Location: Bermondsey, London, UK

The new London offices of the National Youth Theatre have three terraces. Privacy and screening from the sun were the important factors from the inside: outside, privacy and seating areas were requested by the client. All features had to be pre-approved by the landlords of the development.

Bespoke steel planters, finished to match the existing steel colours, were filled with a hedge of Buxus elegantissima. This, on a terrace only 30cm wide, provides a natural screen from the buildings opposite. On the terrace designated for socialising, oak planters were commissioned from English Garden Joinery to hold humans (in sitting mode) as well as bee-friendly plants. Simple Betula pendula give height to the area and also add to the biodiversity of a built-up area.