Context

Bespoke corten steel planter-benches from IOTA were specified by Ealing Council as part of an extensive programme of highways and public realm improvements in Hanwell.

The planter-benches have been used to green a newly paved pedestrian area around the historic Hanwell Clock Tower, at the junction of Boston Road and Uxbridge Road.

Products supplied

Three planter-bench units were supplied, each in an oval configuration of 5000 (l) x 3000 (w) x  620mm (h); as well as a simple oval-shaped planter (ie without benching) 9328 (l) x 7625 (w) x 300mm (h).

The planters were manufactured from 4.0mm-thick corten steel, rolled to form the specified shapes. Oval forms create a particular challenge when rolling steel, as the radiuses are not constant around the circumference; a challenge which was exacerbated in this project by the very large scale of the planters, which required them to be sectioned for on-site assembly. All steel fabrication was fully-welded and faired; the design included a top rim detail, and a 100mm stabilising footer at the base.

The three planter-benches include substantial 500 (l) x 70 (w) x 150mm (h) iroko FSC timbers, raised 50mm above the level of the corten steel. The timbers are both chemically bonded and mechanically fastened to a corten steel, gusset-reinforced ‘shelf’ set inboard of the outer circumference of the planter. Both the material specification and the robustness of the fabrication guarantee that the planter-benches are eminently suitable for the rigours of inner city public realm.

Note: Some of the images above show the corten steel as being grey in colour. These images were taken immediately post-production, and the corten steel had not yet weathered into its characteristic patina.

Services provided

The essential planter-bench concept and design was by Project Centre, with design development and detailing by IOTA. IOTA’s delivery was on the basis of design, manufacture and supply, with installation conducted by Murrill Construction.