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ASH design + assessment was brought on board during the latter part of phase 1 construction by Barr, who are acting as the main contractor. Our remit was to provide advice and expertise on earthworks (a major problem of this site) and to provide detailed hard and soft landscape design.
Hard and Soft Landscape Design
The site provided many challenges and opportunities relating to the nature of the site and its location. Constrained by the sloping nature of the site and the constructed level of the building and sports pitches it was a challenge to provide a practical yet interesting landscape design solution which relates to its surroundings.
The planting design was developed using a simple palette of native and ornamental plants. The main structural planting is a mix of native woodland and scrub, which relates to the urban fringe location, and ties into the surrounding landscape. The emphasis on native plants will also help to encourage local wildlife and biodiversity and provide a sense of seasonal change. Various elements, such as an outdoor classroom area and a bird feeding area were also included to allow the landscape to be used as a teaching and learning resource.
The landscape and planting design was also developed in a way to maximise the existing views over Bute and to the hills of Arran. Ornamental feature planting has been used at entrances and access points to give a greater sense of arrival.
Phase 1 has now been completed with phase 2 underway and due for completion early in 2008. The final phase will then follow on and is due for completion in Spring 2008.
