Challenge

Woodscape was contracted by Hyland Edgar Drive (HED), working on behalf of Crown Estates, to create four custom-made planter seats to maximise the public space at St James Market in London in a practical and attractive way.

The public spaces surrounding St James’s, in the heart of what used to be a Victorian Haymarket, is now a popular meeting place for food lovers, and home to various festivals and gatherings during the year. This required a planter and seating solution that aligned with the surrounding aesthetic, could handle the existing paving that sloped in many directions, and be easily relocated when the space needs to be emptied for gatherings.

Solution

Working with HED over several months, based on the initial designs and inspirations, a set of modular planter seats were created that can be easily sectioned and relocated. With the shapes based on the colours and shapes of barley to give them a warm, natural feel, the utilising of naturally very durable hardwood over a metal structure adds to the pleasing appearance, as well as being long-lasting and practical.

Installation

Design considerations were included in the planters to ensure that the teams from Tuffin Ferraby Taylor LLP, Axis Europe and Standerwick Land Design would have a trouble-free installation on site.

Testimonial

“It has been a real pleasure working very closely with Woodscape on this project. We have worked with Woodscape many times in the past and were extremely pleased when they were awarded the contract to complete the design for our concepts. I think the results are delightful! Warm, contemporary and sophisticated.”
– Carly Kershaw, HED Director