Bartlett Arboretum
name
Bartlett Arboretum
location
Near Reading
type
R&D centre within a new arboretum
service
Architectural Design & PM Services
Research facilities set within a new arboretum
‘We have been working with Mike on a major development project for our new site and buildings near Reading. It has consistently been a pleasure to work with him as he has demonstrated professionalism at every stage of the design process leading a highly competent team. Over 20 consultants, contractors and advisors have worked flawlessly to keep all the plates spinning and the project moving forward. Crucial for me has been having someone who understands our aims and ethos and a team I can trust to give me good advice and make good decisions at all stages of the design process, this has been the case since well before day one. I can’t recommend Mike and the team highly enough!’
Developing 25 acres for a commercial client establishing a new arboretum to host their research facilities within a landscape led masterplan.
This project is undertaken in collaboration with Snug Architects with architectural design, project management, Principal Designer and BREEAM services offered.
Bartlett Tree Experts, who offer specialist tree care across the globe including looking after the HRH the King’s trees, were looking to plant a new arboretum within the UK as a centre of excellence for trees. In addition, they wanted to migrate their research and development activities from their University of Reading site to be housed within the new arboretum.
We listened to the project requirements and built a team around a collaboration with award winning landscape architects Harris Bugg Studio to develop a new arboretum masterplan for their site at Spencer’s Wood.
The R&D facilities were then designed to sit within the new arboretum context which was to develop conceptually out of the existing protected woodland. Architecturally the buildings are a collection of lightweight timber structures divided by usage and radiating from the central arrival.
Having built the project team and developed the design, the project secured planning permission in Spring 2024 and is due to start on site later this year.
Key conceptual design moves:
1. Woodland Arrival – New arboretum planted out of the existing old woodland.
2. Tree Rings – Arboretum organised conceptually in bands representing the layers and rings of a tree.
3. Radiating Forms – Research buildings divided by function radiating through the tree rings within the landscapes.
4. Landscape Interactions – Building wings linked by a lightweight glazed link and canopy providing regular connection to the landscape with circulation.
