RESTORATION & CONVERSION
Liz Lake Associates : Restoration & Conversion Liz Lake Associates has been working with a number of far-sighted developers to create high-quality and sensitive landscape settings for restoration and conversion projects. Current government guidelines actively encourage, where possible and appropriate, the re-use of existing buildings to help meet targets for the provision of new homes. These properties are often key buildings within the local urban fabric and are an integral part of the area’s history. Liz Lake Associates has worked with a number of far-sighted developers in London, East and and the South East to achieve high-quality and sensitive landscape settings for restoration and conversion projects. The key to our success in this process has been in understanding
the historic importance of these properties, whilst interpreting the developer’s vision for their potential clients. We have been able to balance historic landscape details with the creation of high-quality, contemporary and easily maintainable planting design. The result has been sensitive and stunning landscape settings for properties that are starting a new and exciting chapter in their history. Liz Lake Associates work in the following areas: ∞ Restoration and conservation ∞ Landscape/Townscape Assessments ∞ Enabling development ∞ Individual houses in heritage landscapes ∞ Cultural heritage ∞ Designing for Access for All ∞ Refurbishment and monitoring implementation ∞ Impact assessment ∞ Preparation of design guidance ∞ Policy development
Client City & Country Residential
Location Brentwood, Essex
Architect Brewster Bye Architects
Engineer Roberts Hay Partnership
Pedestrian courtyard
Original airing courtyard now restored
The Galleries is a former Victorian asylum, set
Outcome
within extensive grounds and situated in a
Important trees protected by Tree Preservation
prominent position in Brentwood in Essex. Being
Orders, have been retained within the development
Grade 2 listed, its historic buildings comprise an
design to enhance external spaces. The existing
important part of the local urban fabric. City &
core buildings, combined with the new extensions
Country Residential recognised its potential and
and underground parking, have created eight
is currently converting the existing buildings
courtyard spaces. The design philosophy was to
into a high-quality, residential development
give each courtyard a distinct character while
incorporating 130 apartments. Liz Lake Associates
maintaining a harmonious feel to the overall
was commissioned to develop conceptual design
proposals. Two courtyards have been restored
ideas for the external landscape.
close to the original historic design, while the remainder are contemporary in style.
Approach A detailed survey was undertaken of all existing trees within the site, noting those protected by Tree Preservation Orders which were to be retained within the development design. A design strategy was then conceived to create a sensitive yet stunning landscape to surround the historic buildings.
High quality planting to frontage
IES THE GABLreLntwEooRd, Essex These pedestrian courtyards have been restored to their original glory using plants of historic associations unified with natural hard materials
Client City and Country
Location Suffolk
Architect Cowper Griffith
Improved setting to coach house
Set in rural Suffolk, this once important country
management plan was produced to ensure the
estate has an interesting and varied architectural
grounds would be enjoyed for years to come.
heritage. Following a detailed tree condition
Aerial view of site
survey, we prepared tree removal and planting
Outcome
plans for the grounds of the house and wider
A sympathetic and evocative planting scheme
estate as a whole, together with hard and soft
has created an atmospheric setting for this
details for the Japanese-style garden. The
prestigious conversion, drawing together the
result is a unique development with beautifully
varied strands of its history to create a cohesive,
landscaped grounds. The scheme won the 2007
high-quality and contemporary finish. A detailed
Gold Award for the Best Communal Garden of the
management plan has also been written setting
Daily Express New Homes and Gardens Awards.
out a strategy for optimising the visual amenity and nature conservation interests of the grounds
Approach
through restoration and sympathetic conservation
Following a detailed tree condition survey, Liz
management. The scheme was awarded Gold
Lake Associates produced a masterplan which
for Best Communal Garden in 2007 in the Daily
incorporated tree retention and removal, planting
Express New Homes Garden Awards.
