CLD Portfolio by struanbrown

Struan Brown Certificate in Landscape Design Portfolio

June 2013 struanbrown@gmail.com / busdhu.blogspot.co.uk / 07739 915359

CONTENTS The following pages cover work completed on the Certificate in Landscape Design course at the University of Greenwich between October 2012 - June 2013. Please note this is only to provide an overview of all work completed, and does not represent the entire portfolio. Projects are listed in chronological order, with the most recent work first.

_01 Site Design _02 Design with Nature _03 Planting Design _04 Basic Site Design

The rain garden idea came from the comments made by a local MP on the area. Portland Place has been having drainage problems and the issue has tagged ‘Portland Lakes’. The rain garden idea came been from the

The sun was an important factor as a large part of Portland Place is in shade for much of the year. This was part of the reason for the shape of the Rain Garden.

comments made by a local MP on the area. Portland Place has been having drainage problems and the issue has been tagged ‘Portland Lakes’.

The original design was straight down the middle of the site. However, the curve gives the site a more natural feel, like a meandering river, while the consistent width ensures some essence of formality remains.

The original idea was to have the rain garden running down the centre of the site. The edges at first were an issue, however it was decided they would be The original idea was to have the rain left relatively untouched to keep things garden running down the centre of the minimal. site. The edges at first were an issue, however it was decided they would be left relatively untouched to keep things minimal.

Straight

vs.

Curved

Tree selection and layout was inspired by the shape of the rain garden. Ginkgo biloba line the west side of the garden in a moderately formal manner to respect the grandeur of Portland Place, but not so uniform that the site feels symmetrical. The irregular shape of Ginkgo helps with this and will ensure the site does not appear too sterile.

The rain garden idea came from the comments made by a local MP on the area. Portland Place has been having Formal drainage problems and the issue has been tagged ‘Portland Lakes’. The sun was an important factor as a large part of Portland shade The sunPlace was isaninimportant factor as a for much of the year.part Thisof was part of Place is in shade large Portland the reason for the shape of the Rain Garfor much of the year. This was part of den.

The original idea was to have the rain

Fastigiate garden running down theGINKGO centre of the

site. The edges at first were an issue, however it was decided they would be left relatively untouched to keep things minimal.

Although not in the final design, glass wind breaks were considered at intervals throughout the site. Benches would be incorporated with these looking out over the rain garden.

the reason for the shape of the Rain Garden.

_01 Site Design - Concept Development: Portland Place Straight

vs.

Curved

Straight

vs.

Curved

Formal

Fastigiate

GINKGO Tree selection and layout was inspired by the shape of the rain garden. Ginkgo biloba line the west side of the garden in a moderately formal manner to respect the grandeur of Portland Place, but not so uniform that the site feels symmetrical. The irregular shape of Ginkgo helps with this and will ensure the site does not appear too sterile.

vs.

Curved

Tree selection and layout was inspired by the shape of the rain garden. Ginkgo biloba Although not in the de- formal manner to respect the grandeur line the west side of the garden in afinal moderately sign,but glass breaks that werethe site feels symmetrical. The irregular shape of Portland Place, notwind so uniform of Ginkgo helps with this and will ensure the site does not appear too sterile. considered at intervals throughout the site. Benches would be incorporated with these looking out over the rain garden.

Formal

Fastigiate

GINKGO

Although not in the final design, glass wind breaks were considered at intervals throughout the site. Benches would be incorporated with these looking Although the final deout over thenot rainingarden. sign, glass wind breaks were considered at intervals throughout the site. Benches would be incorporated with these looking out over the rain garden.

ces

ell

Straight

The idea of pocket pools came about from visiting the V&A in London, where people are free to paddle in the shallow water.

The surface is shared between pedestrians and vehicles to an extent. By removing straight lines and designated lanes this enforces the shared surface. Exhibition road in South Kensington is an excellent example of how a continuous surface pattern works well in a shared space environment. The surface is shared between pedestrians and vehicles to an ex-

tent. By removing straight lines and designated lanes this enforces the shared surface. Exhibition road in South Kensington is an excellent example of how a continuous surface pattern works well in a shared space environment.

The idea of pocket pools came about from visiting the V&A in London, where people are free to paddle in the shallow water.

_01 Site Design - Concept Development: Portland Place e - Design Development

STRUAN BROWN CLD

Group Project: Noise & Sound Survey of ‘The Line’, a linear site travelling from the top of Primrose Hill to the Guard’s Memorial at St. James’ Park. Ink and Charcoal.

