Unique Projects wins at the Pro Landscaper Awards for their QE2 Jubilee Superbloom Floating Meadow Community Green Space under £100,000 Category…..

On Friday 12th July, at Farnham Castle in Surrey, companies from across the industry came together to celebrate exemplar landscaping projects, with a value up to £100k.

This year's Pro Landscaper Awards, in association with Nth Degree, saw a record number of entries and fifteen independent judges from across the UK landscaping industry offered their expertise.

With 67 projects shortlisted across the 12 categories and judged by 15 of the most well respected experts in the landscape industry, the awards acknowledged the challenges of making high-quality, purpose-built spaces with smaller budgets.

We are extremely proud to announce that our QE2 Jubilee Superbloom Floating Meadow won the Community Green Space under £100,000 Category.

Here is how it happened….

In May 2022 Unique Projects received a call to action after the original contractor had to withdraw from the project. An industry collaborator, Richard Bickler of Arbour Landscape Solutions, called to ask if we could help The PIE Factory, a London-based environmental positive impact agency to transform a 300m2 commercial Thames barge into a Floating Meadow for a well known high fashion brand. The brand was the main sponsor for the Superbloom event within the Tower of London. This event was designed to showcase sustainability.

We were only given 3 weeks to work up the methodology, procurement and the entire complex logistics program. We had to pull a multi-skilled team of landscapers together who all shared our vision.

The whole project was built in five 12 hour days by a team of 10 by utilising specialist equipment like a 20t excavator with long reach arm and grab. This required specialist transport and road closures to be organised to get this onto the docks. The team then had to literally move heaven

and earth or rather more than 6000 plants, 80 tons of topsoil, 20 tons of self-binding gravel and weld to the deck 200 linear meters of steel edge….. wearing lifejackets! The #landscaperswearlifejackets was born.

On the sixth day, it was towed from The Royal Docks to its mooring at Tower Bridge by a tug powered by biofuel.

The meadow was then maintained for the 10 days while the event was live and the team commuted out to the barge by boat in the evenings to water and maintain it. The whole project was then dismantled in 2 days and all the materials and plants were recycled, repurposed or rehomed to hospitals, schools and doctors surgeries in and around London for the enjoyment of the community. Both the construction and our team's transport and activity were analysed throughout the project and all the data captured to underline that this project was a responsible environmental carbon measured scheme.

You can view the full project here: https://www.uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk/case-studies/burberry-floating-meadow-tower-bridge/

Tony Goodridge, Director, said,
“We feel this is a great achievement as the team at Pro Landscaper were overwhelmed with the number of responses received, and the judges affirmed that the standard of projects in the UK landscaping sector is quite astounding.”

Ben Browning, Director, commented,
“This project was testament to what a collaborative exercise can produce. We were extremely proud of our team and the suppliers that sat behind it to make this possible and a particular thanks to the team at The Royal Docks for their stalwart support in the venture.”

We are extremely proud to have won these awards and look forward to entering more exciting and innovative projects at next year’s awards.

Collaborators:

Pie Factory: www.wearepie.com

Testimonial: “The landscaping, construction and horticultural expertise and experience that Ben, Tony and their amazing team at Unique Projects brought to the project was paramount to its overall success.” Mick Marks, Managing Director, The PIE Factory

Arbour Landscape Solutions: www.arbourlandscapesolutions.co.uk

END

Contact details:
Ben Browning | Director
Tel: 07971 567069
Email: ben@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk
Website: www.uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk

The Unique Projects approach to any project is as unique as the landscapes we create.  Our process from the initial engagement through to the project’s completion highlights our commitment to detail, methodology, collaboration and delivering beyond scheme/brief expectation and all carried out with what we strive for, professionalism.

In this article we look into how we work from the initial engagement to the final project delivery, especially in our collaborative efforts with design teams.

Building Foundations On Trust & With Clarity

We see ourselves as a humble Westcountry-based company that works across the UK and further afield when required with a reputation for delivering schemes that many thought impossible.  We do not shy away from complex projects and take on some that one might expect a specialist civil engineering company to consider.  We are not a typical landscape construction company therefore and while much of what we do we cannot publicize, we will happily meet to show our portfolio and capabilities.

