Our developer client appointed us as landscape architects for this proposed mixed-use development in West London. The scheme includes 144 residential units, 5,000m² of commercial space and a 2,444m² refurbished retail unit. Our landscape architect team developed the landscape design and prepared landscape architect information for the detailed planning submission.
The site sits at the heart of Acton town centre. The development will improve shopping facilities at ground level while providing significant new housing above. Furthermore, the scheme forms part of the ongoing regeneration of the area.
At ground level, our landscape design responds to the relationship between the proposed buildings and the existing urban context. We considered delivery requirements, commercial access and pedestrian movement throughout the design process. In addition, the ground-floor paving pattern reflects the building’s architectural treatment. The paving banding therefore creates a strong setting for the new development.
We also proposed new connections between the development and the adjacent existing park. These routes will improve access and encourage greater use of the currently underused public space. As a result, the proposals aim to create a more active and naturally supervised environment.
Our landscape architect developed the second and third-floor landscape design around the needs of nearby residents. Private patios provide dedicated external space for adjacent residential units. Meanwhile, communal areas provide shared amenity space for all residents. These spaces combine hard and soft landscape elements with three informal play areas across two levels.
Where roof areas do not require public access, we proposed biodiverse sedum green roofs. Both the second and third-floor landscapes sit above podium decks. Consequently, our landscape architect carefully considered podium construction, drainage, planting and landscape build-ups within the design.
We also undertook a landscape appraisal of the small park adjoining the residential development. The park, formerly a burial ground, provides an important local open-space resource. We prepared the appraisal to support the detailed planning application for the wider development.
The landscape appraisal informed the proposed boundary treatment between the two sites. It also helped establish appropriate locations for new connections into the existing park. Furthermore, the findings supported the planning case for improving access and activity within this underused public space. Overall, our landscape architecture proposals aim to strengthen the relationship between the new development, the park and the wider Acton town-centre environment.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: D
Client: Acton Regeneration Co.
Architect: StockWool