Growth Industry

Growth Industry offer a range of planting design services to suit projects of all scales. From strategic masterplanning advice at project inception through to individual planting plans, we provide the information needed to satisfy planning conditions and enhance the quality of your scheme.

Our extensive horticultural knowledge together with large scale masterplanning experience enables us to go beyond the role of garden designer. We provide appropriate solutions that are contextual, sustainable and designed to suit anticipated maintenance provision, ensuring that the finished scheme continues to look good for years to come.

We provide detailed plans in a range of formats together with comprehensive schedules to National Plant Specification standards. This ensures that the correct stock is selected by the contractor and that the overall quality of the finished project is never compromised. Our links with commercial and specialist nurseries enable us to monitor stock availability and design accordingly, organising contract growing where necessary and avoiding the need for substitutions.

Issues of ecology and sustainability are no longer just buzz words, with local authorities increasingly looking for evidence of a systematic approach to sustainability in design. With an increasing environmental awareness amongst consumers a high quality landscape scheme can present a solid expression of green principles and create a lasting impression.

We always aim to work harmoniously with the site and its context to produce environmentally responsive design solutions. Our early involvement in a project will ensure full integration of a building within its landscape setting. We have experience of specific ecological features including sustainable urban drainage systems, green roof solutions, habitat creation and biodiversity management and can offer a full range of services from strategic advice to bespoke detailing. An awareness of best practice and appropriate use of planting not only benefits the environment but can also reduce ongoing maintenance, helping to minimise costs.

We strive to work with those who have a proven record of environmentally responsible practices.

Growth Industry recognises that as architects increasingly take the lead in hard landscape detailing there is a need for high quality, bespoke soft landscape details. We offer a complementary service to provide only the soft landscape information you require. In addition to planting plans and schedules we can provide individual construction details coordinated with your hard landscape scheme and formatted for integration into your tender packages.

With a thorough knowledge of soft landscape detailing, implementation and current best practice we offer creative design solutions for challenging situations and can advise on the most cost effective methods of achieving your design aspirations. This includes roof garden / roof deck design, tree pit detailing, tree protection, aquatic systems, top soil and bespoke growing media specifications.

In addition to construction details we can also supply full specification information; either on the drawings or in NBS format for incorporation into a master specification document.

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Growth Industry can offer advice at the inception of a project to ensure that soft landscape works fit seamlessly into the overall programme. By its nature, implementation of planting is restricted by season and this can have a negative impact on a programme, particularly for large projects where works are phased over a number of years. Early planning helps to avoid problems, ensuring that projects are completed to deadline and look good from day one.

Early planning enables stock availability to be matched to design aspirations. With links to nurseries across the UK and Europe we are able to provide advice on contract growing. This offers potential cost savings, guarantees quality and consistency and enables the provision of specialist stock for unique schemes. We are also well placed to source large or unusual individual specimens to provide instant impact.

During the tender and construction phases of a project, close liaison with both contractor and nursery ensure that only top quality stock is procured.

A dedicated maintenance regime is essential if the quality and integrity of the original landscape scheme is to be preserved. Following an assessment of the anticipated maintenance budget, Growth Industry can design a soft landscape scheme that carefully matches design aspirations with available resources.

It is becoming increasingly common for Local Planning Authorities to request the submission of a Landscape Management Plan as part of a detailed planning application. This would form an operations manual for existing grounds maintenance staff and if necessary the key document within a landscape maintenance tender package.

Growth Industry are experienced at assessing existing sites and in preparing maintenance evaluation reports. A regular review of existing maintenance regimes can help increase the longevity of soft landscape elements, reduce unnecessary expenditure and maintain the visual quality of the scheme.

Growth Industry are familiar with all standard forms of contract, most commonly JCT and JCLI and have acted as Contract Administrators on a number of projects. We appreciate that the key to successful soft landscape schemes is to maintain regular contact with both suppliers and contractors and if necessary we can provide an on-site presence during soft landscape implementation to ensure that work is carried out to the highest standard and in accordance with our specification.

