SILK STREAM BRIDGE
A quiet route through nature
A much-needed new pedestrian link through the nature reserve of the Welsh Harp Reservoir is a major addition to north-west London’s growing green network. The proposed 180m long bridge forms an elevated woodland walk, winding across the flood plain of the Silk Stream.
Designed to create an attractive and safe crossing route for pedestrians and primary school children, it will connect the journey from Hendon’s Broadway to the West Hendon Playing Fields and Woodfield Park, expanding the benefits of the area’s regeneration to the wider community.
Connecting Hendon’s Broadway to the West Hendon Playing Fields and Woodfield Park
RESPECTFULLY DESIGNED
The Silk Stream Bridge is a steel structure supported by a pair of piers at approx 12m intervals located outside the wet ground of the Silk Stream. Open planking creates a free draining deck avoiding the need for positive drainage channels along its length.
The geometry of the bridge is simple to promote engineering efficiency and repetitive offsite fabrication. It is composed of ten rectangular shapes and four curved/segmented shapes. The cantilevered balustrade of angled vertical steel planks combines permeability with enclosure, while minimising intrusion to the natural habitat of the surrounding wet woodland.
Carefully designed to ensure safety and accessibility, the 3m wide deck allows ample space for pedestrians, while the gentle tilt midway provides shifting perspectives of the lush environment.
The landscape treatment at each abutment reflects the different uses and functions of these landings and draws from the SSSI natural vegetation. The bridge itself is carefully sited to minimise the amount of disturbance to the existing vegetation and maximise retention of existing trees within the SSSI and flood zone.
The existing Silk Stream
Location:
West Hendon, London
Use:
Pedestrian Bridge
Status:
In Construction
Size:
180m long
Client:
Barratt London, Metropolitan Thames Valley, London Borough of Barnet
Project Date:
2016-2018
Collaborators:
Allies and Morrisons, Gillespies
