The Kings Cross Project
Elevating Urban Design: Europlanters Help Transform London’s Skyline at King’s Cross
In the heart of London, one of Europe’s largest and most ambitious urban redevelopment projects is taking shape — andEuroplanters is playing a pivotal role in greening its upper levels. As part of the £170 million development within the 67-acre Argent King’s Cross estate, Europlanters was contracted by BAM Construction and collaborated closely withWillerby Landscapes to create a standout rooftop installation for a prestigious new office building.
This project, described as one of Central London’s most significant regeneration efforts, demanded innovation, speed, and flawless execution — and Europlanters delivered on all fronts.
Greening the Skyline: GRP at New Heights
At levels 8 and 11 of the building, two expansive outdoor terraces were designed to provide lush, accessible green space for office workers. Tasked with creating bespoke planting systems for these rooftops, Europlanters took Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) to new heights — literally and figuratively.
The team designed six custom moulds and manufactured 132 separate GRP sections in just 10 weeks, all finished in RAL 7037 matt grey to complement the surrounding powder-coated steel and contrast with timber seating and decking. The result? Eleven monumental planters, some stretching up to 10.5 metres long and 5 metres wide, offering a refined balance of durability, aesthetics, and lightweight practicality for rooftop installation.
“We had a very tight schedule to work to, and I am proud to say my team delivered on time,” says John Wilkes, Director of Europlanters. “This was one of the most dynamic rooftop projects we’ve undertaken — from concept to installation in just ten weeks.”
Beyond the Ground Plane
This King’s Cross rooftop exemplifies the evolving role of landscape architecture in urban regeneration. As cities become denser and open space more precious, rooftops are being reclaimed as vital landscapes — for leisure, ecology, and well-being.
For architects and landscape professionals, this project demonstrates how modular, lightweight GRP planters can be customised to suit large-scale architectural ambitions without compromising on design integrity or performance.
Looking Ahead
Europlanters’ work at King’s Cross is part of a growing trend where landscape and architecture intersect at new altitudes. With developments demanding ever more complex, high-performance outdoor solutions, Europlanters’ experience in bespoke manufacturing and collaborative design makes them a valuable partner for future-forward projects.
A Complex Logistical Achievement
Installing more than 130 sections of GRP planters on an 11-storey rooftop is no small feat. Each component was manufactured in Cheshire and transported to London, where they were craned onto the rooftop in stages and assembled on-site.
Europlanters also integrated a bespoke drainage system, ensuring sustainable water management and long-term viability for the planting scheme. The planters were then filled with 160 tonnes of compost and 44 bulk bags of Hydroleca, creating the substrate for a rich, varied planting palette.
Living Architecture: Plants with Purpose
Once the structural work was complete, landscape experts from Willerby Landscapes transformed the rooftop into a vibrant garden in the sky. Their planting scheme featured:
- Pleached apple trees and strawberry plants, bringing seasonal interest and edible landscaping to the space.
- A 60m² raised lawn laid within one of the giant planters, offering a soft green respite for workers.
- Over 1,800 plants and 42 trees, carefully selected for aesthetics, biodiversity, and resilience in an exposed urban environment.
The final result is more than just a rooftop garden — it’s a communal retreat, a sustainable green asset, and a celebration of contemporary landscape architecture in the heart of the capital.
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