During implementation we would:

- Prepare / assist the QS with the preparation of on site valuations
- Prepare / assist the CA with the preparation of Certificates
- Ensure compliance with the CDM regulations
- Produce Risk Assessments for soft landscape operations
- Make regular site visits, oversee complex planting setting out, snagging reports

Zoned planting reflects the unique habitat typology of the local heathland in this contemporary civic space

As part of a major regeneration of the centre of Bracknell, New Jubilee Gardens are to provide a contemporary public space as a setting for the new Civic offices.  The space is predominantly soft-landscaped with a central lawn incorporating striking geometric landforms.  Peripheral planting is naturalistic in style. Utilising a series of individual palettes it creates zones that reflect the unique habitat typologies of the Berkshire heathland surrounding the town.  Shady woodland, woodland edge and heathland beds contain predominantly native species with impact maximised through foliage, bark and fruit as well as flower interest. An offset grid of flowering native cherry trees provides a geometric formality to contrast with the naturalistic style and create a dramatic display of spring flower and autumn colour.

Twin themes of romance and perfume inspire this modern interpretation of a Victorian garden sqaure

The redevelopment of this Victorian garden square in Southend has recently been shortlisted for a Civic Trust Award.  The contemporary design of the space consists of a broad walkway beneath an existing avenue of London Planes alongside which is a substantial single planting bed extending almost sixty metres.  This terminates in a pavilion inspired by an unfurling rose bud.  Drawing on themes of Victorian romance a permanent structure of Box hedging, roses and hydrangeas creates a strong latticework pattern inspired by lace cutwork.  The Victorian love of strong floral scents and perfumes provided inspiration for the under-planting of herbaceous perennials and bulbs.  As well as incorporating many highly scented species the plant palette was devised to replicate the structure of top, heart and base notes used in the perfume industry.  Careful species selection ensure flowering periods overlap to provide ever-changing combinations, unified by a pink and white colour theme, that extend seasonality from early spring right through the winter months. 

Extensive woodland matrix planting and semi-mature trees define the layout of this dynamic new off-road cycling facility

This 18 hectare site in Hainault, East London has been designed to accommodate a 2Km speed circuit and an extensive range of ‘offroad’ MTB trails suitable for both amateur recreation, training and professional competition.  Growth Industry were appointed at an early stage in the project to produce a site wide soft landscape strategy.  The unique nature of the construction meant that no survey information or ‘as-built’ plans were available.   Detailed planting plans were developed on site as the construction of the tracks progressed.  The proposal incorporated extensive matrix-planting of woodland and hedgerow mixes based on locally dominant native species, together with strategically positioned semi-mature trees.  The objectives of the scheme were to build upon the existing ecological sensitivity of the site, form a hierarchical structure to define the site layout and to screen views of the site from the wider landscape.

A new vision for this 164 acre suburban park offering a range of social and recreational led facilities and attractions

Allen Scott Ltd were appointed by Harlow Council to establish a future vision for Harlow Town Park and the production of a Masterplan Framework from which a series of key projects were identified that could be implemented as part of a long term strategy for the park.
Proposals ranged from small scale improvements to footpaths and site furniture to more ambitious and strategic proposals including a green bridge connection to the River Stort, a new multi functional museum, visitor centre and café, a boating lake, sports facilities, an arts trail and the promotion biodiversity.
The proposals were developed in close consultation with CABE, the project steering group and members of the public and were established within a sustainable management and maintenance plan to ensure the long term success of the park.

Evergreen planting in raised Yorkstone planters forms an extension to an adjacent garden in this streetscape enhancement project

The pedestrianisation of Watling Street involved the extension of the existing public gardens at 25, Cannon Street.  The simple layout consists of two large raised planters faced with Yorkstone to match the adjacent walls.  Passive space between the planters is furnished with teak benches, providing a sheltered seating area alongside the busy pedestrian link to St. Paul’s cathedral.  Considered plant selection provides visual continuity with the neighbouring garden.  The shallow fibre optic network beneath the street required careful co-ordination and detailing of the tree pits.  Predominantly evergreen planting has been used to screen the access covers within the planters and provide shelter.  Pockets of herbaceous perennials and bulbs have been used to provide enhanced seasonality.

