Hampton Court Palace

RHS Hampton Court Palace © Luke MacGregor

Together with Swanlea school in East London we designed and built a prototype garden for the balconies of council estates in east London, using recycled materials and plant that were easy to grow
and maintain.

We won first prize in the RHS Green Plan It competition and had the chance to build our garden design for Hampton Court Palace FlowerShow.The project was highly appraised in the press and received much recognition in the RHS as it brought the community of east London together.

Building the final model with the Swanlea School team.

The intention of the team was to reuse everyday materials and create planters for herbs.

The winning team from Swanlea School together with their teacher.

The project began with a series of workshops where students learned about sustainability, fundamental design principles, and the importance of green spaces. These sessions also included brainstorming and planning the layout and features of the green balcony prototype for the Bengali community.

We placed emphasis on sourcing materials that were reused or recycled. Students and teachers contributed by bringing items from home and local businesses donated surplus materials. This included wooden pallets, old planters, unused soil, and various other repurposable items.

Guided by the design team, students participated in creating detailed plans for the balcony. They used sketches and models to visualize the final structure, incorporating elements like vertical gardens, seating areas, and planting borders for different plant types.

The construction stage was a collaborative effort, with students taking active roles in building the balcony in a scale 1-1. Under supervision, they cut, assembled, and installed the materials, learning practical skills and teamwork.

The team planted a variety of plants chosen for their suitability to the local climate and their low maintenance requirements. Finishing touches included painting and decorating with additional reused items, such as old bottles and cans turned into planters.

Students gained hands-on experience in sustainable design and construction, along with increased knowledge about recycling and green living.

The project highlighted the importance of reusing materials and creating green spaces, contributing to a reduction in waste and a positive impact to local biodiversity.

The green balcony became a shared space for the school community, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable goals for the Bengali community.