Aarhus residence, Denmark
Aarhus residence, Denmark by CEBRA when designing these new apartment buildings in aarhus, denmark, CEBRA architecture began with one of the most important spaces for a community: the
Residential sites
Landscape led Layouts
Introduction
As set out in our Strategic Design Principles, our guiding principle for designing a development is a ‘landscape-led’ approach. The residential development should incorporate a layered approach starting from the strategic objectives to the site context to ensure the design is influenced by and knits into the wider community and existing landscape successfully.
Features of landscape led layouts
- Sustainable drainageSuDS are a natural approach to managing drainage in and around properties and other developments. Sustainable drainage measures are ones which avoid adding to flood risks both at a development site and elsewhere in the catchment by replicating natural drainage processes. SuDS work by slowing and holding back the water that runs off from a site, alleviating flooding and allowing natural processes to break down pollutants. More methods
- Street trees
- Limited sealed surfaces
- Permeable surfaces for parking
- Hedgerow used for boundaries
- Green walls and climbing plants encouraged
- Green planting on car port
- Green roofs
- Grass with groundcover edging
RSRL 1
Landscape led
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Residential layouts must be landscape led and designed around open spaces. Existing landscape features, planting and key views into and out of the site must be retained and incorporated into the residential layout, street pattern and open spaces.
Description
Residential layouts must be design and landscape led, with housing quantum being the output of a context appropriate layout. The design must give precedence to existing landscape features and characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More when shaping a development for sites of any size. This can include long views and areas of landscape beyond the development boundaries. Consider what kinds of spaces exist in the surrounding area in order to define provision within the proposed site to ensure appropriate and balanced provision. Identify and preserve areas that have high ecological importance, particularly ancient and traditional landscapes. Identifying existing landscape and site features can help to inform the design of a residential development and provide a well established and natural means of creating a sense of placeA sense of place is the unique collection of qualities and characteristics that makes one town or development different to another. It lends meaning or attachment to a development or place, transforming it into a home, a neighbourhood, or a community. A sense of place is also what makes our physical surroundings worth caring about. More when incorporated into spaces or streets.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Area types:
- In New Places the contextThe context includes the immediate surroundings of the site, the neighbourhood in which it sits and the wider setting. The context may include the physical surroundings of topography, movement patterns and infrastructure, built form and uses. An understanding of the context, history and character of an area must influence the siting and design of new development. More for new development may be able to be drawn more widely where there will be a complete change in characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More to the immediate surrounding as a result of the new development or should be directed by a masterplan or Design Framework for the site.
Documents required:
- Context characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More appraisal (may be incorporated within the Design and Access Statement).
Examples of landscape led residential developments
Using existing landscape to inform the layout structure of residential project; Hortham Village by Barratt Homes is an example of a residential scheme that has retained mature landscape and incorporated into the open spaces which houses overlook
Principles of open space layouts
Central park; A residential layout built around a central park
Pocket parks; A residential layout built with a connected series of pocket parks
Urban square; A residential layout built around a central park
Linear parks; layout with long linear open streets and spaces
RSRL 2
Context and identity
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Applicants must demonstrate, based upon an understanding of the local context, that the development has a positive and coherent identity and can be positively integrated into its surroundings, reflecting and reinforcing the character of the area.
Description
Well-designed places are influenced positively by the surrounding landscape characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More, urban grainThe pattern of the arrangement of street blocks, plots and their buildings in a settlement. The degree to which an area’s pattern of blocks and plot subdivisions is respectively small and frequent (fine grain), or large and infrequent (coarse grain). Urban grain is a key component of defining the character of a place. More, patterns of built formForm is the three-dimensional shape and modelling of buildings and the spaces they define. Buildings and spaces can take many forms, depending upon their: size and shape in plan; height; bulk – their volume; massing – how bulk is shaped into a form; building lines – the alignment of building frontages along a street; and relationship to the plot boundary – and whether they share party walls or not. In the case of spaces, their form is influenced by the buildings around them. More and the local vernacular. Developments do not need to copy their surroundings in every way but they must have a strong identityThe identity or character of a place comes from the way that buildings, streets and spaces, landscape and infrastructure combine together and how people experience them. More or characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More that comes from the way that buildings, streets and spaces, landscape and infrastrucutre combine together. It is appropriate to introduce elements that reflect how we live today, to include innovation or change such as increased densities, and to incorporate new sustainable features or systems.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate that SuDSSuDS are a natural approach to managing drainage in and around properties and other developments. Sustainable drainage measures are ones which avoid adding to flood risks both at a development site and elsewhere in the catchment by replicating natural drainage processes. SuDS work by slowing and holding back the water that runs off from a site, alleviating flooding and allowing natural processes to break down pollutants. More solutions have been incorporated into the scheme in accordance with the drainage hierarchy.
