Taking a leaf (or two) from Ermyn House’s history

Now, after all this time, Bill is embarking on a reflective journey, compiling a retrospective of his work. Both Bill and Michele were keen to see the evolution of their efforts since Ermyn House was completed in 1989. 

Their visit was hosted by Richard Scrase from our UK & Ireland Public & Government Affairs team, who has been based at Ermyn House for almost 15 years. 

Reflecting on their visit, Bill remarked, "As landscape architects, we work in four dimensions, and our designs are constantly evolving, so it is interesting and informative to monitor their progress over the years. It is gratifying to see how so much of what we originally specified, has stood the test of time and is thriving today."

Bill and Michele first visited the site when it was still being used to produce Goblin Teasmades, but due for redevelopment. “The site was very different from how it is now, and quite industrialised,” said Michele. “We believe our design for a flowing landscape, including the pond halfway down a slope, appealed most to the architects, but it certainly required considerable movement of earth, much of which was excavated from where the basement and underground car park of the building is now.”

The choice of plants for the grounds and internally was far more restricted than it is now, added Michele, and some of the tropical trees specified for the interior had to be imported especially from the USA, at a cost (then) of £3,000 - £5,000 each! All plants were gently acclimatised down to 70% shade at the nursery in Florida prior to shipping and then re-acclimatised for six months in a specially tall UK glasshouse before being planted in their final destination (hence the high cost!) The atrium was designed to ensure that the indoor plants have comparatively stable temperatures all year round with no marked seasonal variation or air-con wind speed, but with occasional dappled sunlight, as might be found in the mid-layer of a tropical rainforest, their natural habitat .

Michele recalled detailed discussions with the architect to ensure the south facing elements of the building’s roof were shaded and clear glass was used to permit sufficient UV rays at the correct colour spectrum to permeate to the plants below.   

Their visit culminated with lunch at the restaurant, enveloped by the lush greenery that Michele originally envisioned.  Though most of the plants specified by Bill and Michele have thrived all this time, they were quick to point out where replacements have had to be found – in one or two cases because the original trees had grown too big for their surroundings!

Host Richard said:  "The landscaping of the grounds and the many tropical plants in the Atrium help to make working here a special experience and it was great to meet with Bill and Michele to understand how the original design was developed and how well it has continued to enhance working life in and around the building."