Westminster Fire Station
Westminster Fire Station, designed in the Free English Baroque style, was built in 1906 on the same site as an earlier station. Granted Grade II listed status in 1987, the station remained operational until 2014 when it fell victim to fire station cuts across the capital.
Four years later, plans were drawn up to convert the iconic building into a ground-floor restaurant and 6 luxury apartments above, with a single-storey basement excavated underneath the entire site. A new, secondary building on the site would contain a further 11 apartments.
An inner courtyard was to be landscaped with natural stone paving to complement the tones of the original brickwork and sculpted CorTen steel planters to soften the harsh geometry of the building. Timber benches were to be integrated into the planters and surround a raised pool and fountain walled by matching CorTen steel, to provide areas for relaxation and socialising.
The Challenges
As the landscaping was all to be supported by a concrete foundation over the basement, the weight and loading of the planters was a particular challenge. The expertise of the Raaft technical team was crucial in ensuring that even with damp soil, the planters would remain safely within the maximum loading capacity of the concrete.
The Installation
The landscape architect selected ground level Planterline Curved Planter System and Ambit Integrated Seating, both from Raaft, for the design. The planters were given organic shapes and differing heights to add interest and structure.
All of the bench seating was constructed in natural timber CorTen weathering steel was used throughout for the pool surround and planters to complement the tones of the brickwork and provide a perfect counterpoint to the verdant foliage.
The Result
The ground level courtyard is a haven of tranquillity, both for those who relax among the planters or sit around the fountain pool and for residents whose windows and balconies overlook it. The organic shapes of the planters and seating draw the eye onward through the design, creating a pleasant contrast to the straight lines of the surrounding buildings.
The project earned praise for its innovative design and tranquil atmosphere, winning the prestigious BALI Principal Award in 2023 for Hard Landscaping Construction (non-domestic). This award highlights the project's excellence and outstanding contribution to the field.
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