Coastal Adaptation and Landscape Masterplanning
Rolling back critical infrastructure at risk from climate change and storm surges
A key site in the National Trust portfolio Hive Beach is much loved by the public. Storm surges in 2023 as a result of Storm Ciaran have dramatically altered the beach profile and place coastal infrastructure at risk of damage from sea level rise and storm surges. This coastal adaptation project explores how landscape masterplanning can respond to climate risk through strategic retreat, ecological restoration and long-term thinking. The work focuses on reshaping relationships between land, infrastructure and natural processes in the face of rising sea levels.
The Brief
The brief was to undertake a deep analysis of all the site constraints and support the client team to consider options for how to take forwards (roll back) the critical site infrastructure in addition to delivering biodiversity net gain. The work was foundational for the client team to enable them to engage with the community and tenants.
Our Approach
Drone surveys, site walks and data gathering enabled us to analyse the constraints of the site including archaeology, landscape and heritage, access, erosion and hydrology and geology. This analytical work laid the foundations for masterplan options that the client team was able to asses cost benefits and ideal end state over a short-, medium- and long-term time horizon. We also incorporates architects Studio Saar into the project to support with architectural concepts, proposals and cost analysis.
The Challenges
A complex site with overlapping constraints required a deep analysis to explore viable pathways forwards.
The Outcome
The client team are currently engaging community members and tenants to explore time horizons and options before launching a design brief for the next work stage.
The Future
We hope to continue to be involved with this exciting project looking at the future adaptation required of coastal infrastructure in the UK.
