{"id":772353,"date":"2025-01-29T07:56:11","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T07:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=772353"},"modified":"2025-02-04T08:58:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T08:58:25","slug":"twelve_architects_deliver_fcbs_hanging-gardens-of-basingstoke-scheme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/buildings\/twelve_architects_deliver_fcbs_hanging-gardens-of-basingstoke-scheme","title":{"rendered":"Twelve Architects delivers FCBS\u2019s \u2018Hanging Gardens of Basingstoke\u2019 retrofit"},"content":{"rendered":"

The building, rebranded Plant Basingstoke, has been redeveloped for client Mactaggart Family & Partners by Longstock Capital, and now o\ufb00ers over 19,500m2<\/sup> of Category A and B multi-let o\ufb03ce and amenity space.<\/p>\n

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The five-storey block, formerly known as Mountbatten House, is considered one of the most important listed modernist buildings in Britain. It was originally designed in 1973 by Peter Foggo and Arup Associates Group 2, working with garden designer James Russell, to be the UK headquarters of paper manufacturers Wiggins Teape.<\/p>\n

The building and the terraced roof gardens were both separately listed by English Heritage in 2015<\/a> for their design excellence and signi\ufb01cance within British modernist architecture and horticulture. The gardens were added to the Register of Parks and Gardens at Grade II.<\/p>\n

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Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios was selected in 2019<\/a> to revamp the building, obtaining planning approval and listed building consent for the work, and taking the design up to Stage 3. Twelve Architects has now completed Stages 4-6, including design variations under approval of conditions.<\/p>\n

In the case of the gardens, Grant Associates designed the landscaping to Stage 4, obtaining planning approval and listed consent in 2019. Subsequently Studio Knight Stokoe obtained planning and listed building consent for an amended landscape scheme in 2024, based on the principles established in the Grant Associates design, and completed the amended detailed design.<\/p>\n

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Inside, a redesigned and expanded entrance and reception area strengthens the visual connection out to the gardens and is marked by a new helical staircase. New double-height spaces have been formed to create vertical connections between \ufb02oors, which draw more natural light into the plan.<\/p>\n

Suspended ceilings and \ufb01nishes have been removed to reveal the building\u2019s distinctive co\ufb00ered slab structure and cruciform columns. The original curtain wall system has been refurbished, improving the building\u2019s thermal performance and the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems have been upgraded.<\/p>\n

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New facilities, including a caf\u00e9, gym, shower and changing rooms, secure cycle storage and a multipurpose function space have also been incorporated.<\/p>\n

Outside, access has been improved to the \u2018hanging gardens of Basingstoke\u2019 gardens and roof terraces, with pathways and new seating areas o\ufb00ering spaces for relaxation and re\ufb02ection. The listed landscaping has been adapted to be climate-resilient, regenerative and to foster biodiversity. Over 22,500 new plants have been introduced, alongside 86 new trees, taking inspiration from the original design vision for the gardens to be \u2018informal, elaborate, romantic, over\ufb02owing and tumbling\u2019. Much of the existing hardscaping has been restored too, and every original paving element across the garden levels reused.<\/p>\n

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Architects\u2019 view<\/h3>\n

Twelve Architects is proud to have played a pivotal role in the transformation of Plant into an incredible, forward-thinking workspace. By preserving its architectural heritage while embracing modern innovations, the team have created an exemplar development that promotes wellbeing and connections. It\u2019s wonderful to see how the refurbishment has enhanced natural light, spatial \ufb02ow and brought tenants closer to nature. With sustainability at its core and a pending BREEAM \u2018Outstanding\u2019 certi\ufb01cation, Plant Basingstoke sets new standards for the future of o\ufb03ce design. It has been a privilege to work with such an outstanding team and a client who is truly passionate about delivering remarkable buildings.
\nRobert Shannon, associate director, Twelve Architects & Masterplanners<\/em><\/p>\n