Cultural and historic narratives drive the design of this unique "floating" park

The proposed Crossrail station at Canary Wharf will incorporate a large, predominantly green, rooftop park through which passengers will pass.  The planting design concept and palette have been developed in response to a strong cultural and historic narrative, inspired by the discoveries of the great Victorian plant collectors Hooker and Douglas and the incoming exotic species that arrived through the local docks.  The space will be divided to showcase both Occidental and Oriental species.  The semi-permeable canopy structure enclosing the park will help to create a localised micro-climate allowing the use of more tender species in a location that is subject to strong wind turbulence created by the adjacent tall buildings.  Careful species selection has been necessary to overcome physical constraints, including shallow substrate depth and overhead structures, in order to minimise future maintenance requirements.  Environmental change and proposed local development were also considered in order to offer a sustainable and futureproof soft landscape solution.

The highest standards of sustainability inform the redevelopment of this ecologically sensitive urban site

Centenary Quay in Woolston, Southampton will see the redundant Vosper Thornycroft shipyard reborn as a multi-million pound mixed-use development. A detailed landscape design and urban realm strategy has been developed that responds to the sensitive nature of the site which lies adjacent to an SPA.  An integrated soft landscape vision was required to unify the site, linking the new riverside promenade with its residential towers between substantial apartment buildings through to the existing neighbourhood of traditional terraced housing. The vision incorporates a number of complex ecological design initiatives.  These include a site-wide integrated SUDS system and extensive use of green and brown roofs to maximise biodiversity.  A buffer to the SPA is to be formed through the unique creation of maritime heathland, a series of vegetated shingle riverside terraces and a vertical shingle beach, the first of it’s kind in the UK.  A structure of semi-mature native tree and hedge planting defines public and private space within the development and provides essential wind-mitigation for the exposed site.

The development of an enduring plant palette drawing on local biodiversity provides a framework for all future development

Growth Industry were appointed to develop a plant selection palette to inform all future development projects in the town.   Producing a prescribed list aims to support a holistic vision and ensure visual and ecological continuity between schemes.  Prevailing environmental conditions and locally native flora were carefully considered in order to produce a palette of species that were ecologically appropriate and that would thrive in the long-term.  Additional non-native species were also selected were they would enhance biodiversity through extended flowering season or provide visual amenity in formal schemes.  The completed palette consists of trees, conifers, shrubs, perennials, grasses, ferns, climbers and seed mixes.  These have been assigned uses in specific locations based on a three tier hierarchical system that identifies key spatial characteristics and uses.

The existing planting character of Thames Barrier Park informs the development of this extensive new public space

The regeneration of Silvertown in east London includes extensive new public open space between Terry Farrell’s Biota! Aquarium for ZSL London and the Victoria Docks. Growth Industry have produced planting palettes for planning, detailed a range of specialist tree pits and produced detailed planting plans that provide a continuation of the existing soft landscape character of the adjacent Thames Barrier Park.

Sustainable extensive green roofs supporting Thameside wildlife

Growth Industry were appointed to carrry out a strategic study into the possibility of incorporating an extensive green roof onto this prestigious Thameside development. The report sought to provide a clear introduction to the concept of extensive green roofs, outline the design considerations, highlight the benefits both environmentally and economically and clarify the construction and maintenance requirements.

Extreme climatic conditions and the endemic flora of Azerbaijan inform the planting for this rooftop park and streetscape

Located on the Absheron peninsula on the Caspian Sea, Baku has a harsh climate.  Strong winds, hot dry summers and cold wet winters create an environment that is hostile to plants and the sites location directly on the coastal road offers no mitigating shelter.  With a brief to design a 2-acre predominantly soft landscaped scheme on a raised podium that is both directly accessible and viewed aerially from adjacent residential towers required extensive research.  Due to limited availability and restrictions on the use of native flora homeoclimatic assessment was used to identify similar geographic regions whose flora would thrive in Baku.  This information was used to compile diverse plant palettes representing the major ecotomes found in Azerbaijan – Lowland Forest, Phrygana, Coastal Scrub and Coastal Prairie.  At ground level these ecotomes are used to inform a narrative driven streetscape representing the journey from highland to lowland.  On the podium deck a more abstract approach has been taken with strong, geometric patterns formed from mass-planted drought tolerant perennials.

