CSA’s landscape architects have been working with Taylor Wimpey West London to redevelop the site of the former Inland Revenue building alongside the River Thames in Kew, adjacent to the National Archives.
The mixed-use development comprises four new apartment blocks and a doctor’s surgery and is centred on a large podium courtyard, suspended above the basement car-park.
CSA’s landscape architects were tasked with the detailed landscape design for the project and as with many podium landscape schemes one of the most challenging elements was ensuring that the verdant planting scheme with its specimen trees and shrubs was buildable with the limited planting depth that was available. This was achieved through a series of raised, rendered blockwork planters and bespoke timber tree containers which were carefully designed to ensure maximum rooting volumes whilst being mindful of the load-bearing capacity of the concrete slab which supports the podium.
To compliment the planting, a carefully selected palette of surfacing materials was used, in the form of resin bound gravel and sett paving. A bespoke water fountain forms the centre-piece of the courtyard and high quality timber and stainless steel street furniture and lighting has been used to compliment the scheme and create an exemplary development within the heart of Kew.