Landscape Architecture - Home - Concertus · Our Landscape Architecture services include: Master planning / We work with clients to devise a clear framework for the detailed design

Landscape Architecture

Concertus is a vibrant multi-disciplinary design and property consultancy based in Ipswich, Suffolk. We specialise in the delivery of quality, innovative and value focused projects that bring our clients’ vision to life.

We offer wide ranging professional expertise and knowledge, creating successful solutions that are tailor-made to meet our clients’ needs.

Working across a number of specialisms, we are an enthusiastic, passionate and talented team of property specialists and designers who provide a range of services to clients in both the public and private sectors.

We strive to make places, properties and people be the best they can by working collaboratively with all parties to create effective and sustainable built environments.

Welcome to ConcertusOur team of Landscape Architects design and create outdoor environments that enhance and compliment the use of a site and its surroundings.

Our expertise is diverse and we take great pride in our ability to create dynamic, attractive and inspiring landscapes that meet the visions of our clients, providing a positive experience that can be enjoyed by the people who use them.

We work closely and collaboratively with clients, stakeholders and our colleagues to understand the needs and vision of a project. We begin by ensuring that we understand the full function of a site and its environment, to make the most of its usability. We are careful to take into account the unique situation and character of each site so that a solution that suits both the client and their budget is created. Sustainability principles are also at the forefront of our designs, as well as an understanding of the ongoing maintenance and longevity of a design.

Always using our skills to question, challenge and provide innovative solutions, our award-winning and experienced team is able to deliver stand-alone projects or work collaboratively as a part of a wider group with multiple stakeholders.

Our Landscape Architecture services include:

Master planning / We work with clients to devise a clear framework for the detailed design of large scale developments, where long term strategies or an expertise in urban design are required. We understand the complexities of an urban situation and the sensitivities to create an environment which works on both the macro and micro scales.

Feasibility Studies and Concept Design / Working closely with our colleagues to produce an integrated response, we help to establish the viability of projects and

can explore a number of possible options by generating feasibility studies that can be used in the early stages of negotiations with local authorities.

Pre-Planning Advice / We can design early concept plans and layouts for the promotion of the sale of sites, providing options and possibilities for the client to realise the best in their property asset.

Design / Where planning permission is required, we can advise clients, creating the detailed designs and the visuals needed as part of a full or outline planning application. Our team creates workable designs, realising client needs. We also undertake visual and environmental impact assessments and collate the relevant surveys.

Visualisation / In order for our clients to communicate clearly to their audiences, our skilled designers generate realistic, graphic demonstrations of projects using a range of visualisation techniques, including CAD models, hand-drawn sketches and CGI (Computer Generated Imagery).

Consultancy and Advice / We can provide advice on all aspects of your project, from ecological consultancy giving guidance on the impact on the ecosystems to arboriculture consultancy, (where we can discuss the works specific to your site).

Planting Design / Planting is an integral part of most projects and our aim is to design a scheme that compliments the building’s surroundings. Our expertise covers the full range of detailed design, from hard works (which give thought to boundary walls, fences, gates and paving) through to soft works (comprising planting schemes and bio-diversity and sustainable drainage systems). Our planting design capability can be used as part of an external works scheme or as a separate service in itself.

Landscape Architecture at Concertus

Name of Scheme Sybil Andrews Academy and Skyliner Sports Centre, Bury St Edmunds

Entrant Details Concertus Design and Property Consultants Limited

Client/Owner Authority Suffolk County Council

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Landscape Institute Awards 2018Sybil Andrews Academy and Skyliner Sports Centre, Bury St Edmunds

The Brief / After carrying out the master plan, we were asked to project manage on behalf of the client, the construction of a new secondary school at Moreton Hall in Bury St. Edmunds. Our brief was to follow through on implementing our design proposal and deliver the completed Sybil Andrews Academy in the autumn term of 2016. Construction would incorporate core facilities capable of initially supporting 900 students, with teaching accommodation for 600. The new school also had to have the ability to expand to accommodate 1400 pupils, plus a sixth form, by 2031.

The Scope / Phase 2 of the scheme was the construction of the Sports Building, which is clearly identified as having a different usage on the site. Externally across the whole site, paved areas follow a form and pattern to delineate the spaces and guide the users and there is a strong relationship with the outdoor environment through the views from stairwells, curtain glazing (glass walls) and doorways.

