christopher mitton portfolio

CONTENTS

"the most underused assetin leeds is above our heads"

1.0LIVING DOCKS HULL

LEEDS ROOFTOP GREENS

THE CITY GARDEN LEEDS

2.0

3.0

1.0LIVING DOCKS HULLRising sea levels provide us with the opportunity to rethink relationships between people and nature, the usual form of defence to protect us from the tide has been to build a wall. The Living Docks in Hull aim to reintroduce existing soft infrastructure techniques to environmentally enrich the waterfront and provide adequate protection from rising sea levels.

Principles

• Connect surrounding residential areas to the waterfront.

• A park for all.

• Support social cohesion through public space.

• Provide opportunities for recreation and education.

• Engage local community in the evolution of the dock.

• A beacon for the waterfront.

The Site

St Andrews, Albert and William Wright Docks lie to the west of Hull city centre. Enclosed by the A63 to the north and River Humber to the south the linear site contains a mixture of redundant and underused industrial buildings. The three docks dominate the site, with St Andrews Dock no longer active and Albert and William Wright Dock underutilised, the docks are a ghostly reminder of Hull’s industrial past. The site presents the perfect opportunity to reconnect the waterfront with the surrounding area, and create a vibrant and attractive new public space.

CONTEXT

KC Stadium

Paragon Station

The DeepA63

River Humber

Queen’s Gardens

Albert & William Wright DocksSt Andrew’s Dock

St Andrew’s QuayRetail Park

Humber Bridge

City CentreMyton

Fig i

Fig ii

N

Fig i

Fig ii

Humber Dock

DESIGN PRINCIPLESPrinciples

• Enhance and celebrate heritage.

• Incorporate existing historic features.

• Breathe new life into the docks.

• Secure the future of the site.

• Redefine the area.

• Reactivate the waterfront.

• Heritage reflected in design.

Building With Heritage Living Dock exposes and integrates historic features found within the site.

The railway lines that once carried the trains that ran the fishermans’ catch to market are now used as a kerb or feature depending on the route a visitor takes. Integrated within the edging rails is strip lighting which uses light emitting diodes so not to disturb any surrounding wildlife, these animate the footpaths at night and create a safe and welcoming ambience to the park.

N

Living Docks

2011 1885 1820

River Humber

River Humber

Evolution Of The Shore

Routes of Former Railway Lines Provide The Inspiration For ‘Rails to Trails’

DESIGN PRINCIPLESPrinciples

• Safeguard important wildlife habitats.

• Opportunity to create rare saline habitats.

• Create a precedent for sea defences along the River Humber.

• Protect Hull from rising sea levels through sustainable flood defences.

• Increased biodiversity.

Rising Tide

With sea levels predicted to rise by up to 1m over the next 100 years the engineered defences along the River Humber will soon be overwhelmed by the rising tide. In addition to this important wildlife habitats such as salt marshes and intertidal zones will simply disappear into the estuary.

Building With Nature

The Living Docks redefines the approach to sea defences along the River Humber providing a sustainable long term solution to the threat of rising sea levels.

The existing flood defences will be removed and the land graded to create areas for new wildlife habitats to establish and thrive whilst mitigating the risk of any flooding.

Proposed

Existing

Moderate Risk

High Risk Low Risk

Functional Floodplain Hull Flood Risk Map

Living Docks

N

River Humber

Existing Residential

Lord Line Heritage and Nature Education Centre

Proposed Visitor Centre and Mixed-Use Commercial

Outlet

1in25 Year Flood 1in50 Year Flood

Open Drainage Channels

1in100 Year Flood

Detention Flood Basin

Community

Heritage and Trails

New Habitats

Flood Alleviation

Wetland

Grassland

Woodland

Saltmarsh Reedbed Marginal

Wet Grassland Tall Grassland Wildflower

Mixed Woodland Birch Thicket

To Holderness Coast

To Humber Bridge

Ferensway Public Realm Improvements

A63 Clive Sullivan Way Crossing

Skywalk

Rails to Trails

Realigned Trans Pennine Trail

Intertidal Vegetated Embankment

Wildlife Refuge

Saline Lagoon

Mixed Woodland

Existing Conservation Area

Exposed Mudflats

Reedbed

Green Corridors

Wet Grassland

Tall Grassland

Wet and Dry Ponds

River Humber

MASTERPLAN

2010

2100

The existing site condition is a working dock and industrial land, with limited public access to the riverfront.

Improvements to the access enable Albert and William Wright Docks to be opened to the public. Living Docks is born.

The creation of intertidal habitats allow the edges to be environmentally enriched and softened. Industrial land is continually acquired and turned into green space.

Final areas of land are acquired and regrading of land allow the detention area to be created protecting the neighbouring communities from flooding.

Over 80 years the site will be transformed from hard to soft. Creating valuable habitats for wildlife, a sustainable flood defence and recreational space for people.

