Steep site apartments · Ecology & veteran trees
Purley Apartments
Detailed landscape design for 67 apartments over two buildings on a steep outer-London site, with ecology and veteran trees as key drivers.
Project overview
Working with topography and ecology on a steep apartment site
The Purley Apartments project comprises 67 apartments across two buildings on an exceptionally steep site in outer London.
RIBA Stage 4 and 5 landscape plans were produced to discharge planning conditions and inform construction, with particular attention to ecology and the protection of veteran trees.
Tags
Steep site Ecology Veteran trees RIBA Stage 4 & 5 Apartments
Project snapshot
- Client
- Developer client
- Location
- Banstead Rd, Purley
- Scope
- RIBA Stage 4 & 5 landscape design to discharge planning and guide construction.
- Key elements
- Access, retaining structures, planting, ecology measures, tree protection.
The challenge
Retaining access and amenity on a challenging slope
Significant level changes required careful coordination of retaining structures, paths and drainage.
Veteran trees and ecological interests constrained where and how interventions could be made.
Also included the addition of green roofs, a naturalistic play area and wildlife pond.
Outcomes
A buildable, ecologically sensitive landscape scheme
The detailed plans translated planning commitments into clear construction information for contractors. This included the addition of green roofs, a naturalistic play area and wildlife pond.
Safe and legible access
Routes were designed to manage steep gradients while maintaining everyday usability.
Protected veteran trees
Construction guidance and layout choices safeguarded important existing trees.
Ecology embedded in the design
Planting, habitat features and management respond directly to ecological priorities.