Anna Paul, headteacher at South Hampstead High School, had an idea. She knew that she wanted a new wellbeing space, and loved the thought of an indoor garden, but wasn’t sure how to go about it. We were appointed and knew exactly who to call for help: Guillaume, who knows a thing or two about plants and wellbeing.
The space chosen for a biophilic makeover is on the fourth floor of their building designed by Hopkins in 2014. It has a glass roof, which makes it the perfect conservatory, but the challenge was creating an indoor garden in a space without a ready water supply, four floors up. Working with Guillaume, we designed funnels for the foliage to climb, and chose plants suited to that environment. Students were consulted on the design; the space is mostly used by Year 10s for socialising, so they plumped for floor cushions and beanbags. The installation took place over the summer holidays, and the girls were delighted to discover it on their return.
Quotes from students:
'I love the regeneration of the ‘oasis of calm’. The sofas and beanbags are a great place to relax with my friends and the plants add to the sense of tranquillity.'
'The comfy chairs provide a peaceful corner to work and revise without being disturbed.'
'This and the library are my favourite spots in the school – I really like coming here with a book.'
'It’s an ideal space to chill out with your friends; it’s like the living room of the school.'
