DECKING
MARRYING AESTHETICS WITH PRACTICALITY IN A NATIONAL INSTITUTION
The look of natural timber decking is classic and timeless , and a perfect backdrop for displaying natural planting schemes . But what if your project is one of the most famous and much-loved botanical gardens in the world , with 2.5 million visitors a year ? Royal Botanical Gardens , Kew is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a mission to preserve the Earth ’ s natural resources . One of Kew ’ s biggest recent projects was their ambitious ‘ Children ’ s Garden ’ which transformed a previously underused part of the site into four interactive gardens themed around the elements .
World renowned landscape architect Suzie Jewell had the task of sourcing materials for the renovation , which covered an area the size of forty tennis courts . The project ’ s aim was to encourage children to explore the concepts of earth , air , sun and water by ‘ getting up close and personal ’ with nature . The garden would have extensive walkways , seating and cladding that would need to stand up to heavy public footfall , so the durability of the materials chosen was key to the project ’ s success . It also needed to be sympathetic to Kew ’ s ecological and aesthetic objectives .
Suzie opted to use Millboard decking throughout to add resilience to the garden ’ s walkways and play areas , while maintaining natural beauty . “ Having previously specified Millboard products on design projects for schools , I knew that I could rely on the range for its durability and anti-slip properties , on top of its natural aesthetic .” Millboard is the most authentic looking wood-alternative decking board on the market , and provided an excellent fit for Kew ’ s uncompromising standards .
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