Explore Studio Knight Stokoe, a landscape architecture firm that operates with principles of 'resilience, regeneration, and empathy' as their driving forces.
Studio Knight Stokoe, a landscape architecture and urban design practice based in the south-west of England, is making waves in the industry with its unique approach to sustainability and design. Founded in 2022, the young firm has already made a significant impact, particularly with its first major project, the revival of a brutalist garden named Plant at Mountbatten House in Basingstoke.
This project, which achieved wide acclaim and a BREEAM Outstanding certification, embodies Studio Knight Stokoe's values and was a landmark for the young firm. The Plant scheme required delicate handling of the existing environment while respecting the original 1970s vision of designer James Russell. Instead of replacing the existing landscape elements, the studio chose to retain and repurpose them, reflecting its commitment to harmonizing society and nature by adapting and enhancing existing environments rather than starting anew.
Prioritizing Retain, Reuse, and Recycle
Studio Knight Stokoe's work is guided by three interconnected principles: resilience, regeneration, and empathy. The studio prioritizes retaining key historical landscape features, reusing existing design aspects and materials within the landscape, and recycling concepts and elements to regenerate spaces sustainably. This approach fosters resilient landscapes that respond thoughtfully to environmental and social challenges while maintaining a strong sense of place and history.
The studio advocates for a stronger focus on a retain, reuse, and recycle agenda for existing landscapes. By questioning the need for wholesale replacement of spaces, built elements, and planting, they suggest that these elements can be woven into the fabric of landscape solutions. This philosophy is evident in their work on the Plant project, where they seamlessly integrated the original brutalist design elements into the revived garden.
A Balance of Craft and High-Tech Approach
Studio Knight Stokoe's projects aim to harmonize society and nature, creating places that can adapt to challenges while actively enhancing the environments they inhabit. Their work showcases a 'craft-to-high-tech' approach that balances artistry and functionality. This balance is evident in the Plant project, where traditional techniques were used alongside cutting-edge technology to create a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing space.
A Commitment to Sustainable Practice
Studio Knight Stokoe's commitment to sustainable practice is demonstrated by their B Corp certification. This certification, which requires businesses to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, underscores the studio's dedication to responsible business practices.
The directors, Martin Knight and Claire Stokoe, are the only permanent staff members, but they work with a family of skilled collaborators as needed. The studio follows a boutique and nimble approach, valuing quality and craft over volume. Clients and collaborators work directly with either Martin or Claire in the studio, ensuring a personal touch and a high level of attention to detail.
Future Projects
Studio Knight Stokoe's ongoing projects make for an exciting future for the young practice. They are currently involved in the retrofit and reuse of a Grade II-listed building on the harbourside at Canons Wharf in Bristol. The studio is also working on a new micro-urban forest school in the heart of Westminster, London, which promises to be another showcase of their innovative and sustainable approach to landscape design.
With their unique approach to sustainability and landscape architecture, Studio Knight Stokoe is certainly a practice to watch in the coming years. Their commitment to resilience, regeneration, and empathy, combined with their focus on accountability and sustainable practice, is setting a new standard in the industry.
- Studio Knight Stokoe's unique approach to sustainability can be observed in their work, such as the revival of the Plant project, which showcases their commitment to environmental-science by retaining, reusing, and recycling existing elements, thereby promoting sustainable-living within home-and-garden settings.
- As Studio Knight Stokoe continues to make waves in the industry, their focus on crafting resilient landscapes, including future projects like retrofitting a Grade II-listed building and creating a micro-urban forest school, ensures that their groundbreaking sustainability principles will continue to shape the science and lifestyle sectors for years to come.
