GARDEN DESIGN
NEW LIFE FOR THE‘ HANGING GARDENS OF BASINGSTOKE’
All services were routed through the building’ s unique one-metredeep floor voids, allowing water supply and control cables to reach each zone with minimal disruption. Irrigation zones were mapped to reflect planting types, solar exposure, and rootzone depths.
Waterscapes also supplied and installed the water feature
The Grade II-listed Mountbatten House- now rebranded as Plant- on the Basing View business park in Basingstoke has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, including the restoration of its iconic roof gardens originally designed in the 1970s by renowned garden designer James Russell. Listed among the top 15 modern buildings in the UK, it now boasts BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certifications, placing it firmly at the forefront of sustainable redevelopment.
This heritage-led transformation aimed to enhance both the original building and gardens while introducing contemporary functionality. The client envisioned a landscape scheme that would honour Russell’ s design legacy, meet modern environmental standards, and create a welcoming space for office workers and visitors alike. Studio Knight Stokoe led the landscape design, collaborating with Waterscapes Ltd and Main
Contractor C. Field Construction to bring this ambitious vision to life.
Central to the refurbishment was a site-specific irrigation system designed to support long-term planting success across complex microclimates. Waterscapes Ltd installed a bespoke network of sub-surface and on-surface drip irrigation to serve the varied planting across six-storey gardens. The system is fully automated via a Rain Bird IVM central controller, supported by real-time moisture and weather sensors to ensure minimal water waste while maintaining optimal plant health.
“ Respecting the integrity of the original 1970s vision while integrating modern watersensitive design was at the heart of this project,” says Paul Jeffery, Managing Director at Waterscapes Ltd.“ The irrigation system isn’ t just sustainable— it’ s site-specific, adaptive, and built to support longterm planting success”.
Working within a protected landscape presented challenges, particularly around retained hardscape elements. Original pathways were preserved, requiring precision installation around fixed features. Newly introduced trees were carefully matched to 30-yearold specimens to ensure continuity of scale and character.
The revitalised roof gardens- dubbed“ The Hanging Gardens of Basingstoke”- now feature over 22,500 new plants and 86 trees, enhancing biodiversity while creating an inclusive space for occupants and visitors. This project offers a compelling model for designers seeking to blend legacy landscape design with resilient, modern water management solutions.
If you would like to know more about this project or others that
Waterscapes have been involved with contact us.
Web: www. waterscapes. co. uk Email: info @ waterscapes. co. uk;
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