_01 Site Design - Site Survey: Portland Place

to regent’s park

nd tla por

ce pla nd tla por

ce pla

to marylebone high street

CONTEXT PLAN RESIDENTIAL CHARITABLE

TEXT PLAN

OFFICE

EDUCATIONAL

to regent street & oxford circus

RESIDENTIAL

CHARITABLE

government retail OFFICE EDUCATIONAL medical

government medical

institutional

retail

to regent street & oxford circus

existing trees

existing trees institutional

busroads stops

roads

memorials

bus stops memorials

scale 1:500 @A1

_01 Site Design - Site Survey: Portland Place Context Map

STRUAN BROWN CLD STRUAN BROWN CLD

SECTION A-A

All the new paving is laid to fall, so any rain water will run into the rain garden. If applicable run off from the surrounding buildings will also drain into the rain garden.

The main focus point of the site is the rain garden that runs through the middle of Portland Place. This area has several functions. Not only does it act as a S.U.D.S that Portland Place is currently in need of, but also as an area where people can sit and have their lunch, or simply watch the world go by. The rain garden is tiered creating several different levels for people to sit and walk along.

The centre of the rain garden is lined with water loving plants that will soak up any excess rain water and also bring some much needed greenery to Portland Place.

The main crossing point is a hardwood bridge with a central glass corridor, allowing views into the rain garden from above.

Shared surface: the areas surrounding the rain garden are predominately to be used by pedestrians. However, the buildings that line Portland Place will occasionally have demands for vehicular access, and if needs be can enter these areas for deliveries etc.

There are also crossing points along the garden in the form of stepping stones, allowing people to get up close to the plants and water.

66 Portland Place, Royal Institute of British Architects, the governing body that leads British Architecture and Design in the UK. The Royal Institute of Physicians can be found further up the street.

SECTION B-B

Ginkgo biloba line the west side of the tiered rain garden in a moderately formal manner to respect the grandeur of Portland Place, but not so uniform that the site feels symmetrical.

SECTION A-A

SECTION B-B

scale 1:250 @A1

_01 Site Design - Masterplan The current state of Portland Place is a landscape dominated by cars, traffic lights, signposts, and road paint. By removing the cars altogether, the area becomes a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;placeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as opposed to a street, where people will visit, offices workers will have their lunch in the rain garden, and the local school children will run along the steps playing games in the sun.

SECTION A-A 66 portland place - riba building

residential / office block

26 m

weymouth street

ROYAL INSTITUE OF PHYSICIANS

+27.8 m portland place

An area that was previously dominated by cars and parking is now a place people come to visit rather than just pass through.

scale 1:200 @A1 The rain garden acts as a sustainable drainage system, as a place for people to visit, nearby office and embassy workers to eat their lunch, or for the local school children to play in.

SECTION B-B

30 m

Chinese embassy

66 portland place - riba building

portland place

26 m

Ginkgo biloba

Tiered rain Garden

+27.8 m weymouth street There are several important buildings that surround the site, including the RIBA building, the Chinese Embassy, the Royal Institute of Physicians, and several well known schools. The regeneration of Portland Place will match the splendour of these and will be in stark contrast to the traffic and car parking dominated landscape that is currently in situ.

portland place - Sections

_01 Site Design - Sections

The proximity of the site to 66 Portland Place, the Royal Institute of British Architects, is of key importance. A landscape project occurring so close to the home of British Architecture would be excellent press for the industry and would be seen by many important figures of the design and construction world.

scale 1:200 @A1

STRUAN BROWN CLD

The rain garden runs from the north east to the south west of the site. The original design of the garden was straight down the middle of the site. However, the curve gives the site a more natural feel, like a meandering river, while the consistent width ensures some essence of formality remains.

The dark strip of granite paving that reflects the shape of the rain garden acts as a central corridor and is a quick route through the site. The shape also adds continuity to the site. Pedestrians have priority on this site, but vehicles can access buildings if necessary.

_01 Site Design - Sequentials Ginkgo biloba line the rain garden in a relatively formal manner. The querky and unique shapes of the Ginkgo add interest to the site, and their thin canopy allows

AT several points along the rain garden the plants make way for pocket pools with stepping stones crossing the garden. In these areas people can get up and close to the water and plants.

The steps leading down to the rain garden also act as seating and provide an enjoyable place for local office workers to have their lunch whilst looking out over the garden.

A rounded pebble base allows people to paddle in the shallow water comfortably should they desire.

