Restoration & Conversion Liz Lake Associates | Chartered Landscape Architects
uction Introd
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 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 Associa tes wor in the fo k llowing areas: Restora tion and conserv ation Landsca pe/Tow nscape Assessm Enablin ents g develo pment Individu al house s in heri tage lan Cultura dscapes l heritag e Designin g for Ac cess for All Refurbis hment a nd mon implem itoring entation Impact assessm ent Prepara tion of d esign gu idance Policy d evelopm ent
THE GALLERIES
Pedestrian courtyard
Brentwood, Essex
The Galleries is a former Victorian asylum, set
strategy was then conceived to create a sensitive
within extensive grounds and situated in a
yet stunning landscape to surround the historic
prominent position in Brentwood in Essex. Being
buildings.
Grade 2 listed, its historic buildings comprise an important part of the local urban fabric. City &
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Country Residential recognised its potential and
Important trees protected by Tree Preservation
is currently converting the existing buildings
Orders, have been retained within the development
into a high-quality, residential development
design to enhance external spaces. The existing
incorporating 130 apartments. Liz Lake Associates
core buildings, combined with the new extensions
was commissioned to develop conceptual design
and underground parking, have created eight
ideas for the external landscape.
courtyard spaces. The design philosophy was to give each courtyard a distinct character while
Planting to building entrances
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maintaining a harmonious feel to the overall
A detailed survey was undertaken of all existing
proposals. Two courtyards have been restored close
trees within the site, noting those protected
to the original historic design, while the remainder
by Tree Preservation Orders which were to be
are contemporary in style.
retained within the development design. A design
High quality planting to frontage
Client
Architect
Engineer
City & Country
Brewster Bye
Roberts Hay Partnership
“
These pedestrian courtyards have been restored to their original glory using plants of historic associations unified with natural hard materials
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BALLS PARK
A view from one of the surrounding apartments
Hertfordshire
The Fountain Courtyard is the centerpiece of
designed to create an entirely different feel to this
a prestigious development within the historic
space at night whilst extending the hours that it
parkland at Balls Park in Hertfordshire, a former
can be enjoyed.
university campus. Balls Park Mansion is Grade 1 listed and the associated historic gardens
The Outcome
and parkland are registered Grade 2. New
The fountains form the focal point of the main
apartments were developed looking inwards over
courtyard. They have been detailed in granite with
the courtyards and outwards over the historic
a multi-tiered fountain in the upper bowl and with
parkland. The client’s brief was to provide a high-
four bronze lion heads spouting water from the
quality fountain courtyard that would function as
fountain bowl down into the lower pool. There is a
a communal garden with car parking and provide
lily-pad themed pond cover finished in a verdigris
an attractive leafy outlook into the courtyards
colour, which will in time match the patina of the
from the adjacent apartments.
lion-head water spouts and the copper lanterns which are suspended from the entrance archways.
Water spouts from four bronze lions heads into the lower pool
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The fountains are surrounded by a paved seating
The parking was arranged around the perimeter
area. There are four granite benches and the lower
of the courtyard so views from the apartments
pool surround also provides seating opportunities.
are over the cars towards the green island of
The courtyard has been a great success and is
the fountain gardens in the middle of the wider
already a Gold Award winner for Best Communal
courtyard space. The small mop-headed trees and
Garden/Landscape and a Gold Award winner
railings around the perimeter provide an attractive
for the Best Garden Landscape - Brownfield
outlook from the apartments, whilst creating a
Development - Daily Express New Home Gardens
perceived sense of enclosure from the fountain
Awards for our client Explore Living.
seating area. The lighting installation has been
Client
Close up of one of the lion heads
Explore Living
Landscape Contractor
Fountain Contractor
Oakview Landscapes
Miles Waterscapes Ltd
“
The fountain courtyard is a focal point for the development and has already won two gold national awards
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BARNSBURY PLACE
Bespoke water features
Islington, London
This former Edwardian school has been
hard landscape scheme which responded to the
converted into a prestigious collection of nine
site’s immediate context. A contemporary water
new houses, 15 new build and 80 refurbished
feature is located within the centre of the scheme
apartments in one of Islington’s most desirable
which creates a unique pedestrian friendly core.
quarters. The sympathetic refurbishment of
Stunning courtyards
Planting in the lobby area
the three original Edwardian buildings married
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with the contemporary design of the new build
With all of the 104 houses and apartments
apartments and houses creates a unique living
reserved, Barnsbury Place is now an established
environment within the established parish of
and highly sought after residential address in
Barnsbury.
