Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens September 2021

Welcome to blog number 23 about my September site visit to Courtyard Gardens in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the development.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining back centre and Block C on the left. Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 3 September 2021 onsite showing the progress to date.

The photographs in the gallery below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

A view from behind Johnsdale taken on 3 September 2021

A view from behind Johnsdale taken on 5 March 2018

Now that the development is nearing completion it’s fascinating to compare the photographs taken during construction to the ones taken before the gas holder was demolished as the examples above and below.

This personal project has taught me so much about the building process from demolition back in January 2019 until now. From the foundations and footings to the types of bricks that are used and all the skilled trades and craftspeople involved to make this happen – not forgetting everyone working behind the scenes from the designers & architects to the team working onsite in the office (portacabins) and everyone in between to pull everything together.

I have been very fortunate to have been given access to go onsite regularly over the past nearly two years to photograph the changes for posterity. A huge thank you to the Berkeley Group for accepting my request to photograph the process and to Ness Kingham - Assistant Site Manager, for showing me around each time and telling or rather teaching me about the works and processes taking place.

I asked Ness to give a brief update about the stage the site was at during my visit and this is what she said:

‘We were preparing for the handover of Block B, undertaking final decorations, cleaning and podium landscaping. Internal trades and brickwork were continuing in Block C’.’

From behind the shops on Station Road East on 3 September 2021

From behind the shops on Station Road East on 2 February 2019

Car park beneath Block B.

Stairwell in Block B.

This is how I dress for the occasion

A kitchen in an apartment in Block B.

Living room in an apartment in Block B.

Terrace

View from Block B onto the front entrance looking onto Block C.

A navy kitchen in an apartment in Block B.

Another kitchen in an apartment in Block B.

A view over the terrace from a penthouse apartment. The strip on the top is part of a lightning protection system.

A spacious penthouse terrace in Block B.

A view towards the North Downs from a penthouse apartment in Block B.

Bathroom in a penthouse apartment in Block B.

A view from the patio doors from a penthouse apartment in Block B towards Block C.

A view from a penthouse in Block B towards the main entrance on Station Road East.

A view from a penthouse apartment in Block B towards Block A and the shops on Station Road East.

A view from a penthouse apartment in Block B towards the hoist on Block C with far-reaching views of the North Downs.

The hoist on Block C.

Hardwick House the sign over the entrance to Block C.

Underground car park to Block B.

Brick work on Block C.

Corridor in Block C.

Block C.

Inside Block C.

From outside looking into the car park in Block B.

I hope you are enjoying seeing and learning about the progress of the development as much as I am.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity, please do get in touch if you would like to know more.

To read the blog from July 2021 please click here.

To read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 22 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too.

Looking forward to going back in October to photograph the progress as we edge closer to completion.

Thank you

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens July 2021

Courtyard Gardens – Block B on the left and Block A on the right.

Welcome to blog number 22 about my July site visit to Courtyard Gardens in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the development.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining back centre and Block C on the left. Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 15th July (crane dismantling from a distance) and 21st July 2021 onsite showing the progress to date.

The photographs below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

A view from Ellice Road car park showing the dismantling of the crane.

Each section carefully lifted away.

Segments of the crane transported away from the site

After Crane removal – view from Ellice Road car park, showing the top of Block C

A view of Block C from what will be the entrance off Johnsdale.

This is where the crane once sat, bolted to firm foundations.

Close up of where the crane was bolted.

Car park CBlock B level 00

Take a look at Oxted town and all it has to offer, hear what some of the local traders have to say, including me!

It’s interesting to witness the various stages of the building process and how the different trades work together – from electricians, bricklayers, landscapers, plumbers, tilers and so many more.

At the time of my visit they were preparing for the tower crane concrete infill works to the ground and first floor slabs, whilst the waterproofing and landscaping continued on the podium. Final decorations were underway to Block B and internals continued in Block C.

Stairwell in Block B

Kitchen in an apartment in Block B

Bedroom in Block B

Fitted wardrobes and dressing area in master bedroom Block B

Electrical cables in a corridor riser, Block B

Kitchen in Block B nearing completion

Spacious cupboard in an apartment in a hallway in Block B

Living room in Block B leading onto a terrace via the patio doors

Family bathroom in Block B

Elevator in Block B

Block C with landscaping taking shape in the foreground.

The hoist outside Block C

Landscaping in front of Blocks A and B

A view from an apartment in Block B towards the entrance of Block A - Atkinson House.

