Project management for the celebrated garden and landscape rejuvenation at the American Museum in Bath. The project involved the implementation of Oehme van Sweden’s New American Garden showcasing their famous planting style. This is the first major project in the UK that Oehme van Sweden have designed. Tom Chapman Landscape Architecture’s responsibilities included planning permission and landscape context, project management and programming, organising consultant team, design and specification, budget and contract administration.
Phase 1 of the gardens was opened to the public in September 2018.
The American Museum is a large historically sensitive site overlooking the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley. As well as the New American Garden much work in the landscape is taking place to enhance the visitor experience.
New route from the car park to the new entrance pavilions - a simple treatment that respects the picturesque qualities of the early 19th Century arrival landscape. Completed March 2019.
The East Lawn - restoration of the historic view over the Limpley Stoke Valley with paths and planting and works to improve the East Terrace. Completed March 2018.
New route to the Arboretum and Mount Vernon Garden - creating a formal walk along the newly installed sculptures of historical American leaders. Completion due Autumn 2019.
The Park - restoration, management and improved access to the historical parkland that separates the manor from Claverton village. Currently at concept stage.
The Children’s Garden. New learning and play area for families visiting the museum. Currently at concept stage.
The Mount Vernon Garden Restoration
The first phase of the American Museum gardens project was the restoration of the Mount Vernon Garden. It is an interpretation of George Washington’s garden in Virginia, but on a smaller scale. It was originally created when the museum opened in 1962. Following new information discovered in Virginia the gardens at Mount Vernon itself have been remodelled to more closely resemble the original 18th Century layout. Consequently it was decided to update the garden at the museum to reflect this. The garden is a great educational resource for those interested in garden history. Work on the restoration was completed in 2017.
TCLA acted as project manager and contract administrator with design and research input from the museum.
The Holburne Museum Bath
Landscape design for the much acclaimed new extension to The Holburne Museum, Bath. The glass and ceramic modernist extension by Eric Parry is a very successful contrast to the Georgian front. The landscape treatment is deliberately restrained with a simple treatment of grass washing up to the building. The work also included forming a visual and physical link to Sydney Gardens the listed Georgian park. The works included gravel paths, roads, car parking, service facilities and planting. Completed 2016.
Benham Valence Berkshire
A restoration project to bring back to life an important country house. A long term masterplan has been developed including Italianate gardens to compliment the restoration of an early 20th Century terraced garden that has fallen into disrepair, and to provide all the facilities necessary for modern living including swimming pools, walled gardens, tennis courts and the siting of new ancillary buildings. The design aims to reintegrate the Capability Brown parkland into the heart of the estate with a new drive and entrance. Phase 1 landscaping due to be completed 2014. Masterplan completied early 2014.
In association with Simon Johnson.
The Packhorse Southstoke Bath
Fulfilling a long-held ambition to design a beer garden!
The Packhorse is a community owned pub just south of Bath. I’m proud to say that I am a shareholder and I helped out providing initial concept ideas and drawings for the planning application. Although the end result was not exactly what I planned it is a great success and enjoyed by all.
The community buyout was the largest ever in the UK and resurrected a much-cherished pub that had been closed for 4 years. The pub reopened in March 2018. If you’re in the area do pop in for a pint or try some of their fantastic food! To find out more visit www.packhorsebath.co.uk
The Post, Snelsmore
Landscape design for new build wedding and events centre near Newbury in Berkshire. The design involves the creation of a variety of spaces for different functions: services, dining and socialising and quiet relaxation with lots of photo opportunities! The planting is full and romantic within a structured formal framework with a central rose walk. Full design service from concept through to site completion. Photos taken near completion, (white arbour temporary).
TCLA provided overall landscape design, project management, planning application submission including Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment and Heritage Statement for this sensitive site in the Cotswold AONB, Green Belt, Site of Nature Conservation Interest and within a Registered Park and Garden and the curtilage of a grade I listed building
Current & Recent Projects
Berkshire
Design for new wedding venue at golf course near Newbury. Appointed Sept 2019
Denham Buckinghamshire
Landscape scheme for conversion of medieval barns to residential. Completed 2016
