We were appointed by a developer client as landscape architects for this residential development in Acton, West London. Initially, we reviewed the existing landscape design prepared by the previous landscape architect. We then prepared the landscape architect’s information required to discharge the relevant planning conditions.
Following this work, our landscape architects developed a full landscape architecture package for the external works. The package provided the information required for tender. It also coordinated the landscape design with the wider architectural and engineering proposals.
The proposed development sits above a basement car park. The ground floor includes a podium deck that extends beyond the building envelope. In addition, several private ground-floor patios sit at the front of the building. Therefore, our landscape architects worked closely with the architect and structural engineer to coordinate the podium landscape design.
Drainage presented an important consideration within this zone. Our landscape architect developed suitable landscape details to accommodate drainage requirements within the structural slab. At the same time, we carefully considered planting requirements. This approach helped create a healthy growing environment for the proposed landscape planting.
Natural ventilation serves part of the basement car park through vents within the shared amenity space. Consequently, our landscape design integrated these elements into the surrounding amenity areas. We aimed to maintain a high-quality landscape setting while ensuring the ventilation requirements remained fully functional.
The private patios also required an appropriate level of defensible space. Therefore, our landscape architects developed a combination of 1.8m-high London stock brick walls and shrub planting. This approach provides privacy and separation while maintaining a coherent relationship between the private patios and shared amenity spaces.
The site also fronts the busy East Acton Lane and The Vale. As a result, the landscape architect needed to create a robust and attractive site boundary. A London stock brick wall with railings establishes the primary boundary treatment. Behind this edge, we introduced a hedge and a row of trees.
Finally, our landscape architects selected trees to provide visual screening between the substantial building mass and the surrounding carriageways. The planting strategy therefore helps soften the development and strengthen the site’s landscape character. Overall, the landscape architecture responds to the site’s constraints while providing a coordinated, practical and visually integrated external environment.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: E - F/G
Client: Mizen Design Build
Architect: StockWool