Context

Hackney Gardens is part of a quiet, community-focused residential development near Hackney Central, featuring landscaped gardens set within the grounds of the Grade II listed St John’s Church. The development consists of 58 luxury residential apartments which were completed in July 2020. Each lower ground floor apartment is accessible via steps and features tall back walls, each space has been maximised using WoodBlocX and features a series of terraced retaining walls featuring planting areas.

Requirement

WoodBlocX was approached by the client, JJ Rhatigan, and asked to explore the use of WoodBlocX™ retaining walls for the project. The finalised plans included a series of 1m tall terraced walls each containing areas for planting along with a large bench at the base of each to create a series of ‘secret gardens’ nestled below ground level to create a private space for each dwelling.

Solution

WoodBlocX project managed the first phase of installation and provided on-site help its specialist team. The installation took place in two phases and was completed in just two weeks. The final designs included a series of bespoke cuts to ensure each installation worked perfectly within the concrete frame of each garden.

Outcome

The natural aesthetic of the WoodBlocX structures, cascading design, natural planting and existing mature greenery makes this development stand out as an example of creating desirable and functional urban living whilst seamlessly incorporating nature.