Brickwork on Block C

Preparing the steel edging of the pathways outside Block B

Finishing touches to the doorway of Block B Beecham House

Porticos at the Entrance to Block A –  Atkinson House

A close-up of the car park entrance to Block A with apartments above

From the end of Block B looking towards Block A

Final surface preparation shows the installing of the concrete haunching to the steel edging

The last crane was removed from the site on 15 July, this is where it once stood

A terrace to an apartment in Block B

A fast battery charging unit for work tools

The side of Block C from behind the existing flats at the back of Station Road East

A lovely navy kitchen in open plan living area in Block B

I hope you are enjoying seeing and learning about the progress of the development, I know I am.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity, please do get in touch if you would like to know more.

To read the blog from June 2021 please click here.

To read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 21 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too.

Looking forward to going back in September to photograph the progress as we edge closer to completion.

Thank you

Stella

English Country Gardens - Southlands Lodge, Tandridge

My favourite time of year in the UK is the summertime, it’s the longer daylight hours and warmer weather that I love the most!

I also really enjoy visiting gardens to see the wonders of Mother Nature and how clever and creative some people are in their backyards.

This July I had the pleasure of visiting Southlands Lodge, Southlands Lane, Tandridge, Surrey.

The photographs below – apart from the last set which is from a private garden - show you a selection of photographs I took during my visit. The garden was open to the public via the National Garden Scheme (NGS) by ticket only. You too can visit this Sunday 1st August by pre-buying your ticket(s) available online via this link .

You won’t be disappointed – as well as the gardens there are sheep, chickens, Cayuga ducks and guinea fowl roam free through the property. An 'insect hotel' features. There is a working apiary of 10 beehives – I can highly recommend the honey produced – it’s delicious on hot buttered toast!

Colin and John the owners and creators of the gardens also serve tea and coffee and a delicious selection of cakes to enjoy during your visit.

Face the sun and leave your shadow behind…

The photographs below are from a private garden that has the most beautiful selection of hydrangeas. I visited this garden on 27th July after the torrential rain on the Sunday before, which doesn’t seem to have battered them in any way, it just goes to show how hardy they are!

If you have a garden you would like to have photographed please do get in touch!

Thanks

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens June 2021

A view from a penthouse terrace in Block C showing the top of the hoist in the foreground, the shops in Station Road East on the right and Block A on the left.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the development.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining back centre and Block C on the left.

Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

Welcome to blog number 21 about my June site visit to Courtyard Gardens in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 23 June 2021 showing the progress to date. It has changed a lot since my previous visit in May. It was lovely to see some residents had moved in and made their balconies homely. I can see the site beginning to change from a building site to a resplendent community now called Eden Place.

The photographs below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

The view from one of the penthouses in Block C looking towards the top of Snatts Hill..

A view from a penthouse in Block C.

Looking towards Block A showing the fourth and fifth floors.

Block A from Block C penthouse terrace.

A penthouse in Block B. There are seven penthouses in total.

From Block C penthouse showing the penthouses in Block B left and Block A right.

From a penthouse terrace in Block C with views of the North Downs.

Inside Block C – laying the tracking for the individual apartments to be constructed.

Inside the dividing walls…

Insulation inside the dividing walls.

A living room inside Block C.

A view towards the terrace doors in Block B.

The basement car park in Block B.

Kitchen and living area in Block B.

Stair core ready for plastering

Each time I attend the site I’m shown around by Ness Kingham, Assistant Site Manager. Below she explains the stage the development was at during my visit:

Externally, lighting bollards were being installed in the landscaping area, works were underway forming the structure of the water feature, and another section of pathway through the landscaped gardens had been freshly laid with tarmac.

The Block B scaffold was being struck and brickwork was progressing around the Block B basement linking it to the Block C brickwork.

Internally, joinery and second fix dry lining were underway to the lower floors of Block C and cables were being pulled. Meanwhile, in Block B, decorations were continuing in the apartments and the stair core was being boarded out ready for plastering.

The basement was starting to be cleared of equipment and materials to allow for decorations and snagging, and a push was being made to get the necessary materials distributed before the impending crane dismantle in mid-July. At the time of the visit, the tower crane was being serviced.

From Block B looking onto Block C.

A view onto the landscaping of the gardens from Block B.

Block C due for completion later this year.

Landscaping taking place.

Scaffolding around Block B.

The external stairs to the podium which will wrap around the water feature.

The hoist and silo outside Block C.

Brickwork progressing around the Block B basement lining linking it to Block C.

The wall will be the home of the water feature.

The crane was being serviced.

Landscaping and lighting bollards underway.

From the top of Snatts Hill – a comparison to show on the left taken in January 2019 and on the right in June 2021.