I am immensely proud of the role Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios has played in extending the life of this seminal building designed over 50 years ago by Peter Foggo\u2019s group 2 at Arup Associates (with whom I worked in the 1980s). The building design\u2019s prescience in creating contact with, and access to, nature within all the o\ufb03ce spaces on all levels created a legacy that even now appears forward thinking. Our work focused on preserving the unique character of Foggo\u2019s original design while creating a framework that balances function with environmental responsibility. Plant Basingstoke now stands as a benchmark for retro\ufb01tting and regeneration, a space where people and nature thrive in harmony, embodying the values we strive for in every project.
\nIan Taylor, partner, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Landscape architects\u2019 view<\/h3>\n

Our approach in helping to bring this amazing building and series of gardens back to life has been to honour the original vision of seamlessly blending architecture and landscape. This project provided a unique opportunity to not only preserve the legacy of Peter Foggo and James Russell but also to enhance it for future generations. By prioritising nature, wellbeing, and sustainability, as a team we\u2019ve created an environment that re\ufb02ects the changing needs of the modern workplace while staying true to the building and garden\u2019s pioneering spirit.
\nKeith French, director, Grant Associates<\/em><\/p>\n

Plant Basingstoke is rede\ufb01ning what a workspace can be. By reimagining this nationally signi\ufb01cant building and its gardens, Studio Knight Stokoe has helped to create a transformational exemplar of retro\ufb01t and reuse. It’s a project that respects the original design vision, while meeting modern needs. Here, the connection between people and nature isn’t an afterthought \u2013 it’s at the core of everything. The team has used regenerative and biophilic design principles to create beautiful environments that support wellbeing, in every sense. For those who’ll work and visit here, Plant Basingstoke o\ufb00ers a daily reminder of nature’s importance in our lives. This project goes beyond preserving history or creating o\ufb03ce space. It’s about shaping a place that positively impacts people and the environment. It\u2019s been a pleasure to be part of the team bringing our client\u2019s vision to life.
\nMartin Knight, director, Studio Knight Stokoe<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Client’s view<\/h3>\n

The project team has captured the original spirit of Plant and delivered an outstanding refurbishment. Plant is a unique building that we are all immensely proud of, and will serve the region for many more years to come. The building is now a perfect example of what occupiers require in terms of design aesthetic, environmental credentials and amenities and the proof is in how well it has been received by the leasing market.
\nHugo Denee, co-founder, Longstock Capital<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Project data<\/h3>\n

Location<\/strong> Basingstoke, Hampshire
\nStart on site<\/strong> February 2023
\nCompletion date<\/strong> October 2024
\nGross internal floor area<\/strong> 19,515m2<\/sup>
\nTotal site area<\/strong> 14,415m2<\/sup>
\nConstruction cost<\/strong> Undisclosed
\nConstruction cost per m2 <\/sup><\/strong>Undisclosed
\nArchitect <\/strong>Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (RIBA 0-3, 5+ CMT); Twelve Architects and Masterplanners (RIBA 4+)
\nLandscape architect<\/strong> Grant Associates (RIBA 0-4, 5+ CMT); Studio Knight Stokoe (RIBA 5+)
\nClient<\/strong> Mactaggart Family & Partners
\nDeveloper<\/strong> Longstock Capital
\nStructural engineer<\/strong> Whitby Wood
\nCivil engineer<\/strong> Whitby Wood
\nM&E consultant<\/strong> Skelly & Couch
\nQS<\/strong> Circle Development
\nProject manager<\/strong> Circle Development
\nPrincipal designer<\/strong> CField Construction
\nMain contractor<\/strong> CField Construction<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The building, rebranded Plant Basingstoke, has been redeveloped for client Mactaggart Family & Partners by Longstock Capital, and now o\ufb00ers over 19,500m2 of Category A and B multi-let o\ufb03ce and amenity space. \u00a0 The five-storey block, formerly known as Mountbatten House, is considered one of the most important listed modernist buildings in Britain. It was …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":915,"featured_media":772517,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"categories":[706],"tags":[1556,1229,5126,5632,101482,4163],"yoast_head":"\nTwelve Architects delivers FCBS\u2019s \u2018Hanging Gardens of Basingstoke\u2019 retrofit<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Together with planting by Studio Knight Stokoe, the completed scheme renews and revives the celebrated Grade II-listed Mountbatten House office building designed by Arup Associates in 1976\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/buildings\/twelve_architects_deliver_fcbs_hanging-gardens-of-basingstoke-scheme\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta 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