We contributed to the landscape design of a corporate headquarters development incorporating a multi-storey office building, integrated parking and roof gardens within a complex, sloping site. The land descended steeply toward a perennial river corridor, which at the time was obscured by invasive vegetation and affected by variable flows originating from an upstream man-made dam conveyed beneath a major road.

A key requirement from the local authority was the provision of public pedestrian connectivity across the site. This was achieved through a carefully integrated sequence of steps, landings and a bridge crossing the riparian zone, allowing safe movement while respecting the steep topography.

The river channel displayed limited natural sinuosity, resulting in rapid peak flows during storm events and associated overflow risk. Bank stabilisation measures were therefore introduced using planting and gabion structures, combined with removal of invasive species and restoration planting to strengthen the ecological corridor.

At building level, extensive hard surfaces and exposed roof gardens created potential for urban heat island effects. Strategic tree planting was introduced on podium decks and roof terraces to provide shade, reduce heat gain and soften the built form. Staff amenity spaces were incorporated with sheltered seating areas to support informal use and social interaction.

The steep embankment was stabilised using native hydroseeding to ensure rapid establishment and erosion control, while dense frontage planting provided a buffer to the adjacent roadway and reinforced the river landscape. Roof gardens were planted with resilient local succulent species within lightweight engineered planters, incorporating high-performance growing media, geotextile separation layers and drip irrigation to manage water efficiently. Careful coordination of drainage and services ensured long-term functionality.

The completed landscape integrates access, ecology and workplace amenity, transforming a constrained and environmentally sensitive site into a functional and legible corporate setting.