19/11/2024
See how the transformation of the Grade II listed Grosvenor Square in London received approval from Westminster City Council in 2022.
The concept design was developed for Grosvenor Square by architect Tonkin Liu in collaboration with horticulturist Nigel Dunnett, ecologist Gary Grant, heritage expert Cordula Zeidler, and playful design specialists Davies White Landscape Architects.
Davies White’s role was to support engagement experts make:good and to work with Tonkin Liu to develop a landscape masterplan that connects families with nature through play.
BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd) landscape architecture team have now taken the project through the detailed design stages.
The buildings in the new scheme will sit on micropiles, and these investigations aim to ensure the micropiles do not conflict with the existing tree roots. Nigel Dunnett has continued to lead the planting design, and the two new buildings will feature ‘woodland floor green roofs’ with plants adapted to dry shade, including many native species.
In a recent update from Nigel on Instagram, we learned that Ruskins Trees & Soil Biology Ltd, Tim O'Hare and Tim Moya have been tasked with preliminary works to excavate trenches and assess the soil quality and extent of the tree roots.
As with many urban parks, the soils in Grosvenor Square are severely degraded due to decades of compaction. Additionally, the annual removal of fallen leaves over this period has resulted in a lack of organic matter, poor soil structure, and diminished soil biology. A key aspect of the new scheme will involve extensive decompaction and revitalisation of the existing soils.
Engagement and concept:
https://lnkd.in/esft8Q6T
Latest from BDP:
https://lnkd.in/eEVEkjZ5
post by Adam White
