Silk Stream Bridge, Barnet, London, UK

The proposed 180m long bridge over the Silk Stream creates a much-needed new pedestrian link from Hendon Broadway to the West Hendon Playing Fields and the Woodfield park which runs around the nationally renowned nature reserve of the Welsh Harp Reservoir. It is a major addition to Northwest London growing green network.

Its curved design forms an elevated woodland walk, winding across the flood plain of the Silk Stream; providing an animated sequence of views to the landscape. It comprises a simple deck with a cantilevered balustrade of vertical steel planks which combines permeability with enclosure; aiming to minimise disturbance to the natural habitat of the surrounding wet woodland.

A complex set of requirements including safety, lighting, flooding, pre-fabrication and buildability have informed the design whilst retaining the simplicity of the concept