plans for the grounds of the house and wider estate as a whole, together with hard and soft details for the Japanese-style garden. Finally, a detailed
Restored japanese gardens
LL MANSuOffoR lk
E HERRINGSW Restored historic planting beds helped create a stunning setting to the historic house
Client City and Country
Location Markyate, Hertforshire
City & Country Residential contacted Liz Lake Associates to become involved in its plan to convert a Listed property into 10 apartments and build new garages on this historic site. Approach The initial site planning required a sensitive approach that would satisfy the requirements of the local authority, English Heritage, the Garden History Society and our client. Our overall landscape design strategy was to conserve and enhance the existing grounds while creating a practical environment for residents. Outcome The extensive grounds, including a walled garden, required a detailed management plan to secure the future
S CHEVatEe,RHerEtfoLrsLhire Marky
Our overall landscape design strategy was to conserve and enhance the existing grounds
Client Explore Living
Location Hertford
Landscape Contractor Oakview Landscapes
Fountain Contractor Miles Waterscapes Ltd
A view from one of the surrounding apartments
Water spouts from four bronze lions heads into the lower pool
The Fountain Courtyard is the centerpiece of a prestigious development within the historic parkland at Balls Park in Hertfordshire, a former university campus. Balls Park Mansion is Grade 1 listed and the associated historic gardens and parkland are registered Grade 2. New apartments were developed looking inwards over the courtyards and outwards over the historic parkland. The client’s brief was to provide a highquality fountain courtyard that would function as a communal garden with car parking and provide an attractive leafy outlook into the courtyards from the adjacent apartments. Approach The parking was arranged around the perimeter of the courtyard so views from the apartments are over the cars towards the green island of the fountain gardens in the middle of the wider courtyard space. The small mop-headed trees and railings around the perimeter provide an attractive outlook from the apartments, whilst creating a perceived sense of enclosure from the fountain seating area. The lighting installation has been
Close up of one of the lion heads
designed to create an entirely different feel to this space at night whilst extending the hours that it can be enjoyed. The Outcome The fountains form the focal point of the main courtyard. They have been detailed in granite with a multi-tiered fountain in the upper bowl and with four bronze lion heads spouting water from the fountain bowl down into the lower pool. There is a lily-pad themed pond cover finished in a verdigris colour, which will in time match the patina of the lion-head water spouts and the copper lanterns which are suspended from the entrance archways. The fountains are surrounded by a paved seating area. There are four granite benches and the lower pool surround also provides seating opportunities. The courtyard has been a great success and is already a Gold Award winner for Best Communal Garden/Landscape and a Gold Award winner for the Best Garden Landscape - Brownfield Development - Daily Express New Home Gardens Awards 2010 for our client Explore Living.
K BALLSHerPtfoArdR shire The fountain courtyard is a focal point for the development and has already won two gold national awards
Client Mount Anvil
Location Islington, London
Architect MGM Associates
Bespoke water features
This former Edwardian school has been
Outcome
converted into a prestigious collection of nine
With all of the 104 houses and apartments
new houses, 15 new build and 80 refurbished
reserved, Barnsbury Place is now an established
apartments in one of Islington’s most desirable
and highly sought after residential address in
quarters. The sympathetic refurbishment of
Islington.
the three original Edwardian buildings married with the contemporary design of the new build
This outstanding development won the top
apartments and houses creates a unique living
accolade for the Best Conversion in the Evening
environment within the established parish of
Standard Homes & Property Awards 2011.
Barnsbury. Stunning courtyards
Approach The design of the scheme included bespoke courtyard gardens set within a predominantly hard landscape scheme which responded to the site’s immediate context. A contemporary water feature is located within the centre of the scheme which creates a unique pedestrian friendly core.
Planting in the lobby area
Y PLACE BARNSBURIslington, London This high quality award-winning development sets a benchmark for housing schemes in London and the South-East
Client Barratt North London
Location Stanmore, London
Architect Clague
Engineer Halcrow Yolles
The walled gardens
One of the restored Spitfires
The historic landscape of Bentley Priory is
at the previous RAF Bentley Priory site on behalf
registered Grade 2 on English Heritage’s Register
of Barratt North London. The detailed planting
of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest
designs reflect and reinforce the historic setting
in England. The Bentley Priory parkland forms
whilst providing valuable, usable green space
part of a major picturesque landscape influenced
for modern living. We have produced detailed
by Uvedale Price. Liz Lake Associates led the
landscape designs and planting plans for the show
landscape team that produced the Landscape
home, sales office, walled garden podium terraces
Conservation Management Plan and all
as well as the individual gardens and the wider
landscape-related documents and plans that
parkland. We have also produced a landscape
formed part of the planning permission granted
management plan for the public spaces and BRE
in July 2008 on behalf of RAF Bentley Priory.
homes assessment.
The RAF have now vacated the site and it has been purchased by two developers.
