The Addleshaw Goddard Junglette Garden
In a cityscape often defined by its concrete and steel, the Addleshaw Goddard Junglette Garden offers a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. Located at the Bull Ring Gate in London, this innovative garden, designed by the Mike McMahon Studio, has garnered international acclaim by winning a Gold Award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2024. This recognition is a testament to the studio’s creative vision and unwavering commitment to sustainability.
A Compact Marvel of Design
The Addleshaw Goddard Junglette Garden reimagines a modest 10m² balcony into a lush, green paradise, resembling a grand hanging basket. The design ingeniously incorporates the four structural layers of a jungle, blending resilient tropical plants such as Dicksonia Antarctica and Cyathea Cooperi with familiar flora like Nasturtiums. This clever use of space and plant variety not only maximizes visual impact but also fosters a miniature ecosystem within the urban environment.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of this project. The garden features a striking back wall, meticulously constructed from 1,492 pieces of recycled paper, assembled like a 3D jigsaw puzzle. This innovative use of materials exemplifies the studio’s dedication to eco-friendly practices. Additionally, the “Unfurl Paper” chairs, designed and crafted in-house, draw inspiration from the delicate unfurling of fern fronds, further embedding the theme of nature’s resilience and beauty.
Lightweight fabric containers by BacSac are used to reduce the balcony’s weight load, allowing for more extensive planting without compromising structural integrity. This thoughtful approach ensures that even the smallest urban spaces can be transformed into verdant retreats.
Biodiversity and Aesthetic Harmony
The garden is more than just a visual delight; it is a haven for urban wildlife. Bird nests, integrated bat boxes, and a small pond enhance biodiversity, creating a sanctuary for various species within the city. The design seamlessly integrates geometric elements, harmonizing nature with aesthetics to create an imaginative and impactful space.
Jewlsy Mathews of the Mike McMahon Studio highlights the garden’s broader impact, stating, “This project showcases how small urban spaces can be transformed into sustainable, vibrant green areas that support both human and wildlife communities.”
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. Site no. 803 | © RHS
Continuing the Journey
Following its success in London, the garden has been relocated to the Rock Trust Charity in Edinburgh. Here, Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Mathews, alongside volunteers from Addleshaw Goddard and Rock Trust, have replanted the garden, ensuring its legacy of sustainability and community enrichment continues.
The Addleshaw Goddard Junglette Garden stands as a beacon of innovative design and sustainability, offering a model for how urban spaces can be reimagined to benefit both people and the planet.
Details
- Project size: 10 m2
- Site size: 10 m2
- Completion date: 2024