The history of evolution underpins the planting design of this unique enclosed landscape on the 35th floor of a city skyscraper

Situated on the upper floors of the already iconic ‘Walkie Talkie’ building this new public space features extensive planting surrounding a restaurant offering panoramic views of the Thames.  In association with Kew Gardens a unique scheme has been developed that takes advantage of the challenging microclimate created by the three-storey glass canopy.  Set upon a steep south-facing slope the planting exploits the variable conditions to present visitors with an informative walk through the evolution of plants.  Divided into three distinct zones; primeval forest, early flowering species and diverse floral plains, the scheme showcases plants from around the globe and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive.  The project, due for completion in 2014, presents on-going challenges.  A complex procurement strategy is required to source appropriate plant material from multiple sources worldwide, whilst the aerial location requires unique solutions to be developed to achieve successful implementation and long-term management.

Exceptionally high density planting provides show-garden quality for the opening of this award winning development

The first phase of this award-winning luxury apartment development on London’s South Bank has recently opened following completion of the planting during summer 2011.  The linear arrangement of the landscape is reinforced by a berm planted with semi-mature birch.  High density underplanting comprising grasses, ferns and shade tolerant herbaceous perennials enhances local biodiversity and incorporates many native species.  The public space at the centre of the scheme comprises formal lawn with more traditional herbaceous borders providing year round colour and a small fruit orchard.  A resident’s herb garden provides further diversity with a wide range of scented and edible species contained within a formal arrangement of Box hedging and half standard Olive trees.  The requirement for a ‘Chelsea Show Garden’ finish from day one required unusually large numbers of plants, providing a unique logistical challenge, particularly as the opening date required that the scheme be completed outside of the normal planting season.

Strong colour theming provides identity for the phases of this new residential quarter by Battersea Power Station

This major brownfield re-development by St. James located on the south bank of the Thames consists of six large residential blocks.  The rectilinear arrangement of the built form contrasts with a series of soft pebble shaped landforms raised above the podium deck to create adequate depth for tree planting.  Each building has balconies with brightly coloured projecting overhangs and the brief was to replicate the unique colourway of each building in the surrounding planting.  The overall effect on completion of the final phase will be a gradual transition from red at the east end of the site, through orange, yellow, lime green and indigo to violet at the western end.  To provide continuity and winter interest a base palette of grasses and evergreen groundcover perennials has been produced that will underpin the planting for each phase.  Supplementing this are bold swathes of colour utilising summer and autumn flowering species.  The use of multiple cultivars of single species such as Hemerocallis and Dahlia allow different colours to be used for each phase whilst maintaining a unity of form and simplicity of maintenance.  In spring seventy-two cultivars of tulip will produce an exuberant display, cutting narrow lines through the perennial planting to emphasise the landforms.  Tree species have also been selected to enhance the colour theme and increase seasonal interest either through their foliage, flower or fruit.

A formal layout and traditional planting evoke the character of an Edwardian garden lost when this Belgravia site was re-developed

The development of this block of luxury apartments on the site of a former bus garage in the heart of Belgravia necessitated the removal of an Edwardian garden.  The replacement scheme replicates the formality of the period.  A strong geometric structure of semi-mature trees and instant Yew hedging divides the space to provide enclosed seating areas for residents.   It creates privacy for the ground floor units and also allows access for façade cleaning machinery.  Beds of roses and fragrant perennials provide seasonal colour and an informal counterpoint to the symmetry.  Existing trees have been retained throughout the construction period where possible and an ornate stone water feature salvaged from the original garden has been relocated to form a focal point on the central axis.  BREEAM accreditation was achieved through the un-intrusive incorporation of a number of ecological features.