Islington.
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This outstanding development has won the top
The design of the scheme included bespoke
accolade for the Best Conversion in the Evening
courtyard gardens set within a predominantly
Standard Homes & Property Awards.
Client
Architect
Mount Anvil
MGM Associates
“
This high quality award-winning development sets a benchmark for housing schemes in London and the South-East
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BENTLEY PRIORY
The Walled Garden Court
Stanmore, London
The historic landscape of Bentley Priory is
residential aspects of this major redevelopment
registered Grade 2 on English Heritage’s Register
at the previous RAF Bentley Priory site on behalf
of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest
of Barratt North London. The detailed planting
in England. The Bentley Priory parkland forms
designs reflect and reinforce the historic setting
part of a major picturesque landscape influenced
whilst providing valuable, usable green space
by Uvedale Price. Liz Lake Associates led the
for modern living. We have produced detailed
landscape team that produced the Landscape
landscape designs and planting plans for the show
Conservation Management Plan and all
home, sales office, walled garden podium terraces
landscape-related documents and plans that
as well as the individual gardens and the wider
formed part of the planning permission granted
parkland. We have also produced a landscape
in July 2008 on behalf of RAF Bentley Priory.
management plan for the public spaces and BRE
The RAF have now vacated the site and it has
homes assessment.
been purchased by two developers. Outcome
The mansion has become a museum
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The landscape works are currently being
Liz Lake Associates is part of a comprehensive
implemented and residential units are open
detailed design team including Structa and Clague
for viewing and purchase.
implementing the planning permission for the
Planting to the museum
Client
Architect
Engineer
Barratt North London
Clague
Halcrow Yolles
“
This historic park will form part of the landscape around new homes and once more be enjoyed by many
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Improved setting to coach house
HERRINGSWELL MANOR
Suffolk
Set in rural Suffolk, this once important country
for the Japanese-style garden. Finally, a detailed
estate has an interesting and varied architectural
management plan was produced to ensure the
heritage. Following a detailed tree condition
grounds would be enjoyed for years to come.
survey, we prepared tree removal and planting plans for the grounds of the house and wider
Outcome
estate as a whole, together with hard and soft
A sympathetic and evocative planting scheme
details for the Japanese-style garden. The
has created an atmospheric setting for this
result is a unique development with beautifully
prestigious conversion, drawing together the
landscaped grounds. The scheme won the 2007
varied strands of its history to create a cohesive,
Gold Award for the Best Communal Garden of the
high-quality and contemporary finish. A detailed
Daily Express New Homes and Gardens Awards.
management plan has also been written setting out a strategy for optimising the visual amenity
Aerial view of site
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and nature conservation interests of the grounds
Following a detailed tree condition survey, Liz
through restoration and sympathetic conservation
Lake Associates produced a masterplan which
management. The scheme was awarded Gold for
incorporated tree retention and removal, planting
Best Communal Garden in the Daily Express New
plans for the grounds of the house and wider estate
Homes Garden Awards.
as a whole, together with hard and soft details
Restored japanese gardens
Client
Architect
City & Country
Cowper Griffith
“
Restored historic planting beds helped create a stunning setting to the historic house
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DANBURY PALACE
The Palace as it stands currently
Chelmsford, Essex
Built as a private residence around 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 rejuvenation for
an episcopal residence. The formal gardens and
current day use. Using 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 will ensure continuity within the
becoming Mid-Essex Technical College in 1959
Palace surrounds.
when they updated the gardens with new tree planting.
Outcome Our work contributed to a successful submission
Parkland at Danbury Palace
Liz Lake Associates was 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 21st century families whilst
preparing and administering the implementation
respecting the historic associations as the Palace
contracts for the soft landscape works.
is returned to residential use.
