The courtyard to Minerva PLC’s Headquarters in London was designed following a limited entry design competition. Our winning scheme created a strong sequence of approach, entrance and arrival. An arcaded approach brings visitors from bustling Wigmore Street into a peaceful garden courtyard. Set below the level of the arcade, the lower courtyard is overhung by a mature specimen tree. Curved steps descend below the canopy of the maple and direct visitors toward the entrance of the HQ creating a strong sense of entrance and arrival.
The courtyard was conceived as an outer foyer with paving running through the glass fronted ground floor façade linking seamlessly to the reception area within. Raised planters enclose the courtyard on the other three sides ensuring the Minerva HQ presided over the courtyard despite being the smallest of the enclosing buildings. Mature Camellias were planted as a backdrop to the courtyard with woodland ground cover planting throughout to reflect the shaded nature of the site. Bulbs and herbaceous plants provide highlights through the season.
Our commission was extended to prepare a proposal to transform an accessible flat roof ledge into a garden terrace. The terrace led out from the Boardroom and was to be used for low key entertaining as well as by staff wishing to catch the late evening sun on the west-facing roof.
- MASTERPLAN
- DETAIL DESIGN
- IMPLEMENTATION
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