Xeric planting addresses the extreme conditions of an exposed Thameside penthouse terrace

The 50m2 6th floor terrace of this Docklands penthouse apartment overlooking the Thames provided a number of environmental and logistical challenges.  Weight loading was a significant issue.  The large in-situ planters are constructed of Marine ply lined with polystyrene sheets and backfilled with a specialist lightweight, free-draining substrate to minimise weight.  The space is exposed to strong winds from the river and the orientation provides direct sun for most of the day.  The planters have been carefully positioned to enhance the 270 degree views from the O2 in the east around to St. Pauls and effectively divide the space into two areas; a sheltered entertainment space and a central planter that forms a backdrop to and extension of the apartment interior. Over several years a number of planting typologies have been trialled.  A structure of predominantly evergreen shrubs and conifers has been allowed to mature to create a more sheltered micro-climate.  The most recent scheme consists of xeric species including succulents and drought-tolerant species from the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.  These are well-suited to the shallow planting substrate and the polystyrene packing in the planters provides winter protection from damaging frost.  The scheme requires no irrigation and very little maintenance. Client:Private

Low-maintenance perennial planting replaces lawn to provide seasonal interest for a country cottage on the Suffolk coast

An early scheme, this planting was implemented in 1999.  The brief was to replace an existing poor quality lawn with extensive perennial planting that would provide impact in a short space of time whilst requiring relatively little maintenance.  To the rear of the property a loose structure of Corylus, Cornus and Amelanchier define the space and provide screening from neighbouring properties.  An informal gravel path leading to a small Yorkstone terrace creates two large beds.  The first is planted with grass species and a complex melange of tiered perennials and bulbs that provide colour from February through to the first frosts.  The second is lower lying and contains a small pond.  The damper shadier position over-shadowed by the house is planted with Primula, Astilbe, Rodgersia and ferns.  The planting to the front of the house is distinctly different, responding to the sun-baked orientation and exposure to salt laden air.  A gravel garden, it is planted with drought tolerant species including Euphorbia, Verbena, Cerinthe and self-seeded Hollyhocks which have been allowed to persist as a remnant of a previous scheme.  Loose and informal the planting is allowed to self-seed and each year its character changes.  A relaxed approach and minimal maintenance make this a garden in which to truly relax.
Client: Private

Low Maintenance shrubs, perennials and grasses provide a garden for all seasons at this hillside cottage with challenging soil conditions

Growth Industry were asked to provide a new lease of life for this steeply sloping cottage garden following extensive stone terracing works to create practical and accessible planting beds.  The brief was to create an attractive, sustainable, wildlife friendly garden that could be easily maintained by the retired owners.  The steep bank had for many years been impossible to maintain, was exceptionally dry and prone to instability, while a natural spring rising in the lowest terrace left the ground seasonally boggy.

Plants were chosen to create an ever changing visual delight throughout the seasons when viewed from the principle reception rooms by employing variations in flower colour, texture and foliage. Drought tolerant perennials and grasses were selected for the driest upper slopes, animating the bank through ever-changing movement while moisture-loving perennials such as Irises, Astilbe and Lysimachia were selected to thrive in the seasonally wet areas. The finished result was the creation of a stunning garden which once established, will thrive with minimal maintenance.
Client: Private

Semi-mature tree and shrub planting provide instant impact in an arboretum-style garden for a Chelsea townhouse

After complete restoration of the house little was left of the original garden as the few existing mature trees had to be felled following damage by contractors.  The brief was to replace the trees and create a woodland garden with an arboretum character.  Unusually, the design process began with a nursery visit during which the client personally selected a large number of semi-mature trees and conifers.  A scheme then had to be designed around the extensive range of species purchased with supplementary shrub planting specified to produce a harmonious whole.  The tight site had no direct access and after negotiation with the local authority street closure allowed the trees to be craned over an adjacent garage block. 

A landscape masterplan seeks to reinstate fragmented historic parkland surrounding this Grade I listed building

Apethorpe Hall is a Grade I listed building that was compulsorily purchased by English Heritage in 2004 following two decades of neglect and decay.  A multi-million pound programme of rescue works was undertaken, with the aim of selling the Hall for use as a private country house when the conservation project ends.  A landscape masterplan was developed to reinstate the parkland, which had been reduced, fragmented and built upon during institutional use of the house in the 1960’s.  Realignment of the main entrance drive was key, providing a steep sweeping approach to reveal the north front of the house through clumps of retained mature trees.  Restoration of the Blomfield designed formal gardens, rejuvenation of the walled kitchen garden, re-planting of the orchard and the implementation of boundary and parkland tree planting were amongst other key projects.  A tree condition survey and schedule of urgent maintenance operations identified critical works to protect mature trees and clear scrub and inappropriate 20th century planting, opening up vistas to reconnect the parkland and gardens with the surrounding landscape.