Yorkstone stepping stones provide good grip, even when wet.

THE multi functional design sees the site act as a drainage system and will tackle the local water issues Portland Place has been facing.

_01 Site Design - Sequentials

Rainfall in the UK is a common event and when it does occur our public spaces are

Yorkstone stepping stones provide good grip, even when wet.

THE multi functional design sees the site act as a drainage system and will tackle the local water issues Portland Place has been facing.

Rainfall in the UK is a common event and when it does occur our public spaces are usually left empty. By acting as a drainage system this site will still benefit the area even when not filled with people.

The surrounding paving and steps are laid to fall towards the Rain Garden. Run off from the surrounding buildings rooves will also be diverted towards the garden.

In heavy rainfall the garden is designed to overflow into the first layer. The plants will eventually soak up any excess water. A textured stone surface will ensure this area is not slippery when wet.

AT night the site is a more peaceful place, particularly with the removal of local traffic. The area will be heavily lit up to create interesting reflections and shapes from any surface water running into the site.

_01 Site Design - Sequentials

will eventually soak up any excess water. A textured stone surface will ensure this area is not slippery when wet.

The Ginkgo are lit up from the base. The irregular shapes will create odd shapes and shadows giving the site another dimension at night.

Spot lights mark and light the step edges, and when wet will create interesting reflections and ripples in any surface water .

The edge of the Rain Garden is also lit to highlight the plants at night, and to provide a clear edge to any passers by. The lit up plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reflections will bounce off any surface water running into the garden.

ortland place _01 Site Design - Sequentials

STRUAN BROWN CLD

Location Plan here The majority of Chislehurst Common is made up of broadleaved semi-natural secondary woodland. The woodland that stands there today has come about down to natural succession over a number of years, and has taken over areas that were previously grass and heath land. It sits on a thin layer of soil over the top of Blackheath pebble beds.

The bulk of the woodland is made up mainly of common oak (Quercus robur) and Silver Birch (Betula pendular). Holly trees (Ilex aquifolium) and Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) are also beginning to make more of a footprint for themselves and need to be controlled, particularly within the understory.

The ground flora is made up of bramble (Rubus spp.), Ivy (Hedera helix), and bracken (Pteridium aquiline). Other species include cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense), Solomon's seal (Polygonatum multiflorum), lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis), wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta).

{ {

+90m ACID GRASSLAND

Complete removal of vegetation to include all trees, scrub, and understory. Layer of nutrient rich topsoil scraped off and used elsewhere on site (e.g to build up reed bed around Prickend Pond.) As the area will be open for the public to see the site will be seeded rather than left bare to recolonise naturally. The seed mix will be as follows: 83% sheep’ s-fescue (Festuca ovina), 10% common bent (Agrostis capillaris) and 7% fine-leaved sheep’s-fescue (Festuca filiformis).

SUMMER MEADOW

Similarly to acid grassland, complete removal of vegetation to include all trees, scrub, and understory. Layer of nutrient rich topsoil scraped off and used elsewhere on site. Rotavate soil to encourage annual weeds to germinate. Allow weed seedlings to grow, then spray off with Paraquat. Then create a moderately fine tilth before sowing seeds by cultivating. Final step is to apply a wildflower and grass seed mix using 5g/m2, with a ratio of 1 part wildflower: 4 parts grass/seed (see separate FORM sheet for seed mix).

WOODLAND EDGE Site clearance of trees, mainly holly if possible, to create a graded profile to the woodland edge. Clearance of brambles, ivy, and bracken. Some planting of shrubs and small tree species with a view to be coppiced in the future. Planting of herb layer where under storey has been removed.

1. EXISTING HABITAT TYPES WOODLAND The most light touch habitat with regards to site preparation. Control of Holly trees (Ilex aquifolium) and Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) where possible, ensuring minimal disruption to existing habitats. Encouragement of Common Oak (Quercus robur) and Silver Birch (Betula pendular).

2. SITE PREPARTION

+90m To ensure the herb layer and coppice becomes established, the woodland edge must be kept free from brambles and other invasive species.

In an ideal situation the acid grassland area would be kept under control by cattle grazing. However, this is not possible due to the urban location of the site, and therefore the grasslands must be kept under control by cutting. By delaying the cutting for as long as possible the risk of removing food for insect species is greatly reduced. Cutting will occur well into the autumn and whenever cuts are made, all cuttings must be removed to avoid returning nutrients back into the soil.

