We were asked to create a large planting area outside LCES on Plumstead Road, London. Given the extent and proposed footprint our go-to offering was a modular Plantapanel arrangement. However it was soon discovered that there were a number of services existing underneath, so the units needed to be movable while full, should there ever be a problem.

The sheer size of the boxes and their intended fill (up to a potential 4t in some cases) made this a daunting prospect. We designed simple boxes in structural grade weathering steel, with forklift channels doubling as base stiffeners, and internal supporting gussets.

All the while we were aware of the need to stick to the less-than-fabricator-friendly overall shape, which we achieved using our mastery of 3D CAD and close collaboration with our guys on the shop floor. Recessed cover caps finished off the lifting channels to stop rodents and other visitors exploiting the potential artificial habitat.