Design

Landscape and visual design approach

The design master plan has been landscape and visually led and is founded on best practice in landscape architecture, architecture and sustainable development. Design development has progressed using 3D models of the site from key views, long sections and physical models. Presentation of the final scheme with accurate photomontages of the site demonstrates the limited landscape and visual effects. 

The result is a design proposal that offers a totally integrated landscape and architectural solution.  It is sympathetic to its environment, of high quality design with a strong identity and sense of place.  The design is totally unique to the constraints and opportunities afforded to it by the site and its surroundings and contrasts with the more familiar and 'standard' design and layout solutions typical of many MSAs. 

Site, layout and landscape 

• Full consideration was given to the landform and existing views of the site.  The appropriate 'development envelope' was then indentified to accommodate the MSA facilities.
• The buildings were positioned and orientated so that long, more open building elevations and associated elements are not exposed to sensitive elevated views, for example Cud Hill in the Cotswold Escarpment (AONB) to the east and Robins Wood Hill to the north. 
• The landform is sensitively 'crafted' across the site to maximise the opportunities afforded by rising topography for screening and visual containment of the adjacent M5 motorway. 
• Elements of built form have been created that emerge 'seamlessly' from the landscape of the site, as natural extensions of the local topography and using 'green roof' systems to create a development which integrates fully with the surrounding environment. 
• A strong landscape structure has been created which provides biodiversity opportunities, including SUDS. 
• A series of legible spaces was also created that take the user from the motorway environment, through the building experience and into the wider landscape, on a journey that readily understood and easily navigated. 
• Careful consideration of night time impact has been undertaken, with well planned 'minimal' lighting scheme and specific orientation of building elevations with respect to light emission.  
• All necessary requirements and guidance in terms of highways design and layout have been accommodated.

The overall design approach was considered by the South West Design Review Panel ('SWDRP') in November 2009. Their response was:

'The site planning has been well analysed so that parking areas and buildings are where they have least impact. The scheme also involves some reshaping of the land combined with planting new hedgerows and woodland such that there is considerable screening and in fact some improvement to the landscape - to an extent healing the gash the M5 originally made. The parking and buildings have been skillfully designed to knit into the landscape. The buildings, two facilities buildings and two petrol filling stations, are substantial but have been ably deisgned to keep a low profile externally.  The panel's conclusion is that the scheme as a whole would have only a slight impace on views, little more than the impact the existing motorway has in any case.'

Buildings

• The design process has resulted in an understated, landmark building that creates a unique customer experience, which seeks to lift spirits and demonstrate the emerging of traditional craft based skills and modern technology.
• A holistic approach to the design of the buildings has been taken to save both energy and carbon emissions.
• Passive design features have been included, carbon efficient technologies and renewable energy solutions.
• The architectural language from the building has been extended from the building into the landscape and is reflected in the design of the Petrol Filling Station, which also has a green roof and knits into its surrounding landscape.

Design process

• The proposals have been subject to a critical design process. The size, layout and appearance have been constantly questioned and reviewed to ensure the overall proposals sensitively  take account of the surrounding  landscape. Physical and computer models have been used to understand the impact of the proposals.
• The architects, Glenn Howells Architects, were appointed following an invited design competition.  The client wished to identify an architect whose approach would complement the values of the project and landscape sensitivities.
• Local expertise has been introduced through the integration of Gordon Clarke Architects within the design team in order to gain a full understanding of the local area and its communities.
• As part of the design process the team held regular internal reviews and this process was re-enforced by client design reviews to make sure that the developing proposals met not only their operational and aspirational requirements, but more importantly, sought to minimise the impact on the landscape.
• The public consultation exercise was another important way of explaining the design approach to the community. It allowed local residents the opportunity to comment and input into the design process.

The proposals have been developed as part of an ongoing dialog with the planning officers and the South West Design Review Panel. On having reviewed the scheme the panel said the following:

'We were also impressed with the way the scheme would give rise to restful and enjoyable breaks for M5 users. From parking to departure, the sequence is designed to be peaceful and separate from the motorway. It may be hard to measure this intangible benefit but it strikes us as real. Architecturally, the buildings would lift the spirit: the way they are woven into the land would be intriguing and pleasing and the internal spaces with their exposed timber construction would be wonderful.'

South West Design Review Panel, November 2009

The planning application for Gloucestershire Gateway Services was submitted on Friday 18 December 2009 to Stroud District Council. Details of the submitted application can be found by clicking the following link which takes you to the Local Planning Authority's website.