Due to placing the building into several distinct phases, the logistics of construction had to be carefully considered and agreed with the academy provider to ensure the education facilities were maintained during each of the subsequent construction phases.

As there was a variety of end users and stakeholders, a robust engagement process had to be implemented to make sure due consideration was given to sometimes conflicting needs and agreement was reached on the priorities of the works. Budgetary constraints lead to a detailed value engineering process being undertaken to make certain the best value was achieved, whilst maintaining the quality of the facilities required by all interested parties.

The Result / Construction was completed mid-November and the children moved into the new school on Monday 5th December 2016. Divided into three key buildings; Heart Building, Teaching Block 1 and the Sports Building, the academy provides a stimulating educational environment. Opportunities have been maximised for community use outside the academic day, through consideration of access, service zoning and security needs.

The 3rd phase of the project is to take it from a 600 place school to a 900 place in the 1st phase by providing Teaching Block 2 and then to follow directly on with the 2nd phase and take it up to a 1200 place school by provision of Teaching Block 3. We are currently on site building Teaching Block 3.

Project Location / Bury St. Edmunds, SuffolkProject Sector / EducationProject Value / £25 million

Concertus Disciplines / Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Architecture, Estates, Building Services, Project Management and Quantity Surveying + Cost Consultancy

Sybil Andrews AcademyCase Study

RICS 2018 Shortlisted for ‘Community Benefit’ + ‘Design Through Innovation’

The Brief / In August 2017 we were appointed by the West Suffolk Property Board, on behalf of St. Edmundsbury Borough Council, to undertake a Public Assets Study for the town of Haverhill along with an initial feasibility study for combined public service hub(s) at 2 of the sites covered by the study.

The Public Assets Study identified and assessed the specified publicly owned sites put forward by various public sector partners. The study also put forward options for those sites with potential development opportunities, all against the background of the One Public Estate aims to maximise:• Operational efficiency• Capital receipts• The release of sites for regeneration

The aim of the feasibility study was to assess the potential to create new combined health, leisure, community and/or emergency services hub(s) in the town centre or adjacent to one of the secondary school sites on the Northern edge of Haverhill.

The Result / In 2017/18 we undertook a two-part review of public assets within Haverhill, Suffolk. The first part consisted of a confidential Public Asset Study to assess 17 specified sites within Haverhill which are owned by the public sector or adjacent to publicly owned sites, or are privately owned but currently the locations of existing public services for the town. The key objectives of this study were to:• Maximise operational efficiency• Generate capital receipts• Identify potential to release sites for regeneration

The study established and recommended the most effective solutions to meet these objectives.

The second part consisted of an early Feasibility Study to address the potential to create one or more hubs for the town that might include (but not be limited to) health, leisure, community and emergency services. Two sites were put forward by the WSPB (West Suffolk Property Board) for “hub” consideration.

This study provided an opportunity to link together a number of projects and partners to transform the public estate in Haverhill with the aim of supporting the forecast population growth, maximising public sector reform, reducing running costs and releasing key sites for regeneration.

The study:• Examined how one or more hubs could be created• Considered the requirements of the various partners along with their compatibility for co-location• Assessed the potential for operational efficiencies• Aimed to deliver an improved public service for the people of Haverhill, one that is fit for the 21st century• Ensured consistency and consideration of the Haverhill Vision 2031 and the Haverhill Town Centre Master plan (TCMP)

It is hoped that the outputs of this commission will also directly inform the development of further place shaping work in Haverhill.

In addition to the above, the study also explored albeit at a high level, the Samuel Ward Academy and Parkway/Castle Manor school sites, to future-proof them for the population growth of the town and the possibility of a hub or shared community facilities being located at the school sites in the future.

Whilst the report outlined potential options for further consideration, it acknowledged that local consultation would be key to the next stage of the process.

Project Location / Haverhill, SuffolkProject Sector / Community and Residential

Concertus Disciplines / Landscape Architecture, Project Management and Estates

Haverhill HubCase Study

The Brief / As part of the SOR (School Organisational Review) programme, Suffolk County Council wanted a new primary school that, as well as being sustainable, would provide flexible social, group and mixed educational environments for the pupils and allow community use through the provision of flexible public and private areas. A detailed brief for the Early Year’s play area was developed with the class teacher to create specific elements for her pupil cohort.

