In the heart of Manchester’s bustling retail district, an otherwise underutilized rooftop has been transformed into a serene urban haven—thanks to a collaborative effort between planter specialists Europlanters and the esteemed landscape designer Stuart Craine Ltd. This high-end retail installation exemplifies how considered design and smart material choices can elevate both the aesthetic and functional value of commercial architecture.

At the core of the project are 24 large bespoke trough planters, designed and manufactured by Europlanters using glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). These planters run along the perimeter of the rooftop, forming a continuous, linear planting bed that acts as both a visual softener and a natural privacy screen. Fabricated to mimic the industrial charm of corten steel—without the maintenance concerns or staining typically associated with weathering steel—the GRP planters offer architects and landscapers the best of both worlds: beauty and practicality.

Each planter is fitted with a stainless steel trellis system, strategically integrated to support climbing plants while offering structural interest and screening benefits. This not only enhances the rooftop’s visual texture but also encourages vertical greenery in an urban setting where every inch of plantable space matters.