Farrer Huxley
Ambition Benefitting People and the Environment in an Urban Setting Farrer Huxley were appointed to design and deliver the landscape on the 4th, 5th and 6th floor terraces of a new commercial building in London’s Soho. The aspiration was to

Broadwick Street

Soho, London

A series of rooftop terraces has brought green space into the heart of London’s Soho, benefitting people and the environment.
 
View to Soho from planted roof terraces.

View to Soho from planted roof terraces.

 
Type Commercial, Regeneration, Landscape Management
Location Soho, London Borough of Westminster
Scale 0.04 Ha (400 sqm)
Rooftop terraces over three floors of new office building in London’s Soho
Client Great Portland Estates PLC
Partners Emrys
Status Completed 2016
RIBA Stages 2-7
Awards Best West End New Build - OAS Development Awards 2017
 
 
Ambition Benefitting People and the Environment in an Urban Setting Farrer Huxley were appointed to design and deliver the landscape on the 4th, 5th and 6th floor terraces of a new commercial building in London’s Soho. The aspiration was to

Ambition

Benefitting People and the Environment in an Urban Setting

Farrer Huxley were appointed to design and deliver the landscape on the 4th, 5th and 6th floor terraces of a new commercial building in London’s Soho.

The aspiration was to bring nature to the people working there and enhance the ecological value of the site.

Impact Promoting Wellbeing A rich planting palette across the 5th and 6th floor terraces, including green walls, brings nature to the ‘doorstep’ of office workers in this dense urban setting. Environmental Benefits The landscape enhances

Impact

Promoting Wellbeing

A rich planting palette across the 5th and 6th floor terraces, including green walls, brings nature to the ‘doorstep’ of office workers in this dense urban setting.

Environmental Benefits

The landscape enhances the ecological value of the site by inviting wildlife. Flower species are a source of pollen and provide a habitat for insects.

Planting improves ambient air quality and helps to cool the building in warmer months.

Above two photos: bottom photo ©Andy Stagg.

Above two photos: bottom photo ©Andy Stagg.

Approach

Softening the Urban Setting

The landscape design picks up on the building’s folded façade details, which were inspired by the history of the fashion and textile trade in Soho. Borders and balustrades follow a gentle zig-zag movement, enhancing the softening effect of flowers and plants. Green granite was chosen to tonally complement planting.

Maintaining a Lush Environment

Exposure, minimal soil depth and weight constraints presented challenges. Plants were contract grown at a nursery for one year, ensuring they would survive in the lightweight soil and be mature enough to create visual impact.

Rooftop landscapes are high maintenance because of their practical constraints. A watering system and maintenance plan has been implemented to keep the planting lush all year round.