Outcome The landscape works are currently being
Approach
implemented and residential units are open
Liz Lake Associates is part of a comprehensive
for viewing and purchase.
detailed design team including Structa and Clague implementing the planning permission for the residential aspects of this major redevelopment
Planting to the museum
IORY BENTLEYStanPmR ore, London This historic park will form part of the landscape around new homes and once more be enjoyed by many
Client Wilson Holdings
Location Chelmsford, Essex
A view from the grounds to the front of the palace building
Built as a private residence about 1830, Danbury
Approach
Place became Danbury Palace when it was sold
We prepared a review of the remaining garden
to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1845 as
structure and proposals for rejuvenating them for
an episcopal residence. The formal gardens and
current day use. We used a consistent palette of
shrubbery walks were laid out at this time by
plants and shrubs through the existing gardens
the resident bishops. The building and lands
and into the new residential front gardens and
changed hands a number of times eventually
public spaces to ensure continuity within the
becoming Mid-Essex Technical College in 1959
Palace surrounds.
when they updated the gardens with new tree planting. Liz Lake Associates were approached to help
for planning approval in January 2014. We are
return the formal gardens to suitable, usable
pleased to be continuing to work at Danbury
outdoor spaces for C21st families whilst
preparing and administering the implementation
respecting their historic associations as the
contracts for the soft landscape works.
Palace is returned to residential use.
Existing sleeping block & power house
Outcome Our work contributed to a successful submission
Overgrown gardens surround the former palace
ALACseEx DANBURYChP m el sford, Es Based on a strategy that considered and respected the heritage of the landscape and buildings, a landscape strategy and tree and hedge planting details were produced
Client Private
Location St Osyth, Essex
Architect Brewster Bye / City & Country
The Rose Garden
St Osyth Priory is one of the most important
have been undertaken and reviewed over the
collections of historic buildings in East Anglia
last ten years. The proposals are based upon
but is in a poor state of repair after years of
the protection, conservation and restoration of
neglect. Our client’s aim is to find a sustainable
remaining historic features complimented by new
future for a Scheduled Ancient Monument, 22
proposals to improve the financial and ecological
listed buildings and 154 hectares of land which
long-term sustainability of the estate.
includes 93 hectares designated as Grade II
Darcy House
on the English Heritage Register of Parks and
Outcome
Gardens of Special Historic Interest where at least
In spring 2011 seven planning applications
a third of the park had been ravaged by mineral
were submitted to Tendring District Council for
extraction. As part of a multidisciplinary team
new residential development, the rebuilding of
Liz Lake Associates role was to contribute to
follies and lodges, a visitor centre and function
proposals for enabling development that would
room and the restoration of the park. The
help to fund the restoration of the buildings and
application included a statement of significance,
the parkland.
a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for both the park and the Priory precinct, extensive
Approach
ecological and tree surveys, a Landscape and
The project was landscape led with early
Visual Impact Assessment that formed part of the
involvement in the sighting of new residential
Environmental Statement and landscape proposals
development and replacement buildings in the
for each area of development. The outcome of the
park. This was informed by extensive ecological
applications is expected in autumn 2011.
surveys and historic landscape studies which
The Chapel and the Ruins
RIORY ST OSYTH StPOsyth, Essex The new proposals are aimed at ensuring development which will help to fund the restoration of these unique historic buildings and surrounding parkland
Client Private
Location Hertfordshire
Architect Aukett Fitzroy Robinson
Engineer Faber Maunsell
Planning GL Hearn
Bespoke spa entrance
Once the country estate of the Earls of Clarendon,
Outcome
The Grove mansion is a Grade II* listed building
The Grove has undergone a major restoration to
set in 126 hectares of parkland, laid out in the
open as a five-star country hotel with a first-class
18th century. Liz Lake Associates was invited
golf course development. The buildings are now
to join the project as part of a team of design
complemented by an all-embracing redesign
consultants helping to steer the proposed
of the parkland plus pleasure gardens. Liz Lake
improvements, including a golf course, through
Associates worked on the detailed design and
the planning process.
the construction stage of the project. The hotel won a BALI Principal Award for Soft Landscaping
Temporary sculpture to entrance
Approach
and has hosted the World Golf American Express
The conservation and enhancement of the site’s
Championships.
natural assets were key to our approach and following a call-in inquiry, planning permission was granted and construction of the golf course began.
Golf integrated within landscape
ROVE THE G Hertfordshire The Grove, set in the Hertfordshire countryside in the south of England, is a very special luxury hotel...
Client L&Q London Housing Association
Location Walthamstow, London
Architect Conran and Partners
River Ching enhancements
Opened in 1933 by William Chandler this
within the site and the surrounding area. These
iconic stadium eventually closed in August
pedestrian/cycle friendly trails are intended to
2008. Having been featured in the Blur album
give the scheme a unique sense of place with the
Parklife and in the film Snatch the site is to be
provision of specific leisure and play facilities.
transformed into a stunning development of approximately 300 flats and houses by L&Q. Set
Outcome
within the London Borough of Walthamstow the
The completed design respects the character and
development is intended to be an exemplar for
unique heritage of the site whilst incorporating
the Borough and a catalyst for redevelopment in
bespoke leisure facilities catering for all age
the area.
