The Station Square Project
Transforming Urban Living: Europlanters Enhances Contemporary Apartments at Station Square
In the heart of Colchester, just a stone’s throw from the bustling train station and the vibrant city centre, the former Equity Building has been reimagined into the stunning Station Square development. Offering 67 contemporary 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, this new urban space brings a touch of modernity and tranquillity to a dynamic location. What truly sets this development apart, however, are the carefully designed communal spaces, where thoughtful landscape features elevate the living experience. Europlanters is proud to have played a pivotal role in bringing these green spaces to life.
A Green Escape: The Central Courtyard
On the first floor, a central courtyard provides residents with an oasis of calm, tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here, Europlanters contributed with floating benches on planters and 20 additional planters, which when arranged together form a substantial planting bed, transforming the area into a secluded garden retreat.
The planters, which were finished in RAL 7016 Matt, perfectly complement the building’s sleek, contemporary exterior. This striking colour choice enhances the urban aesthetic, while also providing a natural, grounded feel amidst the modern materials of the development. By combining the floating benches and planters, the courtyard not only offers a place to sit and unwind but also creates a visual and sensory connection with nature, contributing to the residents’ overall wellbeing.
This tranquil communal area encourages social interaction and relaxation, offering a welcome contrast to the busy pace of city life. The clever design allows the planters to double as functional seating, further optimizing the use of space and inviting residents to linger and enjoy the garden’s peaceful atmosphere.
An Indoor Oasis: The Lower Courtyard Atrium
Another standout feature of the Station Square development is the indoor garden in the lower courtyard, designed around a striking open rooflight. This expansive open-air atrium allows natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The innovative design is large enough to accommodate a mature tree, bringing a breath of fresh air indoors and connecting the space to the elements.
Around this central tree, Europlanters installed 46 additional planters in a dark copper finish, which complements the rich interior décor and adds warmth to the space. The unique selection of plants within these planters softens the architectural lines of the building, while also improving air quality and providing visual interest throughout the year.
Value Engineering: Collaborative Design Process
The success of this project also highlights Europlanters’ commitment to working closely with the client and design team to meet both aesthetic and budgetary goals. Callum Garvey, Estimator at Europlanters, shared, “This was an exciting project to be involved in. As part of a value engineering exercise, we worked with the client to redesign the space. By using the original architect’s drawings as a basis but utilising only our standard-sized items, we were able to save the client several thousand pounds while maintaining the design’s integrity.”
This collaborative approach not only ensured cost savings but also allowed Europlanters to demonstrate how adaptable and innovative landscape solutions can meet the evolving demands of urban residential developments.
A Lasting Impact on Urban Living
At Station Square, Europlanters has helped to create vibrant, functional, and sustainable green spaces that enhance the living experience for all residents. Whether it’s a quiet moment in the central courtyard or a leisurely break in the indoor atrium, these beautifully designed spaces provide more than just aesthetic appeal—they serve as essential communal hubs that foster connection, relaxation, and wellbeing in the heart of Colchester.
This project stands as an example of how thoughtfully designed landscaping can elevate urban living, transforming common areas into spaces where nature, architecture, and community come together in harmony.
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