Documents required:
- Site plan and landscaping plan
- Drainage Strategy as required by the Council’s adopted Validation Checklist.
Green spaces in the surrounding context
Look at the pattern and network of local open spaces and greenspace in the local area and where possible integrate this into layout of residential projects
RSRL 3
Sustainable urban drainage solutions
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Residential projects must include Sustainable Drainage solutions. SuDS must be one of the first considerations in setting out a residential layout and incorporated at the earliest opportunity when designing layouts, street networks and provision of open space.
Description
Sustainable solutions for drainage are a national requirement but also can become attractive spaces for visual amenityThe desirable or useful features of a building or place which support its ongoing use and enjoyment by building occupants, residents, visitors, workers etc. It is usually understood to mean visual and aural amenity. Factors relevant to amenity include the general characteristics of the locality (including the presence of any feature of historic, architectural, cultural or similar interest), daylight, sunlight, outlook, privacy, air quality, effects of wind, odour, noise and vibration. Amenity should be preserved, so potential impacts need to be assessed and managed. More and places where landscape can flourish.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate how the site’s internal movement network is connected to the wider area for both vehicles and active travelMaking journeys by physically active means like walking, wheeling or cycling, rather than motor vehicle. More and how the layout is legible to those both using and passing through the site.
Documents required:
- Site plan
- Landscaping plan
- Drainage strategy as required by the Council’s adopted Validation Checklist
Examples of sustainable urban drainage solutions
Principles of sustainable urban drainage
Swales
Shallow channels that provide attenuation while also channelling water to other features such as ponds.
Soakaways & Filter Drains
Shallow ditches and trenches filled with gravel or stones that collect uncontaminated water and allow it to percolate into the ground.
Rain capture
Water butts and other rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater for use in gardens or for non-potable uses reducing water consumption.
Rain Gardens
Containers and ditches with native drought tolerant plants release water gradually and flter-out pollutants.
Permeable Surfacing
Surfaces that allow water to percolate into the ground including, natural surfaces, gravel and low traffic volume engineered road surfaces and hardstandings in front gardens.
Basins and Ponds
Attenuation ponds that are normally dry but fill during a rain event and then either store or gradually discharge water to the system.
Reedbeds and Wetlands
Topography can be used to create wetlands that provide attenuation capacity as well as filtering out pollutants and providing habitat for wildlife.
Street tree planting
SuDSSuDS are a natural approach to managing drainage in and around properties and other developments. Sustainable drainage measures are ones which avoid adding to flood risks both at a development site and elsewhere in the catchment by replicating natural drainage processes. SuDS work by slowing and holding back the water that runs off from a site, alleviating flooding and allowing natural processes to break down pollutants. More designed into highway provision can provide dual use benefts when integrated with street tree provision.
RSRL 4
Active travel and street hierarchy
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Residential layouts must deliver a hierarchy of different streets that maximise active travel and provide an attractive public realm where communities can meet and children play.
Description
Active travelMaking journeys by physically active means like walking, wheeling or cycling, rather than motor vehicle. More routes must maximise opportunities to introduce links within, through and beyond the site to connect with exisitng routes and destinations, including local amenities such as parks, schools, shops and public transport corridors. Active travelMaking journeys by physically active means like walking, wheeling or cycling, rather than motor vehicle. More routes must be safe, attractive and legible.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate how the site’s internal movement network is connected to the wider area for both vehicles and active travelMaking journeys by physically active means like walking, wheeling or cycling, rather than motor vehicle. More and how the layout is legible to those both using and passing through the site.
Area types:
- For infill projects, not required where the size of the site is such that wayfindingBetter wayfinding means improving the ease with which people can navigate themselves to, from and within a place or development. More is not necessary.
- In New Places it should be demonstrated how this element fits in with a masterplan or Design Framework for the whole of the place.
Documents required:
- Site plan
- Landscaping plan and connectivity plan
- Code requirement signposted in the Design and Access Statement
Example of active travel and hierarchical layout
Pedestrian only homezones
Local residential streets with parking
Multi-modal public transport streets
Pedestrian only parks and open spaces
RSRL 5
Urban greening factor (UGF)
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
All residential projects must have a UGF score of over 0.4. A UGF of 0.5 must be delivered on on greenfield devleopment sites.
Description
The urban greening factorUGF is a tool used to improve the provision of green infrastructure and increase the level of greening in urban environments. It enables major developments to demonstrate how they have included urban greening as a fundamental element of site and building design. More will be used to evaluate the amount of green spaces, landscape and permeable surfaces on a residential site. A score of 0.4 is expected for all residential projects in Trafford, with a factor of 0.5 on greenfield sites. To use the calculator and generate your score click below.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- UGFUGF is a tool used to improve the provision of green infrastructure and increase the level of greening in urban environments. It enables major developments to demonstrate how they have included urban greening as a fundamental element of site and building design. More calculation included in either Design and Access Statement or Planning Statement
Features of urban greening score factors
RSRL 6
Development block layout
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Applicants must demonstrate that the design of residential development blocks has resulted from an analysis and compliance with the sub-chapter ‘Landscape led residential layouts’.
