MOD Caversfield

MOD Caversfield is considered to be the best preserved RAF air base in the country, by virtue that little demolition or infill has taken place since the Second World War. Many of the buildings are listed and much of the site is scheduled as a Conservation Area. Grant Associates worked closely with the specialist heritage developer City and Country and Feilden+Mawson Architects on a landscape led masterplan and the detailed design for the sensitive redevelopment of the site for residential use.

The development plan is sensitive to the original site layout and the setting of the listed buildings and seeks to bring life back to the landscape and spaces of these important historic buildings. The landscape masterplan establishes three central ‘Garden Squares’ at the heart of the development with each square central to the three main phases of building development and architectural styles present on the site.  These squares include the old Parade Ground which has been transformed into a large formal lawn as a focus to the development.

A series of landscape spaces are created across the site of varied scale, character and function which are rich and diverse for both people and nature. The spaces retain the open character of the campus landscape and enhance the ecological value through the introduction and management of a mix of grassland, woodland and wetland habitats. As well as providing recreational space, the diverse habitats provide a functional role integrating the sustainable urban drainage network, enhancing ecological value, and creating a sensory rich environment. The bold use of herbaceous planting creates seasonal interest.