Heriot-Watt University

In 1966 Midlothian County Council offered the newly founded Heriot-Watt Watt University the Riccarton Estate for development of a campus uni­versity in the West Edinburgh Green Belt. Weddles has been on the design team since 1968, making it the longest running project for us. Heriot-Watt University was the first campus with a Science Park in Britain. The Research Park is now on its fifth phase of expansion.

The University required new student residences, sports facilities, academic teaching and research, administration, social and catering and maintenance buildings. All development for an initial 3500 students, rising to 5000 and with future expansion space had to be fitted within the historic setting of the 17th century landscape Riccarton Estate. In addition, Heriot-Watt Watt University was to have the first UK Research Park. The Devel­opment Office was tasked to implement a phased transfer of Univer­sity departments from Central Edinburgh to the new campus.

Location:

Durham, UK

Type:

University Masterplan

Area:

45ha

Value:

30M

Client:

Heriot-Watt University

Unite St Vincents

We’re working with Unite Students, Bowmer & Kirkland and HCD Architects to deliver the redevelopment of St Vincents Church. We have been involved from the outset providing Tree Survey and Ecology services, and subsequently a landscape concept for private student coutyards and a public square adjacent to the church.

Following a successful planning application we have developed detailed construction and planting information and a public art strategy. The project is now progressing very quickly onsite.

The public courtyard will be flanked by a line of semi-mature trees and shrub beds will provide a buffer to the adjacent development while the significant level changes have provided an opportunity to create terraces of informal seating.

Location:

St Vincents, Sheffield

Type:

Student Residential

Area:

0.8 hectares

Client:

Unite Students

St John’s College

Location:

St John’s College, Bramcote, Nottingham, UK

Type:

Residential

Area:

1 hectares

Value:

£40m

LEALANDS HIGH SCHOOL

Lealands High School is a community school with Specialist Sports College status for 11-16 year olds on the northern edge of Luton. Weddles worked as sub-consultants to GSS Architecture under the Luton Building Schools for the Future (BSF).

The school under went a major extensions and alterations project and Weddles provided a rage of Landscape Architectural, Arboricultural and Ecology services throughout the design and construction phases of the project.

It is rewarding to be involved with projects where we can create learning environments which will help inspire and nurture young people.

Location:

Luton, UK

Type:

Education

Area:

5.6 hectares

Value:

£17.5m

Client:

Wates Construction / Luton Borough Council

St Crispin’s House

This project proposes the conversion and extension of St Crispin’s House, a concrete office block built in 1970’s into a student residence with associated communal areas and landscaping. We worked closely with HCD Architects to develop a Landscape Scheme which complements their proposed building design. We also undertook a Tree Survey to support the application.

The development also enlarges the building with additional floors. As the building is located on the edge of a Conservation Area we were also commissioned to provide Verified Photomontages to allow an assessment of visual impact on the surrounding historical resource.

The application has now been submitted to Norwich City Council for consideration and we look forward to hearing the outcome.

Location:

St Crispin’s House, Norwich

Type:

Student Residential

Area:

1 hectares

Value:

£15m

Client:

Private

Yangtze River Science Centre

Yangtze estuary science and technology museum, built in Baoshan District of Shanghai. It is set within the Yangtze River estuary and Taiwan Wetland Park, and adjacent to the Wusong riverside area. The development reflects the completion of the Yangtze Estuary.

The design demonstrates the local water systems, waterways, biological & ecological characteristics as well as the ecological evolution of technology and the human intervention.

The overall design has three core, ecological themes:

1. Building a grass roof, creating a fusion of architecture and surroundings, with significant ecological effect.
2. Interplay between ecological green walls and hard mirrored walls, creating visually interesting effect, while widening the depth of field from the limited space.
3. The Landscape design includes dramatic moving water, where it combines pools and fountains with dramatic wooden platforms.

The result is a modern, ecological, high-tech landscape.

Location:

Shanghai, China

Type:

Commercial

Area:

0.6ha

Value:

£5M

Client:

Shanghai Baoshan District, Science and Technology Committee

Projects

Bradford University Atrium

Weddles were the horticultural consultants for the atrium of the new Richmond Building at the University of Bradford. The proposal was designed to help the development achieve BREEAM Outstanding.

The atrium is a stunning triple height space, overlooked by a mezzanine gallery. This relaxed and informal setting will be the location for the exhibition as well as arrival, breaks and lunch catering, providing a great central point for both networking and hospitality.

The Atrium was divided into two areas, the ‘Drought Garden’ which included desert and drought tolerant plants that provide all year round interest with no irrigation needed, and the  ‘ Climate Change Garden’ which showcases plants tolerant to future climate change, Mediterranean sourced and full of colour, smell, texture and sound.

In February 2012, The University of Bradford received national recognition for its sustainable building programme, through the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Carbon Champion of Year Award.

Location:

Bradford, UK

Type:

Atrium

Value:

2M

Area:

0.1ha

Client:

Bradford University

Marsh Farm Children’s Centre

Location:

Luton, UK

Type:

Children’s Centre

Area:

1ha

Value:

£2M

Client:

Luton Borough Council

Durham University

The college building was on an important historic view point seen from the world heritage site of Durham City.

Weddles solution was to use a low maintenance sedum roof system which was also light weight and provided insulation to the building.

This landmark building is the first green roof on the university campus and has been widely praised for its attractive, environmental friendly appearance.

Location:

Durham, UK

Type:

Education

Area:

8ha

Value:

£30M

Client:

Durham University