Wetland

Grassland

Woodland

Saltmarsh Reedbed Marginal

Wildflower

Mixed Woodland Birch Thicket

To Holderness Coast

PHASING SCHEMATICS

RAILS TO TRAILS

Rails to TrailsReedbed Wildlife Refuge

Open Water

Common ReedPhragmites australis

Purple LoosestrifeLythrum salicaria

Reedbed and Marginal

Yellow Flag IrisIris pseudacorus

BulrushTypha gracilis

N

Albert Dock

Spring/Summer

Autumn/Winter

Habitat Zones

Ecology

RAILS TO TRAILS

Rails Granite and Grass Path Resin Bound Gravel

Wildflower Meadow

White Japanese Rose Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’

Maiden GrassMiscanthus sinensis ‘Graclimus’

Feather Reed Grass Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’

Guelder RoseViburnum opulus

European Black PinePinus nigra

Native Shrub MixBlack BirchBetula nigra

Ornamental Planting Key Trees Wildlife Refuge Meadow

Resin Bound Gravel

THE SHORE

River Humber(Mean High Tide)

Mean Low Tide

Mean High Tide

River Humber

The Shore

Spring High Tide

Spring High Tide 2100

Elevated Timber Boardwalk Viewing Platform

High Tide Timber Deck Bridge Granite Rock RevetmentLow Tide

Spring/Summer

Sea Club RushBolboschoenusmaritimus

Autumn/Winter

Intertidal HabitatHabitat Zones

Ecology

Sea PurslaneAtriplex portulacoides

Sea AsterAster tripolium

Micro Algae Sea Arrow GrassTriglochin maritima

Sea CouchElytrigia atherica

River Humber(Mean Low Tide)

N

Native Shrub Mix

HawthornCrategus monogyna

Common HazelCorylus avellana

Reedbed Lagoon

Common ReedPhragmites australis

BlackthornPrunus spinosa

Dog RoseRosa Canina

Resin Bound Gravel

Albert Dock

Open Water

THE SHORE

"the most underused assetin leeds is above our heads"

2.0LEEDS ROOFTOP GREENS

CONTEXTSite Location

Situated in the City of Leeds, West Yorkshire, Clarence Dock home of the Royal Armouries, is located on the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The Trans Pennine Trail follows surfaced paths along the riverside, and is within easy reach of the City Centre.

Bus StationBriggate

Train Station

Royal Armouries

Site Description

Clarence Dock is a leisure destination and hosts a large residential population in waterside apartments. The dock was developed as a £250 million mixed-use development between 2001 and 2007 and is located alongside the Royal Armouries, which attracts 1.5million visitors per year. The site is prodominantly hard landscaped with occasional tree planting. A large percentage of the roof space is flat and offers great potential for a mix of green or brown roof spaces.

LivingstoneHouse

RoyalArmouries

CanalBasin

Bland outlook

Lack of green space

De-void of habitat activity

Sterile environment

Aims

• Minimal maintenance

• Use of locally sourced recycled materials

• Make the most of the structural capacity of the roof

• Encourage volunteers and local enterprises

• Reflect local habitats

• Provide educational opportunities

• Produce visually stimulating and colourful spaces

Vision Statement

The ‘Leeds Rooftop Greens’ are unique spaces on top of buildings for people to enjoy and experience nature on their doorstep. The spaces can be experienced by stepping out on to them or they can be viewed from inside buildings.

The aim is to promote the use of green and brown roof technology with in Leeds to create a more sustainable city; deliver attractive places to work and live; create a low carbon city; adapt to the effects of climate change and create habitats found in Leeds, that support typical and rare species, whilst contributing to the regional and national biodiversity.

The image above shows the potential green roof areas around the city that provide a stepping stone for feeding birds and insects. Introducing areas accessible to the public and closing areas off for beneficial biodiversity. Within the Clarence Dock complex residents will live side by side with nature fulfilling a healthier lifestyle.

VISION

N

Existing tree planting

Existing ornamental planting

Proposed extensive brown roof (no access)

Proposed extensive brown roof (with access)

Proposed extensive green roof (with no access)

Proposed extensivegreen roof (with access)

Proposed seating areaPrivate / Services / Plant room

CAR PARK

CASINO

SAVILLES

HOLIDAY INN

RIVER AIRE

THE ROYAL ARMOURIES

LIVINGSTONE HOUSE

LA SALLE

BROWNFIELD SITE

CANAL BASIN

ARMOURIES SQUARE

THE BO

ULEVARD

A

B

B

MASTERPLAN

Key

N

EXIS

TIN

G C

ON

DIT

ION

Section A-ALimestone substrate

mix 75mm depthEM6 meadow

mixtureTimber deck walkway to be constructed from reclaimed

timber

PRO

POSE

D C

ON

DIT

ION

Proposal

The Load capacity of the roof is to be confirmed by a chartered structural engineer; however preliminary indications (and the presence of a large air conditioning unit) suggest that the roof is of sufficient strength to support an extensive green roof.