The original project completed in 2011. We were then further commissioned to extend the school. Using our experience in designing quality and functional landscapes, we worked collaboratively with the school staff, pupils and community to ascertain their needs, balanced with the site ecology and government guidelines.

The Scope / Developing the earlier project site master plan, the Landscape Architect worked with the Architect to locate and orientate the single storey stand-alone 4 class block. Site analysis informed the layout and form of the building regarding the site ecology and school site supervision. With a 1.2m change in level from the existing play spaces accessibility was of importance, the scheme was developed to continue the

design ethos of the original master plan by providing informal play spaces within the strong circulation links to the existing school.

Planting design is an important element, clothing the banked change in level with species chosen for low maintenance and seasonal interest. Some existing play equipment was relocated as part of the scheme. The Landscape Architect worked closely with the main contractor to ensure suitable site access was provided during the construction phase, resulting in no damage to the existing mature hedgerow and trees. The designs took advantage of the topography of this 2.9 hectare site, incorporating gentle slopes with timber retaining walls to give a feeling of protection to the play areas. A large wooded habitat and wetland habitat area form part of the site drainage strategy and sustainable credentials of the design.

The Result / The landscape design provided a welcoming and accessible environment. Completed on time and to budget, the Clements Primary Academy also achieved a BREEAM rating. The original scheme won the RICS 2013 East of England regional award for community benefit and was highly commended in the Community Benefit category at the RICS 2013 national awards.

Project Location / Haverhill, SuffolkProject Sector / EducationProject Value / £5.1 million

Concertus Disciplines / Landscape Architecture, Building Services, Architecture, Quantity Surveying and Project Management

Clements Primary AcademyCase Study

RIBA Suffolk Craftsmanship Award 2012 + RICS 2013 Winner of ‘Community Benefit’

Project Location / Ipswich, SuffolkProject Sector / Community and ResidentialProject Value / Feasibility stage cost estimate £1.8m

Concertus Disciplines / Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Architecture, Building Services, Structural + Civil Engineering, Project Management and Quantity Surveying + Cost Consultancy

The Brief / The brief was to provide a new adult residential respite and supported living care home. We are working (with the client) to a brief incorporating strict guidelines from NHS England who are funding the project. The budget is time critical and required planning with a start on site before the end of the 2018/19 financial year. This project required us to obtain planning consent by the end of 2018 and make a start on site by 2019.

The Scope / We were instructed to complete a feasibility study, support with the funding bid, prepare information, submit a planning application and deliver the scheme through to completion.

Our Landscape Architects developed planting plans and created independent garden spaces for the residents. The sloping site presented several challenges and was of interest to

archaeologists being in the vicinity of a Bronze Age cremation site, as well as Roman and Iron Age finds. Following receipt of planning consent, we carried out a full design and value engineering to provide approximately 6% savings.

The Commission / To meet the client’s requirements and make sure the building works efficiently, we have worked closely with a number of statutory bodies and advisors including NHS England, occupational therapists, the end user/service provider, the local planning authority, building control, the fire service and acoustic engineers. As a multi-disciplinary practice, we have extensive experience of working with clients and stakeholders throughout the entire design process, ensuring that the client’s brief is developed and their aspirations are met within the parameters of the budget constraints.

Blue Light CollaborationCase Study

Project Location / Woodbridge, SuffolkProject Sector / EmergencyProject Value / Overall £6 million approx.

Concertus Disciplines / Landscape Architecture, Project Management, Architecture, Interior Design, Building Services, Structural + Civil Engineering, and Quantity Surveying + Cost Consultancy

Background / Since 2010, we have been working closely with Suffolk Fire & Rescue and Suffolk Constabulary on an initiative that has aimed to achieve greater collaboration between the blue light services in the county.

Several projects have already been completed to refurbish, extend and adapt existing facilities to accommodate the 2 emergency services under one roof, so they can work more efficiently.

The Suffolk ‘Blue Light Collaboration’ project has now caught the attention of the Government’s Home Office, which could use the county and its results as a case study on best practice for the rest of the UK.

The Scope / Our team has been involved in the initiative from its very early stages. We were called upon to work with multiple stakeholders to give consultancy advice, before moving on to provide design and/or project management services, as required, for each of the individual projects.