Description
Development blocks resulting from the design considerations in ‘Landscape led residential layouts’ may result in a formal or informal block arranagement depending on the contextThe context includes the immediate surroundings of the site, the neighbourhood in which it sits and the wider setting. The context may include the physical surroundings of topography, movement patterns and infrastructure, built form and uses. An understanding of the context, history and character of an area must influence the siting and design of new development. More.
Simple geometry should be adopted to create efficient plots, usable gardens, whilst minimising the number of gardens that face north.
The layout of development blocks is set by the framework that has been established by an assessment of the site context, landscape features.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Area types:
- In New Places it should be demonstrated how this element fits in with a masterplan or Design Framework for the whole of the place
Documents required:
- Site plan and landscaping plan. Code requirements signposted in the Design and Access
Examples of block shapes
Block shapes should create a balance between diversity and efficient plot shapes by using a combination of formal and informal block arrangements depending on site constraints and context.
Rectangle
Cranked
Informal
Principles of block size
Block size should be appropriate to the house types, parking arrangements and private amenityThe desirable or useful features of a building or place which support its ongoing use and enjoyment by building occupants, residents, visitors, workers etc. It is usually understood to mean visual and aural amenity. Factors relevant to amenity include the general characteristics of the locality (including the presence of any feature of historic, architectural, cultural or similar interest), daylight, sunlight, outlook, privacy, air quality, effects of wind, odour, noise and vibration. Amenity should be preserved, so potential impacts need to be assessed and managed. More spaces. A balance should be found between ample garden sizes and the permeabilityThe degree to which an area has a variety of pleasant, convenient and safe routes through it. More of the wider area to provide numerous direct walking routes.
Privacy distance between houses
Permeability of walking routes
Overshadowing between properties
Examples of simple block geometry
Blocks should be simple geometry to achieve efficient plots and usable gardens as well as orientate towards better daylight.
Block with 90 and 120 degree corners and edges
Block with 90, 120 and 150 degree corners and edges
Block with 90 and 120 degree corners and edges
Principles of block orientation
When designing layouts consider the orientation of buildings and their amenityThe desirable or useful features of a building or place which support its ongoing use and enjoyment by building occupants, residents, visitors, workers etc. It is usually understood to mean visual and aural amenity. Factors relevant to amenity include the general characteristics of the locality (including the presence of any feature of historic, architectural, cultural or similar interest), daylight, sunlight, outlook, privacy, air quality, effects of wind, odour, noise and vibration. Amenity should be preserved, so potential impacts need to be assessed and managed. More space. Balance the requirements for solar gain and south facing gardens whilst avoiding too many long straight streets
Block orientation for window solar gain
East to west facing blocks within 30 degrees of due south will provide the maximum number of south facing houses.
Block orientation for roof solar panels
Where north to south blocks are required, roof pitches should be orientated to allow for solar panels.
Block layout for solar gain
A rectangular block with longest elevation facing due south
Block layout for solar gain
A courtyard block with majority of houses facing towards south
RSRL 7
Vehicle parking
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Applicant’s must provide a parking strategy that does not result in vehicles dominating the streetscene.
Description
Applicant’s should provide vehicular parking using an appropriate range of solutions such as on-plot parking, courtyard parking, whilst also providing well landscaped dedicated on-street parking bays for visitors. Applicant’s must refer to the parking guidance set out in the ‘Houses’ and/or ‘Apartments’, and ‘Landscaping’ chapters.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Area types:
- In New Places it should be demonstrated how this element fits in with a masterplan or Design Framework for the whole of the place.
Documents required:
- Site plan
- Landscaping plan
- Transport assessment
- Code requirement signposted in the Design and Access Statement.
Example of combining courtyard parking with landscape and drainage solution
Residential sites landscape layouts case studies
Aura, great kneighton
Aura, Great Kneighton by Tate Hindle for Countryside Properties Aura is an example of how good new housing communities can be if a local authority
Derwenthorpe
Derwenthorpe by Studio Partington for Joseph Rowntree Foundation Derwenthorpe was one of the first large-scale low carbon communities in northern England. Its ‘green’ heating and
The Avenue in Saffron Walden
The Avenue by Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects for Hill This development inserts 76 new homes into a conservation area in a historic market town and
Hortham Village
Hortham Village by Barratt Homes The Hortham Village demonstrates how to create a place by simply retaining a large amount of existing landscape within the