groups and fitness levels. The proposed deculverted River Ching and other ecological
The famous sign
Approach
improvements will create important green links
Working closely with the client, design team
throughout the site and within the local area.
and Waltham Forest Council, the scheme was developed around the retained and to be restored Tote buildings. The scheme was developed to incorporate a series of open spaces linked by a hierarchy of activity circuits and trim trials both
Proposed allotments
DIUM W STA O T S M A H , London T ow L st WA Waltham Bespoke play areas, public spaces all set within a hierarchy of pedestrian friendly routeways will transform this once iconic stadium
Client Galiford Try PLC
Location Brentwood, Essex
Architect BDG
Engineer Scott Wilson
Tree lined open space
The site comprises the former Highwood and
analysis study. Formal and informal areas
Little Highwood Hospital complex; the eastern
compliment the restored architectural heritage,
half of the site lies within a conservation area and
ensuring the scheme will be used for generations
the site covers an area of approximately eight
to come.
hectares and a planning application for 205 new homes was submitted to Brentwood Council. Approach Working closely with the client design team and Brentwood Council the scheme has evolved to Bespoke show complex
respond to the immediate content, whilst having its own bespoke character, linking the site and contextual heritage with the new build units and open space. Outcome The scheme encompasses a series of restored open spaces which link into the original urban
3D illustration of a play space within the grounds
HIGHWOOD Liz Lake Associates is highly experienced in conversion projects within Conservation Areas
AL HOSPooIT d, Essex Brentw
Client Mount Anvil
Location Wandsworth, London
Architect Assael
Public art
The scheme’s impressive and stylish
plants. Raised planters and lighting further
refurbishment of one of London’s iconic 1960s
enhance this exciting scheme.
concrete structures has a collection of retail, office and residential spaces including a working cantilevered theatre. Approach Working closely with the architect and client a masterplan evolved which responded to the client and the local heritage of the site whilst Bespoke seating units
incorporating contemporary elements such as bespoke seating. Liz Lake Associates were commissioned to engage with local artists to develop an art installation which was a requirement of the planning permission. Outcome The scheme incorporates a pedestrian courtyard, planted with an interesting variety of architectural
Courtyard
COURT CANTILWEanVdsEworRth Road, London Stylish refurbishment of one of London’s iconic concrete structures
Client Barratt Homes Bristol / David Wilson
Location Bristol
Architect Focus / Bush Consultancy
Strategic masterplan
This historic site, built in 1852, is located in
Outcome
Fishponds, five miles north east of Bristol. It
Liz Lake Associates are continuing to develop the
is the former UWE Campus and encapsulates a
scheme. A planning application is to be made in
historic sunken garden and ornate borders. The
early 2013 with the aim to starting on site in the
main building and principal house are Grade II*
late 2014.
listed with Oldbury Court Estate, located to the northern boundary which is a late 18th Century park with associated pleasure grounds.
Sketch of boundary planting
Approach Liz Lake Associates were commissioned to produce an LVIA and accompanying masterplan. Working closely with Bristol City Council Urban Design Team and historic architects and planners, a robust yet contextually appropriate masterplan has been developed which responds to the historic park to the north and sensitively incorporates the listed building.
3D of central open space
S ST MATTHBIA ristol A sensitive scheme was evolved which responded to the historic setting whilst creating a contemporary theme to the new built form
Client Private
Location Old Harlow, Essex
Architect Purcell Miller Tritton
Planner Savills
Herbacious planting
Set in the greenbelt near Old Harlow,
Outcome
redevelopment of this former agricultural
The scheme was completed in 2007 and is fully
barn into live-work units required a sensitive
tenanted. The colour scheme blends with the
approach based on retaining and reflecting the
architectural details and simple robust details
surrounding “agricultural character�.
maintain its rural character.
Approach Working with architects, Purcell Miller Tritton, we introduced a design strategy to preserve and enhance the existing grounds while creating a usable environment for future residents. This Simple hard surfacing
included the design of a central courtyard, with a semi-mature mulberry tree planted at its centre. As the buildings are to be let, rather than sold, the level of maintenance was also a critical issue. Adjacent to the main site was a former orchard, which has been replanted with historical varieties of fruit trees, sourced throughout the UK.
Entrance feature
HUBBARDS A bespoke mixture of historic planting varieties with herbs and herbacious plants creates a stunning backdrop to the award winning conversion
RM HALLHarFloA w, Essex
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E: office@lizlake.com
Bristol Office: Kestrel Court | Harbour Road Portishead | Bristol | BS20 7AN T: +44 (0)1275 390425
lizlake.com
E: office@lizlake.com
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