Whole-life costs were reduced by specifying clutter-free, hard-landscaped areas of high-quality, long-life natural stone paving
Working closely with the scheme architect, LDA Design, we set out to transform Castle Green—a neglected centrepiece—into a valuable public space where pedestrians were the priority. The designs and solutions had to be simple and avoid over-engineering on this sensitive site, which lies within a scheduled ancient monument that includes Taunton Castle, a Grade 1 Listed Building.
One of the key challenges on the project was to minimise the disruption to the existing sub surface due to its historical significance (the site includes a Saxon chapel, burial ground, and other historic structures that extend underground). The other challenge was to design the infrastructure necessary to provide a robust and attractive public realm space. The solutions to the problem came in the form of a thin floating pavement design, utilising a reinforced concrete slab which supported a natural stone surface finish.
The construction also included a new, glass-panelled, concrete bridge that floats across the castle’s grass moat. Plus, we managed the demolition of the old car park and replaced it with a large grass lawn and shared open space. The raised lawn is surrounded with pre-cast concrete planters and bespoke oak benches, both manufactured by a locally-sourced supplier.
In the end, the newly regenerated Castle Green is a welcoming public amenity for anyone who wants to enjoy the historical features or use the space.
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