Elstree Campus
A meadow spectacle!
Location: Elstree, Hertfordshire, UK
Client: Confidential
Year: 2021
Site Area: 8,000 m2
Landscape design competition for the entrance and central spine of the new campus at Elstree. The approach looks to reflect the semi-rural and bucolic nature of the surrounding landscape within a structured and colourful manner, alongside overcoming some of the issues present including shade from the large adjoining buildings, prevailing winds, and the large scale of space provided.
Our approach applies a beautiful, colourful, multi-seasonal flower rich meadow to the full length of the central spine and includes a scattering of birch trees along its length to imitate the edge of a woodland scene. The white trunks of the birch trees contrast with the vibrant colour of the perennial meadow, help deflect the wind and provide height alongside the buildings.
At the entrance, a cherry tree plaza and seating area defines the arrival point into the building and will contribute to the spectacle of flower in the spring. A structured evergreen hedge leads the eye down through the space to a vista and helps reduce the width of the space to a comfortable human-scale.
A long path provides a processional route, while inserts within the meadow create spaces for bespoke, colourful seating and picnic tables so that visitors can enjoy the glorious meadow.
A large formal lawn provides a space for special events and gatherings. The flower rich perennial meadow is carefully blended with species that can cope with shade, semi-shade, but mostly sun, and all providing a great source of food for pollinators.
