MAXIMIZING GREEN SPACE IN A BUILDING COMPLEX THROUGH ALTERNATIVE LANDSCAPE DE...
Examples of Work
1. Will Brealey
MARINA, WARWICKSHIRE
Existing Farmhouse
Development
MARINA, WARWICKSHIRE
I produced concept landscape design sketches, proposed contour drawings, a
landscape masterplan, illustrative sections, and strategic planting plans for this marina
scheme in Warwickshire.
The construction of the marina basin required significant excavation, and my proposed
contours were produced to ensure that the spoil could be distributed on site in a manner
sympathetic to the local landform. This gave me the opportunity to design the landform
and strategic woodland planting in tandem.
Gently undulating landform, with woodland blocks, copses, and scatters of trees, were
designed to complement the setting of the adjacent 18 th Century farmhouse, in keeping
with the local ‘Arden Parklands’ landscape character area.
Ecological mitigation responded to the presence of protected species on the site
(badgers and bats) and the local biodiversity action plan targets were reflected in the
provision of wetland woodland, field margins, hedgerows, and the planting of target
species such as Black poplar.
2. Will Brealey
BLACKBIRD ROAD, LEICESTER
COMPLETED SCHEME
BLACKBIRD ROAD, CENTRAL SQUARE
This community ‘mini-park’ is located at the centre of
a housing development in Leicester. High quality
materials and varied planting were used to create an
aesthetically pleasing green space for residents and
an informal play facility.
A sculptural piece of play equipment provides for a
range of play activities. Sculptural seats provided a
centre piece for the space, arranged around a
multistem birch tree.
The entire space is enclosed by railings with brick piers
and a row of specimen plane trees.
I produced the concept design, hard and soft
landscape plans, and prepared / managed the
contract for this scheme, which also included a hard
landscaped ‘Piazza’ entrance space for the
development, with bespoke granite pacing, steel
benches, bollards and semi-mature tree planting.
While monitoring the maintenance of the site, I was
pleased to note that the spaces were being used as
intended, and that incidences of vandalism were rare
and insignificant.
3. Will Brealey
BILSTON, WEST MIDLANDS
BILSTON URBAN VILLAGE
I prepared landscape design concept drawings and supporting presentation material for the
landscape framework, and public open spaces, associated with this design competition bid for a high
profile urban regeneration project. The bid was selected to progress to the next stage.
The existing vegetation on the site was indicative of disturbed, post-industrial ground, including
pioneer vegetation and planted woodlands. The landscape approach throughout the open space,
therefore, generally reflects the character of this vegetation, and further enhances it to suggest the
pre-industrial heathland character of the Black Country. A system of proposed swales and balancing
ponds forms the backbone of the scheme.
A formal ‘underpinning’ for the landscape is created through the use of rows or avenues of specimen
trees, including native species as well as fastigiate varieties for visual impact. The disposition of the tree
avenues, set in sweeping curves on top of subtle ridges, is intended to link the circular existing playing
fields and the proposed ribbon-like SUDS features, and to create changing vistas as the space is
passed through.
4. Will Brealey
BROMSGROVE, WEST MIDLANDS
BROMSGROVE
I prepared a Landscape and
Biodiversity Masterplan and
detailed planting proposals for
this Housing Association scheme
at Bromsgrove.
The Landscape and Biodiversity
Masterplan provided a visual
represetation of the proposals,
and details of the rationale in
terms of enhancing the
landscape setting of the
development, and biodiversity
enhancements such as the
creation of wildflower meadow
areas, native hedgerow planting,
and the use of wildlife-friendly
front garden planting.
I liaised with the engineers in
terms of the appearance and
soft landscaping of the SUDS
features, and the position of trees
in relation to adoptable sewers.
The scheme was submitted to
planning in May 2009.
5. Will Brealey
CHURCH WALK, CHELTENHAM
CHURCH WALK, CHELTENHAM
I produced this sketch garden design (inset) and planting plan for a private client
in Cheltenham. The client wanted an attractive family garden with plenty of
usable space, and places for his young daughters to play.
A large lawn adjacent to the house, surrounded by colourful herbaceous
borders, would provide a space for general family use. The borders are edged
with railway sleepers to provide a neat edge and a mowing strip, reducing
maintenance. A partly screened, secluded ‘white garden’ provides a refuge for
mum and dad, with restful grey and white flowers and foliage.
A ‘children’s area’ is provided in an awkward shaded corner of the site,
comprising a timber play house accessed via a path of sleeper ‘stepping stones’
set in gravel, and surrounded by a lush planting of ferns, bamboos, and hardy
geraniums.
A small kitchen garden provides a space for the family to grow their own
vegetables and herbs.