An extensive landscape conservation plan details the restoration of the 18th century pleasure grounds surrounding this Neo-gothic house

The £8.2m restoration of Horace Walpole’s Gothic fantasy on the banks of the Thames required an extensive landscape conservation management plan and detailed proposals to Stage E in order to secure HLF funding.  Exhaustive archival research was carried out to identify the character of the grounds and the plant and tree species that would have been used.  A tree condition survey informed a phased clearance and maintenance programme that allowed for the incorporation of new features including a visitor car park and identified trees to be retained and supplemented to recreate original features such as ‘the grove’.  Detailed proposals were made to authentically recreate areas of intensively cultivated garden such as the ornamental shrubbery and Prior’s Garden. 

A quirky bottle-theme gives the museum knot garden a modern twist to accompany their historic gin still

This project involved the development of masterplan proposals for the historic garden surrounding Harlow Museum. Improvements were proposed to the existing gardens such as the Unusual Fruits Garden, the Knot Garden and the Peace Garden. A new themed garden centred around the large copper Gibney Gin Still and featuring plants associated with brewing, distilling and viticulture was proposed as an intersting addition to this popular and ecclectic garden. A new glasshouse cafe, dining terrace and teaching facility were also incorporated to maximise visitors use of this hidden historic gem.

A landscape conservation plan is supported by a practical action plan to empower the restoration of this 700-year-old estate by its gardeners

The estate of the Bishops of London for 1300 years, the palace and it’s grounds became a public park in 1975. Several decades of inappropriate planting and management saw the landscape features, including a magnificent walled garden, fall into disrepair. The landscape conservation management plan included extensive research to identify positions of original trees and planting.  Following a tree condition survey recommendations were made for a programme of removal and replanting.  Key stakeholder groups, including the neighbouring allotment association, were involved in the process of developing proposals to restore existing features and incorporate new ones.  A key proposal was to reinterpret the route of the perimeter moat, long since infilled, with a ribbon of blue flowering spring bulbs to be planted by the community to foster a sense of ownership.  Developed with the local authority, a practical action plan was created for use by the existing gardeners, empowering them to gradually restore the grounds to their former glory and encourage greater public use.

Bespoke planters enrich the learning environment of this rooftop playground in central London

Growth Industry were approached by the head to provide design input prior to the renovation of the rooftop playground.  The Victorian building in the heart of Fitzrovia had minimal outside space and limited access to green space, making provision of certain aspects of the curriculum difficult.  Working to a very limited budget Growth Industry designed a scheme that re-used some existing derelict planters.  These were renovated and relocated to define a space for quiet contemplation.  The planters were given new brightly coloured fascias to compliment existing wall murals and planted with a range of hardy edible and perfumed species, carefully selected to ensure they flowered during school term time.  A large new planter was constructed from external grade MDF finished to match the renovated planters.  The tiered structure provides space for a permanent planting of shrubs, grasses and perennials with vigorous evergreen climbers to screen the adjacent chain link fence.  The lower section of the planter allows the children to plant and grow their own vegetables.  The project was very well received by the children who now take it in turns to maintain the planting, encouraging a valuable sense of ownership.

A renovated pond and new bog garden increase the biodiversity and educational potential of the grounds of this urban primary

Growth Industry were initially engaged to carry out an assessment of the existing school Eco-garden.  Having been installed several years earlier there were evident maintenance issues and it was in very poor condition.  A detailed report made recommendations for re-planting and identified a series of projects that could be tackled cost-effectively over a number of years.  In 2010 initial remedial work was undertaken including rejuvenation of the sculptural willow play features together with installation of boundary screen planting. 

The least successful element of the previous scheme was the pond.  Covered with a metal grille and choked with dead leaves it supported little wildlife and served no educational function.  In 2011 Growth Industry made proposals to restore the pond and install a bog garden to replace adjacent failed planting.  The pond was cleared and the surrounding area stripped and resoiled after incorporation of a retentive membrane.  The recovered spoil was used to create a landform planted with shrubs and grasses that complimented the aquatic and marginal species introduced around the pond, extending the range of habitats created.  Within three months the planting had established successfully and the pond is now used regularly to to support the curriculum.