A reflection of me.

The removal of the scaffolding on Block B.

A corridor in Block C.

Electrical cables in Block C.

I hope you are enjoying seeing and learning about the progress of the development, I know I am.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity.

To read the blog from May 2021 please click here.

To read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 20 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too.

Looking forward to going back in July to photograph the progress to share.

Thank you

Stella

The Power Of The Printed Photograph

Have you ever looked at a photograph and felt the same emotion you felt at the time it was taken, or does it stir up other emotions and a longing to turn back time?

That’s just it – time constantly moves forward and a photograph freezes time forevermore.

We all have our special moments stored safely in our memories, but as the saying goes memories fade!

This is why it is so important to mark time to reflect on for years to come and to share with future generations.

Printing a photograph is the best way to preserve a memory. There is something very powerful about holding and touching a photograph to evoke emotions by connecting your senses of sight, smell and touch.

I am very fortunate that over the past 40 plus years I have been commissioned to photograph your special and significant moments and events to mark time – from new family members, weddings, christenings, portraits, funerals (yes funerals), homes & gardens, and marketing images for businesses too.

Take a look at the Then and Now page on our website to see the before image of the young men in my featured photograph above and other photographs showing the passing of time and just how valuable the printed image is here.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your family to capture your memories.

Feel free to get in touch if you have a project or commission in mind – be great to hear from you!

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens May 2021

A view from the main entrance with Block A on the right and Block B under construction on the left.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the development.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining back centre and Block C on the left.

Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

Welcome to blog number 20 about my May site visit to Courtyard Gardens here in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 19 May 2021 showing the progress to date. I photographed the final preparations on some of the apartments as they get ready to welcome their new residents during June into Block A now know as Atkinson House.

The photographs below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

The entrance to Block C showing Block C. This used to be the entrance to the trader’s car park.

The finished paved forecourt with parking and electric charging points for cars.

One of the electric charging points for cars.

The gated entrance to the car park for Block A giving each apartment space to park.

White lining in car park A giving a generous parking space for each vehicle.

The maintenance walkway at the side of the car park showing the grills for ventilation.

Looking back to Block C from the gated car park entrance at Block A.

The official name of Block A is Atkinson House.

Each apartment has its own outdoor space. These balconies are from Block A.

Maintenance pathway at the side of Block A.

As always I am shown around the site by Ness Kingham, Assitant site Manager who tells me the current state of play as below is her update of the day.

Final works and snagging were being undertaken internally and to terraces of Block A, in preparation for the handover of the block and first legal completions at the start of June. White lining was underway within the car park, and cycle racks and storage lockers were being installed. Landscaping was progressing outside of the block to be able to hand over a section of the gardens to residents. The brickwork was up to the 5th floor on Block B, whilst on Block C the mansard roof was being installed, scaffold erection had recently completed, and brickwork was underway to the basement levels. Internals were progressing within both Blocks B & C.

The terrace area next to a penthouse apartment in Block A with spectacular views.

Slate tiles finish the exterior of this penthouse apartment in Block A showing doors to the spacious terrace.

Views to the open countryside.

The views of the North Downs and beyond from a penthouse apartment in Block A.

The hoist that carries materials and appliances to Block C.

Looking out from Block A over the main entrance towards Block C on the left and Block B on the right.

Landscaping plants and grasses ready for planting.

Another view from a penthouse terrace in Block A looking over at Block B on the right and Block C on the left.

Stones for drainage under the flooring of a penthouse terrace.

I always find my visits so interesting, there is so much to look at and absorb – from the variety of contractors involved to just how meticulous St William is to meet exacting standards for the final finish. On this visit there were 150 people working onsite.

Further photographs show how the development is slowly coming together with Blocks B & C due for completion later in 2021.

A kitchen in a three-bed apartment.

Another view of a kitchen in a three-bed apartment.

The living room in a three-bed apartment nearing completion.

A shower room nearing completion.

Hallway showing coat cupboard and utility cupboard nearing completion.

Kitchen and living area in an apartment nearing completion.

Entrance to Atkinson House almost ready for the new residents.

A first floor spacious terrace under construction.

From the entrance looking towards Blocks A (right) and B (left).

Car park beneath Block B.

A penthouse in Block C under construction.

The view from a penthouse towards the top of Snatts Hill. The top of the spire at St Michael’s can be seen to the right.

Inside Block C looking towards Blocks B & A.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing and learning about the progress of the development as much as I have.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity.

To read the blog from April please click here and to read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 19 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too.

Looking forward to going back at the end of June to photograph the progress to share.

Thank you.

Stella