Alney Island Masterplan

 Design approaches that guided Alney Island Design:

1. Water Management - The management of the River Severn and the fairly consistent flooding that occurs on site was a key driver in the development of this site. The river bursts its banks in the Eastern channel and the water moves across the island to the Western channel. The site was designed using culverts, drainage channels and large retention ponds which all act as flood management but also as varied habitat for local wildlife.

2. Ecological Sustainability - An important aspect that influenced the design, the opening up of the site for visitors and wildlife was important for both groups, the provision of varied habitat was also important, fluctuation in water levels ensure that many different types of habitat are created suitable for all sorts of species including migratory and wading birds, small mammals and also an array of native invertebrates and pollinators.

3. Connection of Spaces - The connection of Alney Island to the city of Gloucester was also an especially important part of the success of this design. The River Severn had been acting as a separating barrier for a long time, however the addition of multiple footbridges (including one large footbridge that takes the visitor up and over the River Severn and the A430 into the heart of the wetlands) has opened up the island allowing access from many points on the Western side of Gloucester.

4. Landscape Sensitive Building Design - The inclusion of local, sustainable and subtle materials contributed to the creation of a striking yet clever building design, in which the main buildings were sunk back into the landscape, emerging from wet woodland and wetland landscapes, providing incredible views of the landscape.

Design created for AD6605 Design Projects 3.