Blockmakers Arms
ARBORICULTURE
Client
Erbar Mattes Architects
Project Type
Residential Development
Location
Hoxton, Hackney, London
Status
Complete 2017-2021
​
Images
Erbar Mattes Architects
The former Grade II listed mid-nineteenth century pub is situated in the Regent's Canal Conservation Area in Hackney.
​
Awards
RIBA London Award 2023 – Winner
British Homes Awards 2023
'Home Transformation of the Year' – Winner
Erich Mendelsohn Award 2023 for Brick Architecture – Winner Gold
RIBA House of the Year 2023 – longlisted (one of twenty)
​
Overview
TMA were commissioned to support the redevelopment of the Grade II listed Blockmakers Arms, a former public house, into a residential property with a new side and rear extension. The development required careful integration of construction activities with the protection and long-term preservation of several trees on site, including a prominent Manna Ash (T1) within a Conservation Area.
​
Challenge
The project involved partial demolition and new construction within the Root Protection Area (RPA) of mature trees. The site’s restricted layout and proximity of tree canopies presented risks to tree health during demolition and construction, demanding precise planning and arboricultural oversight.
Our Approach
​​
Detailed Tree Assessment: A comprehensive survey identified seven individual trees and one hedge. Most trees were classified as low to moderate quality, with T1 (Manna Ash) designated as Category B1, indicating its moderate value and retention priority.
​
Root Investigation & Protection Strategy: Air-lance excavation and manual trenching revealed minimal large root presence, allowing for conventional strip foundations to proceed under supervision, with measures such as root sleeving and non-phytotoxic barriers implemented to protect viable roots.
​
Tree Surgery & Compliance: Crown lifting was limited to small branches necessary for walkway clearance, aligning with BS 3998 and relevant wildlife legislation. No tree removal was required.
​
Construction Methodology: Special care was taken during demolition with a "top down, pull back" technique to prevent canopy damage. Existing hardstanding was retained for ground protection, and stem protection was installed using timber boxing around sensitive trunks.
​
Ongoing Supervision: A robust site monitoring schedule ensured compliance with BS 5837:2012 and local planning conditions, with key stages supervised by qualified arboricultural consultants.
Outcome
The development proceeded without the loss of any trees. All retained trees were protected successfully, and planning conditions were discharged effectively. The project demonstrated how innovative, site-specific arboricultural solutions can support urban development while preserving valuable green infrastructure.
​Services Provided
​
-
Design Liaison
-
BS 5837 Tree Survey
-
Arboricultural Impact Assessment
-
Arboricultural Method Statement​