Marlborough Court
Marlborough Court accessed via an archway on Walton Street, Chelsea. Containing more than 80 flats in two blocks, which at the time were 120 years old, it meant that the courtyard that was overlooked by the flats, was extremely dated as it had little to no modifications made to it, since the flats were build. Chris Dyson Associates was appointed to review planting, surface and services in the courtyard and develop the scheme.
The Project
- Value £490K
- Duration 3 months
- Location Kensington
- Architects Chris Dyson
- Client Resident Association
- Main Contractor Frosts Landscapes
Key Features
- Bespoke oval metal tree grilles
- Buff coloured Yorkstone paving
- Ilex crenata hedging
- Water feature
- Cellars below used as airraid bunkers in WWII
- Integrated lighting
Key Stats
- 607m²Yorkstone Paving
- 91m²Resin bound Gravel
- 12Silver Birch Trees
- 166lmSlot and channel drains
- 213m³Existing paving and sub-base to be broken and removed
- 60m³Topsoil to planters
Project Challenges
- Maintaining access for residents at all times
- Restricting the noise and dust produced from works
- Number of services running through the courtyard
- Below ground structure limited the size of plant which could be used
- Existing concrete structures limited the available depth
- Below ground UKPN sub station to be protected and worked around
Marlborough Court
Marlborough Court accessed via an archway on Walton Street, Chelsea. Containing more than 80 flats in two blocks, which at the time were 120 years old, it meant that the courtyard that was overlooked by the flats, was extremely dated as it had little to no modifications made to it, since the flats were build. Chris Dyson Associates was appointed to review planting, surface and services in the courtyard and develop the scheme.
The scheme introduces 7 silver birch trees along the length of the courtyard. Elliptical tree grids with inset lights subtly up-light the silver tree trunks, designed to direct the residence through the courtyard. Planted boarders have increased privacy to lower ground floor apartments. The modified Walton Street, entrance gives step-free access with up lights washing the covered walkway.
New bespoke galvanised steel ellipse tree grilles were designed and installed by Frosts with a matching elliptical granite trim specially cut to house the frame
After a very protracted tender process which included some value engineering, we were then appointed as the principle contractor. The scheme included Huddersfield Buff Yorkstone paving from China, granite setts & edgings and resin bound gravel. New bespoke galvanised steel ellipse tree grilles were designed and installed by Frosts with a matching elliptical granite trim specially cut to house the frame. Subtle lighting has been installed by us utilising integrated accent lighting to create an atmospheric night-time environment for residents. The existing paving and subbase had to be careful removed and the tree pits were carefully located to avoid damaging the below ground structures which were used as raid bunkers in WW2.
Residents remained in their flats throughout the works being completed, so it meant having to make a few adjustments to our works, to allow the residents to carry on living with as few disruptions as possible, so this meant postponing things such as; noisy works until later on in the mornings, this was done to try and not disturb the residents first thing in the mornings. Regardless of the disruptions, we were able to complete the project and it is now able to be enjoyed by the residents living around the courtyard.
Marlborough Court Gallery
A look at the project through our photo and video gallery
