Villiers Gardens, Chobham Manor
Villiers Gardens, Chobham Manor
The Chobham Manor development, part of the London Legacy Development Corporation’s (LLDC) vision, aimed to transform the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford into thriving new neighbourhoods.
This ambitious project, the first of five new neighbourhoods, comprises over 880 homes, a cafe, a nursery, 1,500m² of open space, and an extensive public realm. GreenBlue Urban plays a pivotal role in the urban tree-planting efforts at Villiers Gardens.
This case study explores the innovative and sustainable tree-planting solutions implemented by GBU, particularly given the challenges of contaminated land and pre-construction preparation.
Development Vision and Strategy
With multiple collaborators supporting the Taylor Wimpey and L&Q development at Chobham Manor including PRP, Make, Haworth Tompkins and muf, is designed to be a family-oriented, sustainable, and inclusive neighbourhood, seamlessly integrating with the post-Olympic legacy. The development is characterised by:
- A mix of housing typologies, including apartment blocks, maisonettes, townhouses, mews streets, and multi-generational homes.
- Extensive open spaces, including interconnected village ‘greens’ forming a linear garden spine that connects to the Olympic Park.
- A focus on active travel with good-quality shared surfaces for pedestrians and cyclists and reduced car dependency.
- Promoting healthy lifestyles with play areas, an outdoor gym, and tree-lined streets.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
The Chobham Manor development, part of the London Legacy Development Corporation’s (LLDC) vision, aimed to transform the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford into thriving new neighbourhoods.
This ambitious project, the first of five new neighbourhoods, comprises over 880 homes, a cafe, a nursery, 1,500m² of open space, and an extensive public realm. GreenBlue Urban plays a pivotal role in the urban tree-planting efforts at Villiers Gardens.
This case study explores the innovative and sustainable tree-planting solutions implemented by GBU, particularly given the challenges of contaminated land and pre-construction preparation.
Development Vision and Strategy
With multiple collaborators supporting the Taylor Wimpey and L&Q development at Chobham Manor including PRP, Make, Haworth Tompkins and muf, is designed to be a family-oriented, sustainable, and inclusive neighbourhood, seamlessly integrating with the post-Olympic legacy. The development is characterised by:
- A mix of housing typologies, including apartment blocks, maisonettes, townhouses, mews streets, and multi-generational homes.
- Extensive open spaces, including interconnected village ‘greens’ forming a linear garden spine that connects to the Olympic Park.
- A focus on active travel with good-quality shared surfaces for pedestrians and cyclists and reduced car dependency.
- Promoting healthy lifestyles with play areas, an outdoor gym, and tree-lined streets.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Challenges of Contaminated Land
The land designated for tree planting was contaminated and required capping off. This necessitated a controlled approach to ensure the health and longevity of the urban trees. GBU’s innovative solution involved excavating, installing, and filling tree pits with supplied soil two years before construction began. This approach ensured that only clean, high-quality soil was used, mitigating the risks associated with contaminated land.
Products and Techniques
GBU utilised a comprehensive suite of products and techniques to support the tree planting efforts:
RootSpace G2 600mm: This soil cell system provides a supportive structure for root growth while ensuring the tree roots have access to adequate soil volume and nutrients.
RootRain Urban Irrigation and ArborVents: These systems ensure efficient water distribution and aeration, critical for tree health, particularly in urban environments.
Arborguy anchor deadman system: This anchoring system provides stability for the trees, essential during the early stages of growth.
Root barrier: This prevents roots from damaging nearby infrastructure, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between the urban environment and natural elements.
RootSoil 20 with mycorrhiza and angular stone for backfill: This specialized soil mix promotes healthy root development and supports the symbiotic relationship between trees and beneficial fungi.
Challenges of Contaminated Land
The land designated for tree planting was contaminated and required capping off. This necessitated a controlled approach to ensure the health and longevity of the urban trees. GBU’s innovative solution involved excavating, installing, and filling tree pits with supplied soil two years before construction began. This approach ensured that only clean, high-quality soil was used, mitigating the risks associated with contaminated land.
Products and Techniques
GBU utilised a comprehensive suite of products and techniques to support the tree planting efforts:
RootSpace G2 600mm: This soil cell system provides a supportive structure for root growth while ensuring the tree roots have access to adequate soil volume and nutrients.
RootRain Urban Irrigation and ArborVents: These systems ensure efficient water distribution and aeration, critical for tree health, particularly in urban environments.
Arborguy anchor deadman system: This anchoring system provides stability for the trees, essential during the early stages of growth.
Root barrier: This prevents roots from damaging nearby infrastructure, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between the urban environment and natural elements.
RootSoil 20 with mycorrhiza and angular stone for backfill: This specialized soil mix promotes healthy root development and supports the symbiotic relationship between trees and beneficial fungi.
Environmental and Aesthetic Contributions
The integration of trees into the urban fabric of Chobham Manor enhances the area’s environmental and aesthetic value. The tree-lined streets and gardens contribute to the green space, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality.
An independent post-occupancy evaluation highlighted positive resident experiences, particularly regarding greenery and outdoor spaces. The sustainable design, including the tree planting efforts, plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and well-being among residents.
The collaboration between client Taylor Wimpey, Architects, and Landscape Contractors, and the purchaser of GBU Tree planting products, O’Halloran and O’Brien Ltd, exemplifies innovative and sustainable urban development.
By addressing the challenges of contaminated land and implementing advanced tree planting techniques, GBU has significantly contributed to creating a thriving, green neighbourhood. This project not only enhances the immediate environment but also sets a benchmark for future urban regeneration efforts, ensuring that the legacy of the Olympic Park continues to benefit the community for generations to come.
Environmental and Aesthetic Contributions
The integration of trees into the urban fabric of Chobham Manor enhances the area’s environmental and aesthetic value. The tree-lined streets and gardens contribute to the green space, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality.
An independent post-occupancy evaluation highlighted positive resident experiences, particularly regarding greenery and outdoor spaces. The sustainable design, including the tree planting efforts, plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and well-being among residents.
The collaboration between client Taylor Wimpey, Architects, and Landscape Contractors, and the purchaser of GBU Tree planting products, O’Halloran and O’Brien Ltd, exemplifies innovative and sustainable urban development.
By addressing the challenges of contaminated land and implementing advanced tree planting techniques, GBU has significantly contributed to creating a thriving, green neighbourhood. This project not only enhances the immediate environment but also sets a benchmark for future urban regeneration efforts, ensuring that the legacy of the Olympic Park continues to benefit the community for generations to come.
