Context

British Sugar TOPSOIL’s HortLoam planting soil has been used at the new £23m Cambridge Central Mosque, designed by award-winning architects Marks Barfield. The city’s first purpose-built mosque features columnar timber ‘trees’ forming the main structure, both inside and out. With capacity for 1000 worshippers, it is open to all faiths and its gardens can be used by members of the general public at any time, helping to break down barriers in the local community.

Planting

Landscape contractor Landshaped Ltd worked with landscape architects Urquhart & Hunt to create the gardens, designed by Islamic garden designer Emma Clark and Urquhart & Hunt. Their design is a harmonious balance between Islamic structure and relaxed herbaceous and naturalistic planting, which evokes a sense of harmony through the seasons and a connection with the rhythm of the natural cycles of the year. A respect for sustainability, biodiversity and insect-friendly planting has also been a constant theme in the selection of plants.

Product supplied

Michael Fellas, Director of Landshaped, took delivery of 230 bulk bags of HortLoam planting soil in February and March 2019 in preparation for carrying out the soft planting.

HortLoam is a blend of BS3882:2015-compliant topsoil, medium to coarse sand and added organic matter in the form of PAS100-compliant ‘green’ compost. The organic matter increases nutrient availability and helps retain moisture in drought conditions, whilst the sand improves drainage during wet periods.

Testimonial

“HortLoam was the ideal planting medium for the project as sustainability was an important part of the designer’s brief. I’ve always found British Sugar TOPSOIL products to be of a high quality, consistent, and supported by great customer service. The ease of ordering made deliveries quick to turn around. I would recommend this product to any landscaper for planting schemes.”
– Michael Fellas, Director of Landshaped