CGI of the refurbished Palace
Client Wilson Properties London Limited
“
A strategy that considered & respected the heritage of the landscape and buildings, a landscape strategy and tree and hedge planting details were produced
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ST OSYTH PRIORY
The Rose Garden
St Osyth, Essex
St Osyth Priory is one of the most important
surveys and historic landscape studies which
collections of historic buildings in East Anglia
have been undertaken and reviewed over the
but is in a poor state of repair after years of
last ten years. The proposals are based upon
neglect. Our client’s aim is to find a sustainable
the protection, conservation and restoration of
future for a Scheduled Ancient Monument, 22
remaining historic features complemented by new
listed buildings and 154 hectares of land which
proposals to improve the financial and ecological
includes 93 hectares designated as Grade II
long-term sustainability of the estate.
on the English Heritage Register of Parks and
Darcy House
The Chapel and the Ruins
Gardens of Special Historic Interest where at least
Outcome
a third of the park had been ravaged by mineral
Seven planning applications were submitted to
extraction. As part of a multidisciplinary team
Tendring District Council for new residential
Liz Lake Associates role was to contribute to
development, the rebuilding of follies and lodges,
proposals for enabling development that would
a visitor centre and function room and the
help to fund the restoration of the buildings and
restoration of the park. The application included
the parkland.
a statement of significance, a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for both the
Approach
park and the Priory precinct, extensive ecological
The project was landscape led with early
and tree surveys, a Landscape and Visual Impact
involvement in the sighting of new residential
Assessment that formed part of the Environmental
development and replacement buildings in the
Statement and landscape proposals for each area
park. This was informed by extensive ecological
of development.
Client
Architect
Private
Brewster Bye / City & Country
Historic Landscape Debois
“
The proposals are aimed at ensuring development which will help to fund the restoration of these unique historic buildings and surrounding parkland
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THE GROVE
Bespoke spa entrance
Chandlers Cross, Watford
Once the country estate of the Earls of Clarendon,
estate and detailed proposals for a planning
The Grove mansion is a Grade II* listed building
application. After a call-in inquiry where we
set in 126 hectares of parkland, laid out in the
acted as expert witness, planning permission was
18th century. Liz Lake Associates was invited
granted and construction began.
to join the project as part of a team of design consultants helping to steer the proposed
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improvements, including a golf course, through
The Grove has undergone a major restoration to
the planning process.
open as a five-star country hotel with a first-class golf course development. The buildings are now
Temporary sculpture to entrance
Detailed planting to open spaces
Approach
complemented by an all-embracing redesign
The practice was involved at The Grove from
of the parkland and pleasure gardens. Liz Lake
inception to completion over seven years. The
Associates worked on the detailed design and
conservation and enhancement of the site’s
implementation of the landscape proposals
natural assets were key to our approach and
for the golf course and parkland landscape. On
following extensive surveys of the historic
behalf of the client we monitored the design and
landscape, trees and biodiversity, proposals were
build contract for the areas immediately around
developed for the siting of new buildings, car
the hotel. The hotel won a BALI Principal Award
parking and golf facilities in association with
for Soft Landscaping and has hosted the World
Arthur Hills, the American golf course architect.
Golf American Express Championships. It is also
We prepared a Landscape Master Plan for the
regarded as one of the leading hotels in the world.
Client
Architect
Engineer
Planner
Private
Aukett Fitzroy Robinson
Faber Maunsell
GL Hearn
“
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The Grove, set in the Hertfordshire countryside in the south of England, is a very special luxury hotel...
WALTHAMSTOW STADIUM
River Ching enhancements
Walthamstow, London
Opened in 1933 by William Chandler this
incorporate a series of open spaces linked by a
iconic stadium eventually closed in August
hierarchy of activity circuits and trim trials both
2008. Having been featured in the Blur album
within the site and the surrounding area. These
Parklife and in the film Snatch the site is to be
pedestrian/cycle friendly trails are intended to
transformed into a stunning development of
give the scheme a unique sense of place with the
approximately 300 flats and houses by L&Q. Set
provision of specific leisure and play facilities.
within the London Borough of Walthamstow the development is intended to be an exemplar for
Outcome
the Borough and a catalyst for redevelopment in
The completed design respects the character and
the area.
unique heritage of the site whilst incorporating bespoke leisure facilities catering for all age
The famous sign
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groups and fitness levels. The proposed de-
Working closely with the client, design team
culverted River Ching and other ecological
and Waltham Forest Council, the scheme was
improvements will create important green links
developed around the retained and to be restored
throughout the site and within the local area.
Tote buildings. The scheme was developed to
Proposed allotments
Client
Architect
L&Q London Housing Association
Conran and Partners
Bespoke play areas, public spaces all set within a hierarchy of pedestrian friendly routeways will transform this once iconic stadium
”
CGI: www.F10Studios.co.uk © 2011
“
HIGHWOOD HOSPITAL
Tree lined open space
Brentwood, Essex
The site comprises the former Highwood and
its own bespoke character, linking the site and
Little Highwood Hospital complex; the eastern
contextual heritage with the new build units and
half of the site lies within a conservation area and
open space.
the site covers an area of approximately eight hectares and a planning application for 205 new
Outcome
homes was submitted to Brentwood Council.