A green roof is proposed that will support low in nutrient plant species that will meet the objective of benefiting biodiversity and complies with the Leeds Local Biodiversity Action Plan. People gain benefits being able to experience the space and views over Leeds.

A root protection mat can be laid onto the existing waterproofing and this can be covered with an insulation layer, 25mm deep reservoir/drainage board, filter sheet and 75mm of limestone substrate with crushed brick and recycled organic waste with organic waste not to exceed 25% by weight. The limestone substrate mix can be planted to create borders of wildflower perennials which enclose a low growing open biodiverse area.

OverviewClient: Crosby Lend Lease

Reason for brown roof: The client wanted a roof that visitors could sit out on and also provide an educational resource for visiting schools whilst creating a wildflower habitat with low maintenance. Type of brown roof: Extensive green roof

Size of brown roof: 1617m²

Build up of roof: Requires a minimum of 75mm of local substrate, as the substrate is deeper than the lightweight blanket it can support a greater diversity of plants. Grasses and herb species will flourish. Drainage will be required because the roof is flat.

EXTENSIVE GREEN ROOF

EXIS

TIN

G C

ON

DIT

ION

Section B-BRoof Parapet

Wildflower Planting

Timber Logs/Railway Sleepers

Mould dune sand andcompacted crushed brick and concrete

Aggregate, Crushed Brick and Limestone

Substrate

Gentle slope facing south west

PRO

POSE

D C

ON

DIT

ION

ProposalThe load capacity of the roof is to be confirmed by a chartered structural engineer. A brown roof is proposed that will support low in nutrient plant species that will meet the objective of benefiting biodiversity and complies with the Leeds Local Biodiversity Action Plan. The roof top is designed so it is attractive to look at all year round as it is over looked by residential buildings.

The design includes some variation in landform creating micro-habitats including unvegetated areas using recycled stone and timber sleepers from local brownfield sites that will increase the potential for biodiversity.

OverviewClient: Crosby Lend Lease

Reason for brown roof: The client wanted a roof that would provide interest all year round with the need for minimal maintenance.

Type of brown roof: Extensive brown roof

Size of brown roof: 2215m²

Build up of roof: Local substrate varying in depth, using recycled aggregate from site or sourced locally and left to colonise naturally with the alternative of being seeded with an annual wildflower mix from a local seed source.

EXTENSIVE BROWN ROOF

The City Garden that embraces the natural elements to create a healthy and vibrant place.

3.0THE CITY GARDEN LEEDSThe City Garden will bring the senses to life allowing visitors the opportunity to experience nature and natural phenomenon. The vision is of a sustainable greenspace that celebrates rainfall and nature, to the benefit of the city and its inhabitants. A park designed for the city but, it is our interaction that it evokes a uniquely personal experience. The park is experienced through the stimulation of our senses, our enjoyment, our health, our wellbeing are the outcome. The park is a place of recreation and quiet contemplation in the heart of the city, creating a green gateway connecting the city to the north and south of the River Aire.

Principles

MOVEMENTTree lined avenues act as way makers along the main routes.

HOUSING & COMMUNITYHigh quality, low carbon, affordable housing and office space that support sustainable communities.

CULTURE & HERITAGEConserving and enhancing the new landscape and value of cultural resources. Appreciation of the heritage and its importance to the area using the listed buildings for a modern use forming an integral part of the park.

NATUREEncouraging nature to thrive in an urban environment by providing a mosaic of habitats.

HEALTH AND WELLBEINGThe inspiration gained from interacting with nature and the accessibility of nature in an urban environment. Providing open space for a variety of activities.

FOODFruit orchards and herb patches are open for people to pick and help grow, as they would in their own garden. Roof top allotments for residents.

EDUCATIONAn outdoor classroom-visitor centre for local children and local people to learn about the park.

EMPLOYMENT and ECONOMIC VITALITY: A commercial hub attracting business to the surrounding area.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Green roofs form part of new energy efficient buildings. Tree planting helping to regulate the urban micro climate. Interventions that deal with surface run off in an economically viable way.

CON

CEPT

123

4

5

67

8

MASTERPLAN

Connectivity

• Major pedestrian and cycle routes between north and south linking the city centre with the park.

• Movement across the park form part of the people and nature experience, the path meanders through interchanging zones.

Buildings

• Predominantly mixed use• Hub - Listed buildings• Buildings designed to allow sunlight into the area• round floor frontages to be commercial use

Nature

1. Wildflower meadow with barley2. Community orchard3. Wet grassland4. Courtyard rain gardens

Sustainable Drainage 5. Shallow water channel 6. Bio-swales7. Rain gardens8. Green roofs

ADELPHI GATEWAY

BREWERY PARK

RIVERSIDE