Rotational cuttings must take place on the woodland edge to ensure a graded profile is maintained. The ground layer must be cut every year, herb layer every 2-3 years, and shrub layer every 5-10 years.

3. ESTABLISHMENT

+95m

As the woodland matures trees must be left to die naturally and not be removed. Stag beetles thrive in and around deadwood as do bats.

After the establishment period the following annual maintenance should occur: A low cut should be made in late April of early May, reducing the height to 5 cm. From here the meadow should be allowed to grow undisturbed until July or August, when a second cut should be made to around 10 cm. Following this later flowering plants will flourish in the autumn, and a final cut should then be made in mid October to tidy up the area for the winter period. Cuttings must always be removed.

4. MATURITY

+90m

_02 Design with Nature Sections -

+95m

As the woodland is already established, the focus of this management is to ensure Rowan and Ilex are kept under control and to promote Oak in particular, and to encourage a ‘messy’ woodland where stage beetles are able to thrive.

When the grass reaches 10-18 cms high the following spring it should be cut with a rotary mower, doing as little damage as possible. Remove any perennial weeds. After this first cut it should be cut roughly every 2 months until October, all clippings being removed on each occasion. This will prevent any nutrients from returning to the soil and also allow seedlings to grow up without being over-shaded by taller grasses.

+90m

As the grassland develops into maturity, anthills will start appearing as along the site remains well managed. Continued attention to cutting removal, scrub clearance, and cutting rotations will ensure the survival of this habitat.

+95m

HABITAT TECHNIQUES, MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES & MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS

+95m

Struan Brown, CLD

Woodland habitat form

A mature broad-leaved woodland made up of mostly oak and birch. Canopy heights of around 20 metres. Dead trees are all left where they fall to increase biodiversity and create habitats for insects (e.g. stag beetles). Amongst the dead wood mosses and lichens thrive. Although the woodland is secondary all attempts will be made to ensure the dominant species are pioneers.

habitat objectives

woodland species plant name

specification

English Oak (Quercus robur)

Planting bare root, trees will reach max height of 20m within wood environment. These will be planted where non-pioneers have been removed. When planting, ensure bare roots have been dipped and bagged. Take dipped and bagged bare root trees to site. Remove all string and bags before planting. Prune any dead or broken branches. Dig planting hole wide and shallow. Remove any plants surrounding the tree - it should not have to compete. Plant and do not stake. Return to trees 1 year after planting to start training them.

Silver Birch(Betula pendula)

Planting bare root, will reach heights of around 15m within woodland environment, slender trunk. See above for planting guidelines.

The main objective behind this type of woodland is to create an area where stage beetles (Lucanus servus) will thrive. As a key species on the Bromley BAP it is vital these are given the right attention, and by preserving the broad-leaved woodland and minimising human disturbance into the area they should thrive.

functions

Purely ecological - to act as a habitat for stag beetles and to protect and develop a broad-leaved woodland by ensuring the majority of species are pioneers.

management aims and objectives

To protect and encourage pioneer broad-leaved woodland and to prevent the woodland from spreading beyond it’s ‘borders’ (i.e. into the meadow and grassland.)

1:100

habitat form

Woodland Edge

plant name

specification

English Oak (Quercus robur)

As above

habitat objectives

Silver Birch(Betula pendula)

As above

White Willow (Salix alba)

Sapling (can be taken from cuttings to keep cost down), plant in spring. Once established begin coppice rotation, cutting around every 7-10 years.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Ultimate height 0.1-0.5 metres, ultimate spread 1-1.5 metres. Will take around 5-10 years to reach full size. Cutting not necessary.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres, ultimate spread 0.5-1 metres. Will take around 2-5 years to reach full size. Cut every 2-3 years.

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres, ultimate spread 0.5-1 metres. Will take around 5-10 years to reach full size. Cut every 2-3 years, preferably in spring or after flowering.

The reasoning behind a graded woodland edge is to attempt to create a similar profile to one that would be found in a woodland ride. By grading the edge there are several different habitats created, therefore maximising the benefits to wildlife.

functions

An enhanced woodland edge provides several important function with regards to wildlife. Pioneering tree species that naturally occur along these edges produce seed and fruit for wildlife, and the saplings of these species provide winter cover, nesting sites, and protection for many different fauna. The shrub and herb layer provides similar benefits at ground level.

management aims and objectives

To create a woodland edge that can act as a transition zone between a mature woodland and a new meadow / grassland area. The transition will be a gradual one in terms of height and plant communities, and will provide a new hub of ecological activity that spans the entire length of the woodland. Bats and Songthrush will be particularly attracted to this habitat, as will glow worms. 0

summer meadow species

1:100

habitat form

Summer meadow (see species list left), reaching a maximum height of 1 m. A colourful mixture of flowering grasses and perennials, with a denser understory of acid grass.

