Project: Arboricultural & Ecological Assessments for a major development at Ibstock Place School, Roehampton, London.
Scale of project: The demolition of an existing school refectory and outbuildings and construction of a new refectory.
Deliverables:
- Preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA)
- Preliminary roost assessment (PRA).
- Ecological Method statement
- Root Radar Assessment – in conjunction with Sharon Hosegood Associates Ltd
- Arboricultural Impact Assessment
- Arboricultural Method Statement
Awards: Architecture Journal Architecture School Award 2021
Overview:
Mitigating significant arboricultural and ecological assets proved to be an exciting and rewarding challenge when considering the development of a new refectory at Ibstock Place School. These needed to be assessed and efficiently communicated across a number of stakeholders: The client, Architects (Maccreanor Lavington), the tree and ecology officers at the local planning authority and the engineers (HRW). A plan was devised to mitigate tree loss with bat potential, enable the retention of mature trees, protect trees during development and retain bat roosting potential on-site.
The PEA and PRA identified the potential presence of roosting bats and nesting birds and on completion of emergence surveys Ecological and Arboricultural Method Statements were produced to mitigate the site constraints.
We provided an Arboricultural Clerk of Works throughout the development.
Customer Testimonial:
“Wharton provided detailed tree and ecology pre-application advice as well as pragmatic solutions which helped prevent a costly 12-month project delay. This included proactive communication with Council Officers and agreeing working methods in relation to both protected trees and species. They continue to work with the planning team in order to assist taking the school towards a successful planning decision.” – Ibstock Place School
Other Comments:
“Striking combination of space, style and success makes this a contender for ‘most transformed school’ award…” Good Schools Guide 2017.
“ It blows your socks off in terms of the architecture” – Architecture Journal Architecture School Award judges 2021.
