London
,
The United Kingdom

Handyside Gardens

With every new building in a larger city, the number of open spaces for people to meet each other and enjoy life is reduced. The challenge is to rethink and develop green and blue spaces that promote greenery and social interaction, even when space is limited. With innovative edging systems, you can do just that.
London
,
The United Kingdom
2013
2015
Architects
Dan Pearson Studio
Landscape Architects
Landscape Gardener
Developer
London City
Contractor
Products in use

Smart rainwater management solves more problems in the cities

In the coming years, many larger cities have to come up with solutions for the challenges of increasing amounts of rainwater and more extreme weather. By implementing solutions that help protect densely populated and developed areas against flooding, the development of the square serves as an example to be followed when the rest of the city is to be climate-proofed. By actively making use of a city’s green areas in the fight against pollution and securing the city against cloudbursts, smart ways of handling rainwater solve a great deal of the problems, cities today are facing.

A cosy park in central London

Once an industrial hub, the site today has been transformed into a cosy strip of land wedged between modern buildings and the old railway tracks in King’s Cross area of London. The geometry of the park imitates the pattern of the railway sidings that once ran through the site, while the growth found on the original railway embankments inspired the newly planted greenery. The metro runs just 4.5 metres below the surface in this area, limiting the depth of the soil and the number of trees that can be planted in the area.

A cosy park in central London

Once an industrial hub, the site today has been transformed into a cosy strip of land wedged between modern buildings and the old railway tracks in King’s Cross area of London. The geometry of the park imitates the pattern of the railway sidings that once ran through the site, while the growth found on the original railway embankments inspired the newly planted greenery. The metro runs just 4.5 metres below the surface in this area, limiting the depth of the soil and the number of trees that can be planted in the area.

Green spaces reduce stress

Research shows that green spaces in urban settings have a significant positive impact on our well-being. People who live close to or in green urban areas show significantly fewer signs of stress, depression and anxiety. Parks and gardens are great meeting places with space for playing with kids or having a relaxed picnic with friends – all activities that have a proven positive impact on our well-being and quality of life.

Green spaces reduce stress

Research shows that green spaces in urban settings have a significant positive impact on our well-being. People who live close to or in green urban areas show significantly fewer signs of stress, depression and anxiety. Parks and gardens are great meeting places with space for playing with kids or having a relaxed picnic with friends – all activities that have a proven positive impact on our well-being and quality of life.

Contrast Freestyle is true to the original area

Handyside Park is challenged by the limited space and metro running below ground. To prevent damaging the underground it was essential that the park was established with a light-weight solution. While at the same time ensuring that the greenery of the park gets plenty of soil so it can grow and thrive. That unique combination was made possible with our innovative edging system, Contrast Freestyle™.

With inspiration in the way the original industrial area, edging systems are custom-made to realise the vision of the landscape architect. Shapes and the Corten steel are both inspired by the original railway tracks. Making room for people to stay and engage with each other in the small park, the edging integrates urban furniture that lets everyone enjoy the small space of nature.

Contrast Freestyle is true to the original area

Handyside Park is challenged by the limited space and metro running below ground. To prevent damaging the underground it was essential that the park was established with a light-weight solution. While at the same time ensuring that the greenery of the park gets plenty of soil so it can grow and thrive. That unique combination was made possible with our innovative edging system, Contrast Freestyle™.

With inspiration in the way the original industrial area, edging systems are custom-made to realise the vision of the landscape architect. Shapes and the Corten steel are both inspired by the original railway tracks. Making room for people to stay and engage with each other in the small park, the edging integrates urban furniture that lets everyone enjoy the small space of nature.

Make the most of surplus surface water with local rainwater harvesting
Flowerbeds are an ideal way of dealing with rainwater
The KerbCell™ system reduces the strain on the sewer system in the case of more intense rainfall
Green urban areas solve the challenges of more densely populated areas, and they improve quality of life for the people of the area.
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Walgerholm 13-15
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Denmark