Typically our projects begin with an introduction based on our reputation and knowledge of our previous projects.  Whether it's Clients, Architects, Garden Designers, Landscape Architects, or Structural Engineers, we are introduced to projects because our attention to detail and innovative solutions are required.  We are very well versed in working alongside and collaborating with design teams and indeed one of our Directors has the additional advantage of having directed a studio of low-energy architects earlier in his career, so the language and processes are second nature to us as a firm.  In the initial phase, we set the tone for communication and understanding based on conventional industry discipline, laying the groundwork for a successful partnership.

“We have been working with Clients, Project Managers, Designers, Architects and Landscape Architects for 15 years to deliver exemplar schemes and often against what many thought were impossible criteria.”

Collaborating With Design Teams

We have consciously taken the decision not to design and instead see our role as one of working closely with designer teams to achieve positive project outcomes.  We bring their schemes to life, ensuring that every detail aligns with the project's aesthetic and the scheme intention.  Our expertise allows us to overcome any issues that may arise, backed by years of experience and our 100% successful track record for delivering past projects.  This expertise means that when design teams bring us on board, they know we share a common ethos and regimented approach, ensuring seamless integration into the existing project framework. We listen, we speak the same language, we understand and we work together.

Navigating The Project Lifecycle

From the initial brief to the final stages of completion, our approach is always a well-considered one.  We follow a structured approach that navigates the detailed planning and execution phases and that meets timescales no matter how challenging.  This process helps to maintain the project pace, by achieving project milestones and always ensures quality and detail throughout.

Cost Engineering & Managing Expectations

One of the key aspects of our involvement at an early stage is to ensure construction methods align with the client's budgets.  This strategic approach means cost engineering exercises are generally redundant as we preemptively manage costs by focussing on construction methods that fit the budget rather than stress it.

In this way, we ensure that client expectations are not just met but exceeded, without necessitating any compromise on quality, scope, or design integrity and perhaps more importantly the clients feel they have not had to accept a compromise to achieve their scheme.

Delivering Beyond Expectations

At Unique Projects, our ultimate goal is to deliver results that go beyond expectations.  Our commitment to excellence, combined with our rigorous approach, ensures that every project is a benchmark in quality and innovation.

Through disciplined coordination, unwavering dedication, and a deep understanding of our field, Unique Projects continues to be leaders in landscape construction and horticultural excellence.  Our collaborative partnership with design teams is not just about construction; it’s about creating legacies of that are sympathetic, aesthetic, exciting, and can stand the test of time.

For more insights into our projects and processes, or to discuss a potential collaboration, feel free to connect with us or email Ben at ben@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk

Unique Projects is looking to recruit a suitably experienced and multi-qualified individual to join our team due to the ever-growing demand for our popular and high-quality landscaping and garden maintenance service.

The successful applicant will integrate into our team carrying out new landscape construction projects as well as on occasion assisting the Master Gardens department with clients’ gardens, which range from small private urban gardens up to 4 acre estates as well as commercial sites.

You must be highly self-motivated, physically fit, reliable, and able to work flexible hours to meet business demands, especially in spring and summer. You will need excellent communication skills and be approachable as you will be interacting with our clients on many occasions. You should work with diligence and have a keen interest in promoting the business wherever possible.

A passion for plants and shrubs backed up by good knowledge of how to care for and seasonally maintain them to a high standard, which compliments their natural growth habit, would be beneficial but not essential. Training will be offered where required.

Qualifications. RHS level 2 qualification or higher would be preferable, but more importantly, a good level of experience and the ability to demonstrate sound knowledge would be acceptable, and be confident to use a range of power tools and machinery. Training will be offered where required.

A chainsaw licence and PA1/PA6 spraying certificate are also desirable.

We pride ourselves in being a friendly team, more like a family, with a relaxed atmosphere, but always work incredibly hard!

If you feel you meet the requirements then please get in touch.

Unique Projects, renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and holistic approach, has consistently excelled in delivering highly confidential projects across various sectors, maintaining discretion, while working closely with clients, designers and project managers.

