Member Article

Pegasus Group works on landscape proposal for Grade II Listed masterpiece

Plans to convert Grade II listed buildings in Surrey into a retirement living complex have proved to be a landscape architect’s dream merging historic and contemporary designs. National consultancy Pegasus Group was appointed to provide landscape design to support Eden Retirement Living’s proposals to turn Grade II*-listed CEMEX House, originally designed by architect Ted Cullinan, into an 81-home ‘later living’ village near Egham. The landscape design includes walled gardens for allotments and informal lawns that could be used for bowls and croquet. The development stands within a parkland-style landscape complete with an ornamental pond. The buildings sit within Green Belt and blend into the landscape through the integration of an extensive green roof. Pegasus Group, which was appointed last November, worked closely with architects, Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt adopting an integrated and progressive design approach. A detailed planning application was submitted in April. Andrew Cook, Pegasus Group Executive Director, said: “This is a large site, rich in historical context and design layout. To work on a project of this kind is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that every landscape architect dreams of. “It provides a combination of green roof and courtyard design, herbaceous formal and walled gardens, an arboretum parkland, lakes and its associated habitats which then merge with the innovative contemporary new build architecture that provides opportunities for 21st Century contemporary landscape design to further enhance the site.” Due to Ted Cullinan’s innovative design, the proposals would see the existing roof gardens restored, taking the initial design concepts and reinstating them as originally envisioned by Cullinan himself.
The scheme also includes high-quality formal gardens and gazebos to take in the views. Arboretum Parkland would include feature tree species, new seating, footpaths and artwork. A sheltered gazebo is also proposed which could be used for yoga classes. The plans also include a building with mezzanines to provide additional residential apartments complete with green roof garden design and an extensive ecological corridor. Pegasus Group has more than 260 skilled and experienced staff operating from 12 offices across 11 locations throughout the UK. Their services span the entire project process from planning through to design and delivery, specialising in planning, design, environment, economics and transport.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Judith Sanders .