Working in collaboration with Eric Parry Architects and Latz + Partner, LUC was selected by Saxon Generali Real Estate to design a roof garden at One Fen Court, a new 17-storey mixed-use development at the heart of the City cluster in the City of London.

LUC’s services included planting design, pre-selection and specification, planning and inspection to deliver the soft landscape for the building’s 2,200m2 rooftop terrace. The garden, which is fully accessible to the public, sits 65m above street level and offers 360o views across London’s skyline.

The roof garden is designed to include all the best aspects of a public space whilst integrating building services and energy efficiency requirements. It provides a refreshingly tranquil escape from the dense City cluster and streets below. Our scheme sensitively combines seasonal herbaceous planting with exposure-tolerant and evergreen grasses, vines and espalier fruit. Its centrepiece is a grove of 88 wisteria supported on a pergola, providing shade, scent and shelter to the roof terrace.

As the visitor moves around the garden the quality of light changes with the aspect and the time of day and season. Moving water on the southern edge of the roof provides relief during warm spells.