Exemplary Design & Execution

For over 15 years, Unique Projects has partnered with some of the most discerning clients and talented design teams to bring ambitious visions to life, often surpassing expectations set by seemingly impossible criteria. Whether it's a private garden or a large-scale commercial landscape, each project is met with the same level of professionalism and precision.

A Commitment To Confidential Collaboration

Unique Projects prides itself on its ability to manage sensitive projects. This dedication to discretion ensures that every aspect of a project, from the initial consultations to the final touch, is handled with the utmost confidentiality. This approach has solidified Unique Projects as a trusted partner in the industry, capable of managing high-profile projects without compromising the privacy or expectations of its clients.

Our Approach Remains Consistent

No matter the scale or scope, Unique Projects approaches each project with unwavering diligence and a commitment to excellence. The team’s ability to adapt to each project's unique demands, while maintaining consistent quality and confidentiality, sets them amongst the best in the field of landscape construction.

A Legacy of Trust and Excellence

This commitment to discretion and quality has not only earned the trust of our clients, but has also cemented Unique Projects’ reputation as a leader in delivering complex and sensitive schemes. The team’s expertise and discreet service ensure that every project is not just completed, but masterfully executed and true to the vision of each client and the brief.

Unique Projects Devon is a dynamic and exciting business providing high quality bespoke landscaping and garden care services throughout the Westcountry.

Due to our success and continual growth, we are now seeking a Head Gardener to work with our maintenance team to manage and further grow this very valuable and important arm to our business.  

Function & Purpose of Role

To manage the grounds and gardens on various sites along with assistance of our Master Gardeners team . The Head Gardener will be experienced in horticultural practices, able to operate a variety of equipment and has a comprehensive horticultural knowledge.

Must have a documented track record of capability to manage large & small gardens alike to a high standard and be able to support the Directors in the growth and development of the maintenance portfolio and the expansion of the team.  Testimonials and references from past clients will be desirable.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Lead soft landscaping projects and maintenance, including-

• Tree, shrub and hedge planting
• Preparing ground and laying turf
• Preparing ground and sowing seed
• Ecology and wildlife projects
• Lawn Care, hedge care, plant care, pruning and tree care

Planting design & planning-

• New borders to be planted
• Redesigning & refreshing old borders
• Making constructive suggestions to clients and advise where necessary

Health and safety-

• Complies with own and Employer’s legal responsibilities for Health & Safety practices
• Understands the importance of risk assessment; completes required paperwork and ensures team compliance with measures to reduce risk and limit hazards
• Uses all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as issued
• Ensure safe working practice and use of PPE within own team
• Aware of requirements of the company’s Health & Safety policy

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Essential-

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Horticulture or RHS equivalent
• 3 years minimum of horticultural/soft landscaping experience and knowledge of leading contracts
• Experience in managing and motivating small teams of staff
• Good communication skills
• Motivated, organised and efficient
• Punctual, good time management
• Ability to work unsupervised or as part of a team.
• Experience of using hand and power tools, equipment and machinery
• A desire to learn new skills.
• Full driving licence holder
• Able to complete records for team management accurately and in a timely manner
• Take care and maintain power tools, equipment and machinery

Desirable:

• Chainsaw licence holder
• Spraying certificate holder
• Experience or Specialist knowledge in [Garden design, raising plants from cuttings, experience in market gardening]
• Experience of tractor or rough terrain forklift driving
• Experience of towing trailers

Key Competencies-

Leadership, Management and Direction of Others-

• Briefs and informs team members to ensure clear understanding of requirements
• Delegates tasks effectively to capable team members
• Ensures a good work ethic and provides a role model for all team members
• Ensures teams produce high standard and quality workmanship
• Ensures equipment care, efficient use of resources made available to teams
• Values the contribution of team members by showing appreciation, support and loyalty
• Ensures safe working practices are followed by within teams

Planning and Preparation-

• Ensures a thorough understanding of landscaping/horticultural projects and tasks before commencement
• Plans ahead and ensures correct tools, equipment and machinery are available
• Foresees problems and hold-ups, plans action to resolve issues
• Calculates materials requirement, sourcing and delivery schedules

