Requirement

IOTA was commissioned by Clifton Nurseries, on behalf of The Portman Estate, to design, manufacture and supply highly decorative and illuminated planters for public realm improvements at Old Quebec Street, London W1. All design detailing and development was by IOTA, based on an original concept drawing by project consultant, Atkins. 

Challenge

The requirement for the tree planters to be illuminated was a significant challenge, since there was no mains electricity supply available. To overcome this, IOTA designed a rechargeable battery-powered solution, which provided the optimum solution in terms of the horticultural requirements, and also in terms of establishing realistic and sustainable operation and maintenance routines, particularly with regards to routine charging. The tree planters also needed to be fully demountable to allow for replacing the trees in future years.

Solution

A total of 33 planters were commissioned for the project, which were designed to enhance the attractiveness of Old Quebec Street as a retail destination, especially at night.

Scope of works

12 bespoke steel tree planters

  • Length: 1200mm; height: 1090mm
  • 2.0mm thick zintec steel, polyester powder coated on all surfaces to Tiger Drylac C 34
  • All decorated, to include fluted (‘grill’) detail on the side panels, and scroll (‘Moroccan’ detail on the top rim
  • Supplied with pre-installed LED lighting system, including two 70ah rechargeable LA batteries per planter (accessed via a watertight door); plus 1 smart charger and 1 time switch per planter

21 bespoke steel trough planters with castors

  • Length: 1400mm; width: 500mm; height: 600mm
  • 2.0mm thick zintec steel, polyester powder coated on all surfaces to Tiger Drylac C 34
  • Each planter to include four high-spec lockable castors
  • 9 planters supplied plain / undecorated
  • 12 planters supplied decorated, with fluted ('Grill’) detail on the side panels, and scroll (‘Moroccan’) detail on the top rim