of flats. The planning submission also included landscape proposals for the areas surrounding these existing dwellings.
The existing brownfield site contains a car park and several outbuildings. In addition, several mature trees stand within the site boundary. Therefore, our landscape architect sought to retain as many existing trees as possible within the proposed landscape design.
The landscape architecture proposals reorganised the site layout to maximise the developable area. First, we relocated the vehicular site entrance, creating sufficient space for six new houses. We also relocated the existing car parking area while maintaining the same number of parking spaces. In addition, the landscape architect incorporated front and rear gardens for the new homes. The design also minimised potential impacts on the existing retained trees.
Furthermore, our landscape architect carefully considered the landscape zone between the existing flats and proposed houses. The design establishes greater privacy and reduces overlooking between the properties. It also provides access to the rear gardens of the new houses. At the same time, semi-enclosed communal garden spaces improve the amenity of the existing flats.
The landscape architecture design also introduced a new path network and planting along the eastern end of the existing flats. This intervention improves privacy for the existing ground-floor flats. Moreover, it creates a more attractive and usable residential environment.
Finally, the landscape architect kept the front and rear gardens simple and uncluttered. The rear gardens incorporate patios, planting and climbers to boundary walls, together with individual sheds. Meanwhile, the front gardens provide enclosed bin storage and appropriate defensible space between the living rooms and public footway.
Overall, the landscape design integrates the new homes with the existing residential environment. The proposals respond to site constraints while retaining mature vegetation, improving privacy and creating attractive residential landscape spaces.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 2 to 3
Client: Lewisham Homes
Architect: PCKO (AHR) Architects