Customer Care-

• Establishes rapport and dialogue channels with customers
• Keeps customers informed of activities, problems and timescales
• Considers and interprets customers’ requests and requirements
• Makes efforts to promote new and repeat work with existing and potential customers

Organisation and Initiative-

• Makes practical workable suggestions for improvements
• Sees when something needs to be done and acts.  
• Is able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Recognises deficiencies and seeks help when appropriate
• Handles multiple activities simultaneously
• Adapts plans as events change

Co-operation with Line Manager & Teams-

• Maintains a positive relationship with Directors and team members
• Is prepared to lead or participate in a team when appropriate and always supports and assists his/her line manager
• Is loyal and committed and always participates to accomplish a task is completed
• Is prepared to help another team leader or team member who might need it
• Builds long-term relationships of trust with all internal and external contacts

Coaching and Training-

• Takes active steps towards continued professional development
• Takes active steps to train, coach and develop the skills of new and less experienced team members
• Promotes learning and good practice in team members
• Will not tolerate poor standards of workmanship or quality

Communication and Passage of Information-

• Produces accurate and concise written information for his/her line manager
• Briefs team members clearly on work requirements or tasks adequately
• Listens actively and effectively
• Communicates well with customers, understanding requirements and requests

Contract/Quality Management-

• Consistently produces high quality outcomes as agreed with line manager within agreed timescales
• Promotes and encourages high quality standards with team leaders and team members
• Understands the financial and customer implications of over-run timescales and poor planning
• Assesses materials requirements and organises timely deliveries of equipment and materials
• Consistently plans work schedules to make best uses of manpower and resources
• Minimises waste of materials, time and effort

Planning and Preparation-

• Ensures a thorough understanding of tasks before commencement
• Ensures correct tools, equipment and machinery are available for work
• Foresees problems and hold-ups, informs team leaders and line manger
• Adapts quickly as work situations change

Reliability and Dependability-

• Takes responsibility to see the job through as directed or under own initiative
• Can be counted on to assist in solving problems
• Produces consistent performance
• Is accountable for own actions
• Adaptable when things need to be changed
• Takes responsibility for the care of company tools, equipment, machinery and vehicles

Attitudes and Behaviour-

• Offers assistance willingly
• Makes a positive contribution to morale
• Shows sensitivity and consideration to others
• Accepts constructive criticism
• Takes pride in work
• Is even tempered, consistent and fair

Punctuality and Timekeeping-

• Prompt at the start of the day
• Recognises and adheres to formal work breaks
• Makes effective use of available time
• Sets a good example to others

The Environment-

• Is aware of the company environmental policy
• Is aware of wider environmental issues
• Disposes of waste materials ethically
• Reduces excessive use of energy, resources and materials
• Makes effective use of recycling

Remuneration and benefits

For the right candidate we are willing to offer the following:

• Bonus as a percentage of profits within our Master Gardener’s division.
• Use of a company vehicle
• Pension contribution
• Private healthcare package
• Accident insurance
• Salary from £40,000 per annum - by negotiation

Unique Projects, in collaboration with Moore Outdoors, has proudly completed an innovative rooftop garden for the prestigious French luxury fashion house Longchamp, located at their New Bond Street boutique in the heart of Mayfair, London.

Introduction 

The brief was to create a breakout space for the Longchamp team, their influencers and for customer experience events.  The aim was to transform a tired grey drab area into one rich in colour that reflects the brand, softened with planting offering a dynamic space.  A new relaxing calm visual oasis of colour, disconnected from the hectic Mayfair environment in which it exists. 

Working with Longchamp

Longchamp, renowned for its luxury leather goods and distinctive French craftsmanship, was founded in Paris in 1948 and remains family-owned and managed. 

We had the pleasure to work with the uber professional, personable and enthusiastic great-grandson of the founder of Longchamp.  He has taken on the role of UK General Manager, a position that has brought him into the family business for the first time.  He had already made a significant reputation for operating large retail operations for retail chains in Europe.

