PROJECT: Clock House Gardens, Wewlyn
SECTORS: Commercial / Residential
SERVICES: Landscape Design
CLIENT: Developing London
DATE: 2016

The 0.77 hectare former Clock House Hotel site is situated adjacent to the A1 motorway, in Welwyn, Hertfordshire. The development was designed to distance the main living spaces as far away from the motorway as possible. A key factor in achieving this was a landscape buffer which borders the site boundary on the road side. This along with careful location of parking areas was used to mitigate the effects of noise and pollution.

The architect’s vision for the building facade was one of natural materials and a contemporary colour palette with timber cladding and charcoal brick. The landscape responded to this naturalistic concept with swaths of grass and block planting of shrubs to echo contrasting texture and colour of the buildings. The treescape also played in important role, providing noise absorption and screening of the busy road as well as height & structure, seasonal interest and habitats for wildlife.

Entrances to front doors were designed to have edges with a naturally integrated feel. Staggered & offset paving units eliminated hard, straight lines while the meandering route of the central path further emphasised the organic forms, as well as relating to the structure of the planting.

Materials such as resin bound gravel to footways offered a softened aesthetic while maintaining a clean finish. Decking and timber cladding to a concrete retaining wall referenced the building facade while softening the engineered landscape elements.

Awards: RIBA Awards 2017 – Shortlisted | Housing Design Awards 2017 – Shortlisted | Sunday Times British Homes Awards 2017 – Best Apartment Development – Shortlisted | WhatHouse Awards 2016 – Best Development: Bronze Winner | Evening Standard New Homes Awards 2017 – Best First Time Buyer Home – Winner | First time Buyer Awards 2017 – Best Architectural Design – Shortlisted