CLB Studio was appointed as a Landscape Consultant to develop the design and public realm strategy for Higgate Studios, a commercial development in Kentish Town, London.
What will make it so unique is its sense of belonging to the essence of what characterises Kentish Town and Highgate Studios itself: the industrial character, the edginess, the grit, verve, and informal character of its diverse communities.
Kentish Town, London, UK
Hondo Enterprises
11,160 sqm (5000 sqm of public space and rooftops)
2022 - 2023
RIBA Stages 2 and 3
Planning Permission granted
Eleni Mente & Antony Nelson
(Landscape Architects)
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CLB Studio has been appointed as a Landscape Consultant to transform 2,800 m2 of existing leftover outdoor spaces into a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive environment for the tenants and the local community and 2,100 m2 of terraces and green roofs into areas to relax, socialise and enjoy nature with a design that blends effortlessly with the industrial character of the site.
SITE & PRECEDENTS
The development is a collection of 10 former interconnected factories and warehouses in a site of 21,178m2 that have been adapted predominantly for office use. The buildings have been built consecutively over time leaving open spaces residuals configured as patios but of very low quality and comprising mostly hard surfaces and with very few spaces of amenities for users. Much of these zones are used as parking lots and vehicular routes. Through the study of various yard precedents we defined the various elements and proportions suitable for our site.
Site historical evolution.
Image by Pierce & Co
Through the study of various yard precedents we defined the various elements and proportions suitable for our site.
Yards precedents study
Image by Pierce & Co
STRATEGY
We envisioned the new Highgate Studios as a place for everyone to discover, relax, engage, socialise and enjoy.
The connections between the 2 sides through the new Highgate Passage, the strengthening of Carkers Lane as the main pedestrian access to the future Murphy’s Yard and the enhancement of the existing yards with distinctive characters are the key design proposals.
Movement and access strategy.
Landscape Character areas proposed.
Creating distinctive yards...
... that enhance the industrial character of the site
PLACEMAKING & CHARACTER
What will make this place so unique is its sense of belonging to the essence of what characterises Kentish Town and Highgate Studios itself: the industrial character, the edginess, the grit, verve, and informal character of its diverse communities. A careful selection of materials and landscape features were proposed in order to achieve this.
Hardscape features proposed to reveal the existing ground
Hardscape features and materials proposed to enhance the industrial character of the site.
SUSTAINABILITY
We proposed various sustainable strategies across the site, such as raingardens, rainwater collection for irrigation, permeable paving and a low maintenance planting palette with mostly native species. Based on the overshadowing study, we also identified the optimal areas for seating and the suitable planting species depending on the amount of light available on 21st March (as per BRE Guidelines).
Besides the spatial qualities of the proposal, the opportunity to maximise the greenery currently almost inexistent on the site, will bring benefits not just aesthetically but in terms of well being.
