Artist’s impression of the proposed public realm and wetland
Artist’s impression of the proposed public realm and wetland

Landscaping

We are preparing a detailed landscaping plan to accompany the planning application. The aim is to create a unique science park location in a high-quality landscaped setting. It will include green space, water features, extensive landscaping and planting.

Some of the features of the landscaping plan include:

  • Wetland - A large body of water creating a rich habitat and attractive focal point to both the public realm and surrounding buildings. This will be surrounded by decking. Rain Gardens will collect rain water and surface run-off slowly filtering it as it moves towards the wetland. Identified as ‘A’ on the masterplan.
  • The Green - A central area of lawn with specimen trees, green gap paving blends the edges of the green with the events space and surrounding pedestrian routes. Identified as ‘B’ on the masterplan.
  • Furniture - Outside seating and dining spaces will be provided to create engaging and habitable park areas.
  • Pedestrian and cyclists - Pedestrians are put at the heart of the scheme, with easy movement through the site, secure cycle parking and improved access to the canal towpath. The towpath access identified as ‘C’ on the masterplan.
  • Event space - A flexible open external space allowing the use of a removable canopy structure to facilitate events and larger groups of people to congregate. Identified as ‘D’ on the masterplan.
  • Lighting - High quality lighting where appropriate to create an attractive and safe environment, sensitively placed to prevent impacts on wildlife.

 

Landscape Masterplan

View Landscape Masterplan

Planting and ecology

A detailed planting strategy includes substantial use of trees throughout to provide an opportunity for carbon capture, habitat creation and a net gain in biodiversity. This will also provide health and wellbeing benefits for future occupants and will contribute to the wider green infrastructure, creating a wildlife corridor.

Drainage

The drainage strategy and the movement of water through the site has been a key design consideration. The site layout incorporates sustainable drainage features including a rain garden and marshes. Permeable paving will be used and the movement of water across the site has informed the design proposals.

 

Artist’s impression of the proposed wetland

Click on the image above to see artist’s impression of the proposed wetland

Sustainability

Phase 1 of BHIC is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, going above and beyond standard practice to demonstrate a holistic approach to sustainability. A key sustainability measure being undertaken is the reduction of both construction and operational carbon. A Life Cycle Assessment of the carbon associated with the building and landscaping has been undertaken, and ways to reduce the carbon at construction stage are being considered. Furthermore, the operational carbon is being reduced using the ‘fabric first approach’, which ensures that the energy demand of the building is reduced through high quality building fabric, maximisation of daylight and specification of highly efficient, low carbon emitting air source heat pumps.

Other sustainable measures include specification of water saving appliances which will reduce water consumption of the building and its occupants by approximately 25%, and a soft landscaping scheme which contributes to the protection of local species, health and wellbeing of building occupants, and the site’s flood risk prevention strategy.

 

Artist’s impression of the green

Click on the image above to see artist’s impression of the green