News Building Connections Beyond Walls: Landscape’s Role in BTR

Building Connections Beyond Walls: Landscape’s Role in BTR

Features, News

February 05, 2025

Far from being just a place to live, the Build-to-Rent (BTR) model offers a modern, community-focused design that appeals particularly to those seeking urban living near transport hubs. The formula is effective because all necessary amenities, such as green spaces, community gardens, roof terraces, workspaces, gyms, and cafes, are within easy reach.

The BTR model fosters a diverse community of neighbourhoods under one roof, catering to the desire for meaningful connections and relationships. This approach presents a wide scope for various benefits that can meet the needs of the local population.

One of the most crucial benefits is the opportunity for integrated landscapes. Access to outdoor spaces in urban environments is vital. As our lives become faster-paced, buildings rise in height, cities grow more crowded, and our impact on the planet intensifies, the presence of green spaces offers a long-lasting positive impact on residents' mental health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy relationship between people and the environment is, therefore, essential. Chobham Manor in Stratford, London, illustrates this perfectly, with its design centred around three linked linear greens. These expansive green spaces, along with private terraces and communal gardens, create a strong connection between residents and nature, fostering well-being and community interaction.

Incorporating amenity spaces in BTR developments is not just an added bonus but fundamental to the success of the overall scheme. These communal or private spaces allow residents to unwind, socialise, and engage in recreational activities, significantly contributing to their well-being. The Robinson project in Wembley, designed by landscape architects LDA, and Canada Gardens, designed by PRP Landscape, exemplify this principle through vibrant outdoor spaces such as the Festival Gardens and a stunning rooftop terrace, both of which encourage social interaction and relaxation. Landscape-led community spaces, such as a serene 'peace garden' and playful elements like a Mad Hatter’s Garden, create a sense of belonging in what could otherwise feel like an isolated urban setting. By offering thoughtfully designed green areas, BTR developments like Canada Gardens differentiate themselves from traditional rental properties and attract a diverse range of tenants.

Designing such spaces requires careful consideration of the diverse needs of residents. Various age groups and life stages have distinct expectations for what a successful community looks like, and these must be factored into the design process. Key considerations for landscape design include:

  • Flexibility: Landscaped spaces should be adaptable to various uses, offering versatility and maximising functionality, making the environment dynamic and vibrant throughout the day and into the evening.
  • Accessibility: All spaces should be usable and accessible to every resident, fostering an inclusive community.
  • Comfort and Well-being: Spaces should provide comfort and a welcoming environment, serving as an oasis for well-being. Wellness-centric amenities, such as meditation areas and outdoor exercise spaces, should be embraced.
  • Regenerative: Ensuring the design and location of facilities are effective, with an emphasis on creating sunny spaces and areas of refuge. The inclusion of mature trees and seasonal planting ensures that the spaces can be enjoyed year-round.

The true art of landscape design in BTR developments lies in its ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging in a thoughtfully crafted environment. Well-planned landscapes not only soften the harshness of urban life by providing natural cooling effects and improving biodiversity, but they also play a pivotal role in creating safe, inclusive, and vibrant spaces where residents can thrive. Ultimately, landscape-led community spaces transform BTR developments into much more than places to live. By enhancing the quality of life for residents, these spaces contribute to the long-term success of the development and the overall well-being of the urban community.

By Angeli Ganoo-Fletcher, Director at PRP

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