Summer Meadow

habitat objectives

The focus of this habitat is on butterflies. Each flower species has been selected with butterflies in mind, with the aim of creating something which the public will find attractive, and something that is ecologically important.

functions

The meadow will act as one of several tiered layers that span from the woodland edge to the acid grassland. It will also be amenity focused and will become a place where the public will want to come and visit, whilst still playing a key role in making Chislehurst more ecologically diverse.

management aims and objectives 0

woodland edge species

A woodland edge that has a 4 layered vertical form as follows: i) Tree layer / canopy ii) Shrub layer iii) Herb / field layer iv) Ground layer

To create a new habitat that has not been seen in the area before. Butterflies will thrive in the meadow and it will also be popular with the local human population.

1:20

habitat form

Acid Grassland

plant name

specification

Autumn hawkbit (Scorzoneroides autumnalis) Teasel (Dipsacaceae) Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) Musk mallow Toadflax (Malva moschata rosea) Bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) Tufted vetch (Vicia cracca) Common agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) Musk mallow Toadflax (Malva moschata rosea) Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Common mallow (Malva preissiana) Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) Viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare) Lesser knapweed (Centaurea nigra) Meadow cranesbill (Geranium pratense) Small scabious (Scabiosa columbaria)

Seed form - wildflower’s vary in size from 0.2-1.5 tall. When seeding create a moderately fine tilth before sowing by cultivating. Apply wildflower and grass seed mix using 5g/m2, with a ratio of 1 part wildflower: 4 parts grass/seed. See Sections page for cutting routine. (Grass seed species as listed below in Acid Grassland section.

Acid grassland consisting of mainly sheep’s-fescue and common bent. Height will range from 5 - 20 cm max. The chosen area is flat and well drained. Over time the grassland will take on a more undulated form as anthills begin to form throughout the habitat.

acid grassland species

habitat objectives

plant name

specification

Sheep’s-fescue (Festuca ovina)

Seed form - grows to around 0.3 m tall, flowering from May to June.

Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris)

Seed form - grows to around 0.25 m tall, flowering in early May to July.

Whilst acting as a habitat for the before mentioned fauna to thrive in, the grassland will also act as a central focus area of Chislehurst Common, and will be an area where ecology and people can co-exist.

Fine-leaved sheep’s-fescue (Festuca filiformis)

Seed form - grows to around 0.3 m tall, flowering from May to June.

management aims and objectives

*The seed mix will be as follows: 83% sheep’ s-fescue (Festuca ovina), 10% common bent (Agrostis capillaris) and 7% fine-leaved sheep’s-fescue (Festuca filiformis).

A mixture of wildlife and amenity. The grassland habitat will attract glowworms, hedgehogs, and possibly sky larks. The grassland will also be open to be used by the public, and acts as the innermost of several layers that create a natural arena of the area.

functions

_02 Design with Nature 1:20

Habitat Form -

To restore a pre-urban habitat type that has slowly been diminishing over time. Acid grassland is not only rare within the Common, but throughout the entire south-east of England.

HABITAT TECHNIQUES, MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES & MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS

Struan Brown, CLD

legend Amenity Grass Architectural Shrubs Bridge Colourful Shrubs Ditch with Reed Planting Existing Taxus hedge Footpath with Cor-ten steel border Grasses Proposed Bus stop Proposed Trees Existing Trees Trees to Remove

The part of the site furthest from the entrance consists of plants with more vertical and fastigiate form, providing a backdrop to the colourful north west corner.

The orchard ends and a mass of colour and rounded forms make up the north west part of the site.

The focus point is the central area, a small orchard surrounded by a low rise steel wall. With only grass below the fruit trees, views are still uninterrupted to the rear of the site. Fruit trees would include examples such as Malus domestica, Prunus avium.

Large mass of mainly low rising grasses form the start of the site to allow views through site from entrance and road. Eg. Panicum varigatum, Molinia caerulea.

_03 Planting Design Masterplan: The New Orchard Scale 1:250 Struan Brown, CLD

A new bus stop off the main road creates a safer and more legible entrance to the college.

_04 Basic Site Design