We were appointed by a developer client as landscape architects for this 0.38ha, three-plot development. Our landscape architect scope covered the design and delivery of the external spaces across all three plots.
Initially, we developed a sketch landscape design for each plot. This allowed the client and architect to review and agree the proposals. We then prepared a landscape architect’s package to support the detailed planning submission.
Following planning approval, we produced the full tender and construction landscape information. Finally, we provided landscape architect site monitoring services as the works progressed.
The site comprises three distinct plots. Two plots accommodate residential development, while the third provides a new playground. In addition, two plots contain mature existing trees that the Local Authority wanted to retain.
The two residential plots have approximately 2.5m of level change between their front and rear boundaries. Therefore, the landscape architect needed to carefully coordinate levels, access and external spaces.
The eastern residential development includes commercial space at upper ground-floor level. Residents access the homes above through the main pedestrian entrance at the rear of the building. This entrance connects directly to the lower site level.
Meanwhile, residents access the western development at street level. The landscape design provides private patio spaces for each residential unit. These patios sit at both upper and lower levels.
The playground occupies an elevated island of land. Consequently, the landscape architect designed stepped and ramped access to provide a practical connection. In addition, we carefully selected paving locations and surface types around the retained trees.
This approach helped minimise potential impacts on the existing mature trees. It also supported the integration of the landscape design with the wider development.
Finally, the significant level difference across the residential plots required careful consideration of accessibility. Therefore, our project landscape architect coordinated the landscape levels and access arrangements to support compliance with Part M.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 2 to 6
Client: St James Group
Architect: EPR Architects (Planning), BM3 Architecture (Construction)