Challenge

Furnitubes was commissioned to provide seating and planting solutions for the outdoor space and roof terrace at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), a rail-road intermodal freight terminal with an associated warehousing estate in Northamptonshire.

Owned by Prologis, the business park was originally built in the 90s, but a recent expansion has added around 4 million square feet of storage and office space. Some buildings are already occupied by leading brands such as Royal Mail, BooHoo, Dunelm, Tesco and Sainsburys.

DIRFT's Unit DC628 (DC10)  is a net zero carbon building with 627,707 square foot warehouse space rated BREEAM Excellent. Among its features are solar PV systems, a roof terrace, and enhanced external amenities.

Solution

Furnitubes was approached by BCA Design, Landscape Architects for the project, to supply seating and planters.

RailRoad modular seating with Delta supports and FSC iroko timber slats that are left untreated to allow natural weathering, was installed in the outdoor amenity area adjacent to the car park, along with Parallel picnic tables and benches and Zenith 500 litter bins - creating an outdoor lunch break environment that employees can enjoy during warm weather.

Decking supplied by Outdoor Deck was installed on the roof terrace of the building, complete with Furnitubes' AKRI 300 steel planters with 500mm-high panels manufactured from triple process recycled steel, to form a variety of linear shapes filled with plants and greenery to create a peaceful oasis with a view of the countryside.

Seating and benches made from FSC Iroko timber, some of which have armrests, were integrated onto the planters to provide warehouse staff with quiet spaces to relax. The rooftop planters were complemented by the addition of the Hollo range of freestanding low seating / tables.