Rising proudly from the heart of Birmingham, the Library of Birmingham is not only a beacon of modern architecture and civic pride — it’s also a masterclass in how landscape elements can elevate public spaces. As part of this landmark project, Europlanters was contracted by Frosts Landscapes to deliver a truly unique commission: a set of bespoke, 5.2-metre diameter teardrop-shaped GRP planters, designed to bring greenery and calm to one of the library’s elevated terraces.

Situated on Level Three, these striking planters now serve as elegant flowerbeds that soften the architectural geometry of the building while creating a tranquil retreat for visitors. From this quiet perch above the city, guests can pause, reflect, and enjoy expansive views of the Birmingham skyline, making the space not only a functional part of the library but a destination in itself.

The scale and design of the planters — wide, low, and organically shaped — required careful thought and precise engineering. Fabricated in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), the planters’ signature teardrop silhouette was designedwithout a base, allowing for a clever inversion of the mould. This not only allowed Europlanters to mirror the design for cost efficiency but also meant the planters could be placed directly onto Teram, facilitating better drainage and integration with the terrace’s existing surface.

Manufactured at Europlanters’ factory in Stockport, the enormous planters were transported by lorry to central Birmingham and then craned into position with meticulous coordination. Precision was critical; the planters’ size and weight demanded careful handling during the lift and installation process. Once in place, the planters were filled and planted, transforming the hardscape into a lush urban oasis.

“This was a truly memorable project for us,” said John Wilkes, Director at Europlanters. “We’ve delivered many exciting schemes since 2012, but the Library of Birmingham stands out. As British manufacturers, we are immensely proud to have played a part in such a prestigious public space.”

Designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo, the Library of Birmingham is a striking example of contemporary civic architecture. Officially opened on 3rd September 2012, the building is already a modern classic, with bold forms, a shimmering metallic façade, and a commitment to open, accessible design. Inside, it houses one of the world’s largest Shakespeare collections — a nod to the city’s rich literary heritage and its future as a centre for knowledge and creativity.

The landscaped terrace, complete with Europlanters’ teardrop planters, plays a vital role in this narrative — a green punctuation mark in the library’s sequence of spaces. It reflects a growing trend in urban design: that public buildings must not only house culture but cultivate it, through spaces that engage all the senses and invite people to linger.

For architects and landscape professionals, the Library of Birmingham project is an excellent case study in how bespoke landscaping elements can add both form and function to cultural architecture. From technical ingenuity (like reusable moulds and base-free construction) to logistical finesse (delivering and craning large GRP planters), the project showcases collaboration at its best — between architects, landscape contractors, and specialist manufacturers.

More than a planter, each teardrop piece at the Library of Birmingham represents the power of design thinking, where aesthetics, engineering, and experience converge.