Photography | Thierry Cardineau

Wellbeing within a busy city

Just inside the secondary entrance, a feature tree underplanted with a mix of living plants sits front and centre for all to see, with preserved moss pillars either side. Juxtaposed with the busy underground station opposite the entrance, it feels like escaping from the busy city outside to a cool, green oasis inside. Light oak timber slats are sculpted into curved organic shapes, with glimpses of planting spilling through. Angles are blurred with EnviroGrid hanging planting, and free-standing EnviroZone timber planters form screens which gently break up the open plan area.

Sustainability front and centre

The building has a BREEAM excellent accreditation, so sustainability was paramount throughout. The feature tree is actually an extraordinarily life-like replica, using a real timber trunk and leaves that flutter with the movement of natural leaves. Planters are a mix of natural materials and recycled (and recyclable) marine plastic. All living planting uses our sustainable EnviroLeaf planting system. The plants are supplied on a rental basis, with an ongoing care package, ensuring they remain in tip top condition.

A green corner everywhere

Throughout the space, we combined living plants with nature walls, hanging preserved plants and replica plants, to ensure that everyone in the office has a little green corner. The completed project is really something quite special – a stunning Grade II listed façade on the outside, with a warm and welcoming modern workspace inside.

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