One of the projects completed was Woodbridge Community Fire Station where we were initially selected as the preferred consultant to undertake a feasibility study. We were appointed to assess and lay out the options that would make the vision of a shared property a reality. Our multi-disciplinary team included Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, Quantity Surveyors, Landscape Designers, Project Managers

and Estates Surveyors. Within the team, we considered issues relating to design, planning, land ownership and lease arrangements.

Our report was presented and once the client had decided on the option they wanted to progress, we then acted as Project Manager for the scheme, overseeing the transformation of the existing fire station into a refurbished and extended emergency services property that housed both Woodbridge’s fire and police services.

To date, we have been involved in 9 shared community fire and police facilities in Suffolk, undertaking a variety of roles from project management, architecture and building services, through to structural and civil engineering, quantity surveying and landscape architecture.

The Result / The Government has praised the result achieved from the joined-up approach by Suffolk, with talks of the Home Office using the county as a case study for ‘blue light collaboration’ success. Accomplishments so far have highlighted how benefits can be achieved through bringing together blue light services in Suffolk. However, these results have also moved the public sector in Suffolk a step closer to the objective of creating single public sector estates or hubs, sited centrally, that bring together services that support the local community.

Lavenham RoadCase Study

Project Location / Lowestoft, SuffolkProject Sector / Commercial and IndustrialProject Value / £4 million

Concertus Disciplines / Landscape Architecture, Building Services, Architecture, Structural + Civil Engineering, Carbon + Energy Design + Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying + Cost Consultancy and Estates

The Brief / We were required to carry out the following:• A master plan for the site (to follow the Local Development

Order)• The development of a 9 acre industrial site• Feasibility studies• Advising on the marketing and leasing of the business units• Advising on the lease or sale of the remainder of the site• Management of the site pre-development• Management of transition to Suffolk County Council asset management

The Scope / A concept master plan for the overall site was lead by our Landscape Architects, in collaboration with our Architects and Engineers. The master planning process included consideration of phasing the site, the existing access, contamination issues, land values, as well as the Local Development Order (LDO) for the site. Following discussions with the client, the master plan was developed further to include

information which ensured planning consent was granted in accordance with the LDO for the site. With planning permission gained, the external areas were taken through a detail design process, including close collaboration with our Civil Engineers to ensure suitability of the site for HGV use and to meet floods protocol. The detail design included proposals for both hard and soft landscape elements, integrated with SuDS (designed by our Civil Engineers).

A full application was submitted for Phase 1 of the project which consisted of 16 units varying in meterage to be leased on completion to local businesses. The business units and external areas were developed with robust, low maintenance materials and components. Producing visuals at an early stage of the project helped with the marketing of the site.

The Result / The usable business space we created contributed to the economic development in an area of Lowestoft which was in need of regeneration. Our clients have complimented the efficient delivery of this project.

Phoenix Enterprise ParkCase Study

The Brief / The Bridge School caters for children aged 3 to 16 who have severe, profound and complex learning difficulties. Suffolk County Council wanted a new primary campus to be built on land adjacent to the existing secondary school campus in Sprites Lane.

The Scope / A landscape master plan for a new through school was designed alongside a detailed landscape brief for the primary site. This brief was developed with the school’s staff and through observation of the pupil cohort in their outdoor environments. Accessibility is a key element of the design, together with providing safe outdoor learning spaces for each key stage.

Siting of the boiler house chimney required a Landscape Visual Appraisal. The building was designed to be highly efficient. To mitigate its impact on the environment, a biomass boiler and high-performance building materials (including photovoltaic panels) were incorporated into the building. The new planting and increased biodiversity are secured for the future by the Landscape Management Plan.

The Result / A wide-ranging landscape scheme was tailored to the specialist needs of the pupils. The outdoor learning environment features quiet areas as well as spaces suitable for play equipment. Pupil development projects (for example growing gardens) have been integrated into the design. Our design also allowed for a spacious drop off area, direct access to the school’s entrance and parking for staff and visitors.

Project Location / Ipswich, SuffolkProject Sector / EducationProject Value / £5.84 million

Concertus Disciplines / Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Architecture, Building Services and Project Management

The Bridge SchoolCase Study

RICS 2017 Shortlisted in ‘Community Benefit’

[email protected] | 01473 316 600 | www.concertus.co.uk2 Friars Bridge Road | Ipswich | Suffolk | IP1 1RR