Houlton, Rugby - Key Phase 1

Houlton is the new large-scale strategic redevelopment of the former ‘Radio Station Rugby’ site. The first phase of this joint venture between Urban&Civic and Aviva Investors has been brought forward with a landscape budget of £1.5 million.

With landscape so integral to Houlton’s past, present and future, we’re on a 20-year journey with them to realise a shared vision: To create a landscape designed for life, with biodiversity at its core.

The primary objective for the landscape in KP1 was to set the tone for the entire Houlton development, acting as an exciting taster for what’s to come.

As part of the core project team we were integral in the design of KP1 and subsequent reserved matters applications. As lead landscape architects for Houlton, this included the detailed design and implementation of the first of three primary schools.

Underpinning our vision for Houlton’s landscape were three pillars that informed and shaped our design:
1. CELEBRATION (C) of Houlton’s local history and surrounding area
2. RETENTION (R) of inherited assets
3. INTEGRATION (I) of nature and communities

SUSTAINABILITY (R)
We retained existing orchard trees wherever possible and worked with Hillier Nurseries to source and plant salvaged stock from derelict UK orchards.

QUALITY OF CONCEPT (I)
Our design centres around a large network of inclusive and accessible wildlife corridors designed to encourage families to walk or cycle.

DESIGN QUALITY, APPROPRIATENESS AND EXPRESSION (C)
Our design work references and retains the historic ridge and furrow landscape found across much of the site and has reintroduced the Wyken Pippin – a rare and local Warwickshire variety. We also designed and procured bespoke street furniture for the site in partnership with a local carpenter.

ABILITY TO MEET AND ADDRESS THE BRIEF (I)
The residents of KP1 have already formed a thriving community, despite being pioneers on an active development site – with landscape as the catalyst for daily activity.

DEMONSTRATION OF DESIGN VALUE TO CLIENT (I)
Through the design of the landscape, we’ve helped Urban&Civic create an instant village feel, that influenced the ‘Come home to Houlton’ marketing and helps to sell the lifestyle.

ROBUSTNESS (C)
Materials have been selected to provide quality, simplicity and durability and with a sustainable and reliable supply chain. Selection of native and local species and integration with sustainable methods of water management also ensure that the landscape will adapt as it matures.

IMAGINATIVE WAYS OF INVOLVING STAKEHOLDERS (I)
As well as extensive community consultation, we developed and implemented the wayfinding strategy for Houlton including a series of hand-drawn sketches and fun facts to bring biodiversity to life.

ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY (R)
Working alongside Ecology Solutions, we developed a ‘Nature Recovery Network’, protecting and designing the landscape around the incumbent population of Great Crested Newts.

BIOLOGICAL CREDITS (I)
Consisting of over 14 hectares of wildflower meadow, KP1 is a haven for bees, other pollinators and wildlife.

Coupled with the new community hub at Dollman Farm, our unique approach to play acts as a major draw for families and potential home buyers; unlocking value for Urban&Civic and housebuilders from day one.

We’ve also innovated through arboriculture. Our determination to not only save but enhance Houlton’s orchards resulted in a detailed process of research into the native tree species of Warwickshire and the use of historic, ‘wild-wood’ species.

KP1 at Houlton is the culmination of over 5 years of collaborative working; bringing together like-minded professionals to create a development that not only meets but significantly exceeds the needs of residents – all whilst protecting and enhancing the natural environment.