Project Execution

Charles Moore, Moore Outdoors, contacted us to collaborate on this fantastic challenge.  He had designed a layout and planting scheme, which had to consider the existing features such as a fire escape, fire hatch, rooflight and evacuation fittings.  Charles focused on the soft landscape scheme, whilst Unique Projects took on the challenge of delivering the complex hardscape package, which involved precision logistics managed by Arbour Landscape Solutions.

Given the logistical challenges of Central London, materials had to be transported through the boutique outside of opening hours, ensuring no disruption to Longchamp’s daily operations. The installation featured lightweight Millboard Duaspan subframes and Coppered Oak Enhanced Grain decking, which had to be carefully installed and scribed around all the existing features. 

Overcoming Challenges

The project required careful consideration of the rooftop's load-bearing capacity. The team worked with the original architectural design team to ensure that the installation was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also sympathetic to the building. It could not be a liability to its functionality or be in danger of overloading the structure. Everything had to be calculated and ultimately we actually reduced the roof load and stress on the building through delivering our specification.

Invisible Excellence

Throughout the installation the teams had to work efficiently and quietly and with impeccable site cleanliness and all the while be invisible to the Longchamp clients on the floors below at all times.

Complex logistics came as no surprise as we were already well versed in this practice following our successful Burberry Barge project for the Queens Superbloom Jubilee celebrations.

This rooftop transformation at Longchamp’s historic New Bond Street location is was testament to Unique Projects' and Moore Outdoors' expertise in delivering complex bespoke outdoor spaces and challenging landscape architecture. 

For more information on this project, click here to see the full case study.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Charles Moore, Moore Outdoors | @moore.outdoors.uk

Richard Bickler, Arbour Landscape Solutions | @arbourlandsol

About Unique Projects

Unique Projects are award-winning landscape architects and have a reputation for delivering complex and challenging schemes throughout the UK and abroad. 

The scale and scope of any project varies, but the approach does not, they tackle any project with the same diligence, professionalism, and holistic approach. 

Unique Projects are proud to be accredited members of The Association of Professional Landscapers and The Horticultural Trades Association.

Unique Projects are talented landscape professionals and horticulturists focused on transforming and maintaining gardens to become exemplar schemes. They achieve this through their diligence, professionalism, and holistic approach, no matter the size of the project. 

The Vision

Our clients and their designers come to us with dreams of unique outdoor spaces, and it's our passion to bring these to life.  With a keen understanding of our clients' aspirations and brief, we embark on a build that compliments creativity with functionality.  Our approach is simple: listen, understand and create.  

Delivering Dreams

At Unique Projects, the design phase is where the magic begins to take shape.  We work closely with the designers and their teams to ensure the reality and methods of construction meet the brief and the budget.  Using our expertise to blend the natural with the architectural.  Through a collaborative process, we refine these ideas, ensuring every curve, colour, material and chosen plant species resonates with the client's vision and the surroundings.

Bringing to Life

The creation phase is where our team truly excels. With a blend of meticulous planning and bespoke craftsmanship, we transform simple plans into unique garden spaces. Our use of high-quality materials, combined with an unmatched attention to detail, ensures that each project is a unique masterpiece. From the gentle cascade of a custom water feature to the vibrant hues of meticulously selected planting schemes, every element is a stroke of our team's passion and precision.

A Partnership for Perfection

The key to our success is the partnership we forge with our clients and their designers or Landscape Architects.  

Their dreams fuel our creativity; their satisfaction is our ultimate reward.  

We believe in transparent communication, shared goals, and mutual respect throughout the project's lifecycle.  This collaboration is the cornerstone of our bespoke service, ensuring that the final garden exceeds expectations, both aesthetically and functionally.

As accredited members of The Association of Professional Landscapers, we always follow best practice and professional ethics throughout the process.

We invite you to explore the possibilities for your own bespoke garden, a unique landscape installation crafted with integrity, discretion, and excellence.

About Unique Projects

Unique Projects, based in the South West, have been working with clients, Project Managers, Designers, and Landscape Architects for 15 years to deliver exemplar schemes, often against what many thought were impossible criteria.

The scale and scope of any project varies, but our approach does not, we tackle any project with the same diligence, professionalism, and holistic approach. Unique Projects are proud to be accredited members of The Association of Professional Landscapers and The Horticultural Trades Association.