The scheme encompasses a series of restored open spaces which link into the original urban
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analysis study. Formal and informal areas
Working closely with the client design team and
compliment the restored architectural heritage,
Brentwood Council the scheme has evolved to
ensuring the scheme will be used for generations
respond to the immediate content, whilst having
to come.
Landscape masterplan, strategic green space
Organic play area
Client
Architect
Engineer
Galiford Try PLC
BDG
Scott Wilson
“
Liz Lake Associates is highly experienced in conversion projects within Conservation Areas
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CANTILEVER COURT
Public art
Wandsworth Road, London
The scheme’s impressive and stylish
as bespoke seating. Liz Lake Associates were
refurbishment of one of London’s iconic 1960s
commissioned to engage with local artists
concrete structures has a collection of retail,
to develop an art installation which was a
office and residential spaces including a working
requirement of the planning permission.
cantilevered theatre. Outcome Approach
The scheme incorporates a pedestrian courtyard,
Working closely with the architect and client
planted with an interesting variety of architectural
a masterplan evolved which responded to the
plants. Raised planters and lighting further
client and the local heritage of the site whilst
enhance this exciting scheme.
incorporating contemporary elements such
Bespoke seating units to entrance area
The site and surrounding area at night
Client
Architect
Mount Anvil
Assael
“
Stylish refurbishment of one of London’s iconic concrete structures
”
ST MATTHIAS
Sketch proposal
Fishponds, Bristol
This historic site, built in 1852, is located in
accompanying masterplan for this historic site,
Fishponds, five miles north east of Bristol. The
which demanded a sensitive approach to protect
former UWE Campus, it encapsulates an historic
the setting of the heritage features.
sunken garden and ornate borders. The main building and principal house are Grade II* listed
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with Oldbury Court Estate adjacent, located to the
Working closely with Bristol City Council Urban
northern boundary, which is a late 18th Century
Design Team and a heritage team of architects
park with associated pleasure grounds.
and planners, a robust yet contextually appropriate masterplan has been developed which responds
Approach
to the historic park to the north and sensitively
Liz Lake Associates was commissioned to produce
incorporates the listed building.
a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment and
The sunken garden
CGI proposal of the Public Open Space
Client
Architect
Barratt Homes Bristol / David Wilson
Focus / Bush Consultancy
“
A sensitive scheme was evolved which responded to the historic setting whilst creating a contemporary theme to the new built form
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HUBBARDS HALL FARM
Herbaceous planting
Set in the greenbelt near Old Harlow,
As the buildings are to be let, rather than sold,
redevelopment of this former agricultural
the level of maintenance was also a critical issue.
barn into live-work units required a sensitive
Adjacent to the main site was a former orchard,
approach based on retaining and reflecting the
which has been replanted with historical varieties
surrounding “agricultural character�.
of fruit trees, sourced throughout the UK.
Approach
Outcome
Working with architects, Purcell Miller Tritton,
The scheme was completed and is fully tenanted.
we introduced a design strategy to preserve and
The colour scheme blends with the architectural
enhance the existing grounds while creating a
details and simple robust details maintain its rural
usable environment for future residents. This
character.
included the design of a central courtyard, with a semi-mature mulberry tree planted at its centre.
Simple hard surfacing
Entrance feature
Harlow, Essex
Client
Architect
Planner
Private
Purcell Miller Tritton
Savills
“
A bespoke mixture of historic planting varieties with herbs and herbaceous plants creates a stunning backdrop to the award winning conversion
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CHEVERELLS
Markyate, Hertforshire
City & Country Residential contacted Liz Lake Associates to become involved in its plan to Cheverells House
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.
Landscape masterplan
Outcome The extensive grounds, including a walled garden, required a detailed management plan to secure the future of the historic site.
The house appeared in the film 'The Hours'
Client City and Country
“
Our overall landscape design strategy was to conserve and enhance the existing grounds
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Bristol: 1 Host Street, Bristol, BS1 5BU t +44 (0)117 927 1786 e office@lizlake.com www.lizlake.com
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Liz Lake Associates Chartered Landscape Architects Stansted: Unit 1, The Exchange, 9 Station Road, Stansted, Essex, CM24 8BE t +44 (0)1279 647044 e office@lizlake.com www.lizlake.com
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