The Moorgate Project
Greening the Skyline: Ropemaker Place Sets the Standard for Sustainable Urban Design
In the heart of London’s financial district, where steel and glass dominate the skyline, Ropemaker Place rises as a beacon of sustainable innovation and biophilic design. This 25-storey commercial landmark in Moorgate boasts more than just architectural presence—it delivers on performance. With over 1,850m² of roof garden terraces, Ropemaker Place is not only BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certified but also holds the distinction of being the first building in the City of London to achieve a Platinum LEED rating.
At the intersection of design, sustainability, and functionality, Europlanters played a key role in bringing the rooftop landscape vision to life. Collaborating with Arc Waterproofing, Urban Roofscapes, Skanska, and the acclaimed MAKE Architects, Europlanters was tasked with manufacturing and supplying a comprehensive range of planters and seating solutions that would support both human activity and biodiversity.
The rooftop landscape spans five ascending terraces, each carefully designed to provide dynamic spaces for building occupants while simultaneously serving as vital green infrastructure. These outdoor environments not only contribute to wellbeing and productivity but also create much-needed habitat in one of London’s densest urban environments. The planting scheme—composed of native and non-native species—was selected to reflect the changing seasons, offering year-round visual interest and ecological value.
A project of this scale and ambition required custom fabrication at its finest. Europlanters manufactured over 500 large GRP planter sections and panels, culminating in 37 unique planting beds spread across the terraced levels. These planters weren’t simply functional—they were also highly integrated into the building’s design language, with custom recesses for lighting and access, all finished in a coordinated RAL 7021 matt to complement the sleek building façade.








Sustainability was central to every aspect of the project. In keeping with the environmental goals of Ropemaker Place, all GRP planters were manufactured using bio-resin in Europlanters’ Stockport facility. The attention to detail extended to the seating: more than 100 metres of bespoke benches were constructed using sustainably sourced FSC-certified Iroko, carefully positioned atop the planters to maximize use of space while creating welcoming communal zones.
For architects and landscapers, Ropemaker Place offers an exemplary model of how rooftop spaces can go beyond ornamentation to become fully functional, environmentally responsible landscapes. By merging technical precision with a strong sustainability ethos, this project not only redefines what’s possible atop commercial buildings—it challenges us to rethink the very role of nature in urban design.
As the demand for green infrastructure continues to rise in high-density cities, Ropemaker Place stands as both a blueprint and a benchmark. With partners like Europlanters helping to push boundaries, the future of city rooftops looks greener than ever.



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