Water Gardens secure fourth accolade at the Landscape Institute Awards

 A 1960s suspended car park roof garden has received industry recognition following a recent design upgrade project managed by Colliers International.

The Water Gardens in the Hyde Park Estate has been recognised by the Landscape Institute as winner of 2020 Awards in the category Excellence in Horticulture and Planting Design following its revamp in 2018/19. Colliers’ Project and Building Consultancy team coordinated the delivery of Refolo Landscape Architects’ design for the site owned by The Church Commissioners for England.

Originally designed by Philip Hicks in the 1960s the Brutalist style garden in the centre of a residential complex, covers the underground car park, however with water leaking into the space an upgrade was needed.

Refolo redesigned the 5,000 sq meter space, Colliers project managed the build by Makers Construction Limited and planting implemented by Bartholomew Landscaping which was completed in early 2019.

Judges at the Landscape Institute Awards described the updated garden as: “An inspiring example of a planting-led scheme. The project went beyond the original brief to explore the potential of planting across the site, and to take every opportunity to increase the green content. The range and diversity of planting and the commitment to sustainable practices, including the unforeseen use of SuDS to provide water for irrigation, were impressive. This is a highly inclusive and innovative project that has taken a refreshing and forward-looking approach to a historic site, and that has overcome and worked within considerable constraints.”

In addition to the above the scheme is also co-winner of the 2020 Ciria/Susdrain Awards in the Small Scale Retrofit category and won accolades with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Comments from the Ciria Award judges included: “A beautiful space creatively refurbished. Uncovering forgotten water management techniques. Bringing colour where so many grey spaces exist. This is quality thinking.”

Bernice Maher managed the project for Colliers, she said: “This was a very challenging and rewarding project to work on. As we were going through the build we discovered more about Hick’s original design which we were able to upgrade in order to create an effective sustainable urban drainage system, which will help to maintain the stunning planting which was included in the scheme. The gardens have really enhanced the development for the residents.”

Cristina Refolo, director of Refolo Landscape Architects added: “Colliers were absolutely critical in the success of the scheme. The scheme was in everyone’s heart and Bernice stretched beyond her standard duties, applying creativity and insight at every step of the project.”