New Inner City Academy required extensive environmental mitigation

The project invovled the masterplanning, detail design and specification of the entire school grounds of this prestigious £26M city academy for pupils aged 2 to 16 years. Involvement ran from inception through to construction as part of a multidisiplinary design team.
The site was a challenging one, steeply sloping and on contaminated land in the Blackheath Conservation Area. It also including a wooded Site of Nature Conservation Interest. The project required lengthy negotiations with the Local Plannig Authority and the GLA plus the production of a full Environmental Statement and Ecological Management Plan. Extensive environmental mitigation measures were incorporated in order to maximise biodiversity and achieve a sustainable design solution. A full analysis of the school curriculum allowed the development of an external environment which maximised opportunities for outdoor learning as well as providing safe and attractive social spaces for the pupils to enjoy between lessons.

Simplicity and the functionalism of 1930’s Modern Movement design inspire the bold formal planting of this terrace scheme

This scheme is inspired by the ‘Return to Functionalism’ ethos of 1930’s modern movement landscape design.  The existing enclosed, intimate and rectilinear characteristics of the main terrace have been accentuated and enhanced with bold formal planting, creating a strong green framework to reinforce the use of the space as a living outdoor room.  Against the back wall the pleached trees are underplanted with Buxus and Pittosporum.  This is clipped to form voluptuous curved forms in the manner of a Moore or Hepworth sculpture to contrast with the predominantly rectilinear forms of the building and its associated decoration.  Clipped columns of Osmanthus between the doors introduce scent and complete the green enclosure of the space.  Integrated step planters allow for seasonal planting that can be changed to suit different events.

Our suite draws on familiar, historic and cultural references
forming a study in urban ecological origami

We are proposing an urban aesthetic that speaks of identity, modern materials, productivity and efficiency, embodied in the folded steel forms of the b house, the batwing and the metropollen planter. We believe this opportunity to reappraise and reform a suite of new urban elements for central London is both appropriate and timely. Our aim has been not only to create striking interventions that complement modern architecture but to raise public awareness of the challenge of maintaining urban biodiversity.

The Batwing with its folded wings of steel protecting an inner timber chamber, presents a bespoke and distinctive new home for bats. Inspired by popular cultural references, the memorable form recalls the hanging sleeping habit of bats. To be placed in clusters of two or three and oriented to maximise solar gain, it is envisaged that the batwing will become a somehow familiar and playful urban character, gradually colonizing the walls and trees of the city.

The Metropollen provides a high capacity and high impact planter to allow the successful growth of pollinating plants

The metropollen planter is a deliberate move away from the horticultural
tokenism of smallscale planters that accommodate merely annual bedding. It
seeks to provide a practical solution which allows for planting schemes that are
diverse, sustainable and have year-round impact.

This long planter draws inspiration from the historic metropolitan drinking fountains and water troughs that originate from the Holborn area. The metropollen reinterprets the scale and form of these former ‘water stations’ to become ‘pollen stations’ for the contemporary city.  Attractive to bees and insects as well as people, the colourful, scented, necter-rich planting offers visitors, both human and winged, natural refreshment. A timber seat is incorporated to provide an informal rest stop amongst the planting and the opportunity to watch the bees work at close quarters.

The b house repackages and refashions the traditional timber hive system to form a striking new home for our urban bees

The b house is a lightweight, yet sturdy construction, compact and durable. It incorporates a tried and tested hive management system, based around the National beehive which is familiar to beekeepers and effective for bee wellbeing and honey production.

The folded steel ‘b’ frame stabilises, protects and elevates the hive for efficient and flexible use, ideally suited to the demands of rooftop bee keeping in our cities.  Hexagonal lifting points aid honey super movement and add an instant visual reference to the internal honeycomb structure within. A self-weighted, hinged lid provides secure weather protection. It's brightly coloured, glossy Midtown livery make the b-house highly attractive to both bees and beekeepers and easy to keep clean.