Education – Roundfield

24/02/2023

Bristol Charity Hub

The aim of Bristol Charities is to create a rich, engaging, playful and resilient landscape with intrinsic ecological value that is inclusive for users and residents of all ages. A truly intergenerational, multi functional communal landscape. The proposed communal square forms a welcoming space, characterised by diverse rain gardens and mixed tree planting. Functionally it is designed as a fully integrated system. This incorporates a biodiverse mix of species as well as smaller spaces and features that invite use in a number of ways. The sustainable drainage system is entirely integral to the central space. Rainwater activates the landscape by first being collected from rainwater pipes and hard surfaces before being directed into central rain gardens which in turn absorb the rainfall into the soil and slowly release the excess to groundwater. Alleviating urban run off and increasing climate resilience. "It is our responsibility to ensure our designs respond to the complex environmental...

13/03/2018

by bd

Cwm Irfon Barns

We have the pleasure of working with a stunning site north of the Brecon Beacons, Powys. Currently a field of rough pasture bordered by a stream with a pair of stone barns being converted into an events centre designed by Kin Architects. Our brief is to create a multi-functional productive space that is a place to visit, grow, eat and play. A new orchard planted with local hardy fruit varieties provides the framework for the garden that features dynamic perennial planting, a productive understorey of soft fruit and herbs and a new pond. Construction and planting has begun on site....

09/03/2018

by bd

Nature and Wellbeing Centre

A concept developed in collaboration with Barefoot Architects in response to an open RIBA competition to design a 'Nature and Wellbeing Centre' for Sevenoaks Nature Reserve in Kent The brief required the buildings and the landscape design to "promote learning, wellbeing, curiosity and nature" and "wherever possible it should build the connection with nature and be designed with health outcomes in mind for staff working within the centre and for visitors and centre−users". A thoughtful approach to sustainable construction and function was essential. The scheme takes a holistic approach to landscape design and building that attempts to depart with the often passive experience of visiting a nature reserve in favour of a place that is active and playful, providing opportunity to physically connect with the landscape where ever possible. The layout of the buildings is inspired by the branching of leaves and responds to the existing path network of the site. 'Treading lightly',...

04/10/2016

by bd

University of Greenwich: Edible Garden

Roundfield were invited to design and implement an Edible Garden project at the Avery Hill Campus of the University of Greenwich. We worked with the sustainability team, volunteer employees and students to co-design, build and plant the garden in three phases. The first phase included extensive allotment style planting beds, a community composting area, a covered seating area, a coppice shelterbelt, and the initial structure planting for the forest garden (the trees!). In phase 2 we planted the rest of the forest garden with hundreds of bush fruit and groundcover herbs. The final phase was the creation of a large wildlife pond and decked seating area. Community landscape projects like this are so rewarding as we get to share knowledge and experiences with so many volunteers....

04/10/2016

by bd

Spitalfields City Farm

Roundfield were appointed by Spitalfields City Farm in July 2012 to design a new community garden on a corner of the farm that was recently handed back by Network Rail following the construction of the East London Line. The brief put food growing at its heart, and included a challenging list of other requirements such as integrating animal grazing, encouraging wildlife, providing shelter and seating, a forest garden, water harvesting and incorporating a totem sculpture for outdoor events. And of course a spiral… The design features a traditional intensive food growing area to the south, which includes raised beds and an experimental ‘mini-field’ area. This is contrasted with a more perennial based system in the proposed forest garden to the north. This creates a south to north transition from high to low maintenance food production. The two areas are separated by a planted swale, and linked via a sheltered boardwalk which...

Archive

Bristol Charity Hub

Cwm Irfon Barns

Nature and Wellbeing Centre

University of Greenwich: Edible Garden

Spitalfields City Farm