Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice

Indigo was involved in this multi-award winning project right from the start. Situated in Green Belt land within an area of historic parkland, this world class facility is centered on sensitively restored and converted Victorian farm buildings of significant historic interest.

As part of our broad commission, Indigo undertook both detailed historic research and a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, as an aid to the successful negotiation of planning consent. Careful design of a topographically challenging site has allowed a significant area of new floor space to be incorporated, without impacting upon the historic setting or the openness of the Green Belt.

Both hard and soft landscape elements were restored as part of the scheme, with the reconstruction of ornate animal drinking ponds utilising traditional craftsmanship and materials; masons worked with locally sourced stone and specialist blacksmiths were employed to recreate and repair cast and wrought ironwork.

Ecological enhancements were also implemented, including pond restoration and the creation and management of species-rich meadows. Rare tree species were also reintroduced within the parkland.

The scheme also includes an extensive variety of external spaces, including courtyards, gardens, play areas, an orchard and sensitively designed car parking, set into the sloping site.

Following our intensive involvement we were rewarded with a Landscape Institute Design Award for the project.

For further information and images refer to the healthcare section of our website.