• Sitemap

Click photo to view a slideshow of images.

• Level of Award:

  Award

• Region:

  Greater London

• Local Authority Area:

  Richmond upon Thames

• Owner:

  Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew

• Entrant:

  Marks Barfield

• Architect:

  Marks Barfield

• Structural Engineer:

  Jane Wernick Association

• Contractor:

  WS Britland

• Quantity Surveyor:

  Fanshawe

• Inclusive Design Consultant:

  Earnscliffe Davis Associates

• Primary Use Class:

  D2 Assembly & Leisure
• Click here for winner's location

Information about this winner

This clever scheme takes visitors 18 metres up into the tree canopy for a bird’s eye view of Kew Gardens. The ‘Rhizotron’, entered through an apparent crack in the ground, is a walk-in viewing area illustrating the world of tree root biology. The Walkway is beautifully designed and constructed, and the use of meshes and grilles provides lightness to the structure.  Whilst obviously an engineered structure, the scheme allows the natural elements to dominate the environment. The corten steel supports mingle successfully with the tree trunks, and were strategically placed as a result of intelligent research to ascertain the position of tree roots. The scheme is proving extremely popular, providing education and interest, and broadening the overall enjoyment of a visit to the gardens.