Colbourns Courtyard

We transformed a cold, hard courtyard into a lush jungle for top-end carpet designers, Colbourns Studio in Chelsea.

Every inch of space matters in London, and having somewhere to entertain clients outside makes a big difference to urban businesses. We were brought into a neglected, grey space, with the brief to make it green, soft, inviting and relaxing.

We commissioned bespoke steel planters, powder coated in the colour chosen by the client, and assembled them on site. Some had to be on wheels, to ensure access to utility panels. And they were all connected to an irrigation system to ensure consistent growth and minimal maintenance required. Plant choices were also chosen to be lush, green and low maintenance, suited to the shady space. Bamboo and tree ferns were the feature plants, creating a tropical, jungly feel.

Summary

 

Year: 2018

Client: Colbourns Studio

Duration: 1 week

Purpose: Transforming a neglected, grey, hard space to a green, soft, inviting and relaxing area in the office.

  • Colbourns Courtyard Urban Growth garden london

    Before: The space was hard, grey and dark. Not somewhere to bring clients.

  • Colbourns Courtyard Urban Growth garden london

    After: A green curtain runs around the entire space, softening it visually, reducing echoes and providing a therapeutic space for staff and clients.

  • Colbourns Courtyard Urban Growth garden london

    Planting included Liriope, an evergreen grass with purple flowers in autumn, to contrast with Anemone, whose tall white flowers lasted until winter.

  • Colbourns Courtyard Urban Growth garden london

    The Fargesia bamboo provided a fresh, limey green to contrast against purple underplanting such as Heuchera, anchored by the neutral grey planters.

  • Colbourns Courtyard Urban Growth garden london

    The tree fern provided a focal point from the offices, and the chairs, table and rug finished the space to provide somewhere for staff to relax as well as a welcoming space to close a big deal with clients.

  • Colbourns Courtyard Urban Growth garden london

    The flat pack planters were custom cut to size by our friends at Everedge.

  • Colbourns Courtyard Urban Growth garden london

    We managed to tuck the shed behind evergreen screening that would grow to obscure it in years to come.

  • Colbourns Courtyard Urban Growth garden london

    We also installed a huge evergreen jasmine to hide the trellis and to provide summer scent that filled the whole space and wafted into the offices.