Orchard Farm, Kent – WLA Award and LI Award shortlisted

The Orchard Farm project aims to build Kent’s first net zero sustainable self-build community with EDLA providing the landscape design and strategic advice. The project is a collaborative effort between Urbanise, Steenvlinder, and EDLA, with a landscape-first approach embedded in the project ethos.

The vision for Orchard Farm is to create a vibrant sustainable community with a variety of public spaces, such as parks, lanes, courtyards, and meadows. These green infrastructure spaces will promote a self-build environment that prioritises the quality of life and appreciation of the environment. Our landscape masterplan treats the site as a meadow, with communal yards and amenities that families and residents can enjoy. The proposed design seeks to create a dynamic and active community open space that provides access to green space for existing and growing communities while retaining and enhancing existing biodiversity. The landscape design includes flexible spaces that respond to the self-build mindset and provides amenities like seating, bike parking, and informal play spaces. All with a sustainable development mindset.

The planting will be influenced by the history of the site and locally grown produce. An orchard of native fruit trees will be created, along with native edible hedging and bat and bird boxes. The landscape design strategy proposes high-quality materials that use recycled materials wherever possible. The project was awarded a 2023 World Landscape Architecture award.