Bedford Passage, a regeneration project in London designed by Llewelyn Davies working with HLM Architects, has scooped the Planning for Affordable Housing Award in the prestigious Planning Awards 2020.
The scheme involved the redevelopment of a listed site within the Fitzrovia Action Plan area of Chelsea into 15 high end market residential units and a new build of 38 affordable units, along with 500 sq m of commercial office space.
HLM Architects’ Landscape Team were appointment to complete the landscape aspect of the project, which included private courtyard gardens, a new public realm street and access routes, entrance plaza space, rooftop community gardens and green roofs. The new building also incorporates outdoor rooftop play areas for residents.
The scheme involved extensive consultation with Camden’s planning officers, including their Conservation and Design officers, and required the design team to work very closely together to create a singular holistic vision for the project. Led by Planning Consultants Temple and Urban Counsel driving the urban management and development of the scheme.
The scheme has focused on achieving a high sustainability outcome which the landscape design provides a positive contribution to achieve this. Onsite surface water attenuation systems beneath the paving, Green Guide Specification A or A+ rating for 80% external hard landscape materials and boundary treatments. Biodiverse green roofs and the site wide planting detail are designed to support at least 30 plant species, with native species being sourced from the Flora Locale Code of Practice suppliers. Bird and bat boxes are proposed in key locations through the development.
Alethea Ottewell, Head of Landscape at HLM Architects, said: “As the development involves both very high-end residential buildings along with affordable units, the landscape element played a key role in seamlessly blending the two residential areas together. The result is a beautiful public realm complementing the architecture styles of both the listed building and new build, while remaining extremely environmentally aware and integrating with the surrounding cityscape.”
Photo Credit: Llewelyn Davies
