Aldermore Bank

Client overview:

Aldermore Bank, part of the FirstRand Group, relocated its London headquarters to the 24th floor of Broadgate Tower, a 13,174 sq.ft. space designed for around 150 employees. Aldermore sought to create a visually engaging, biophilic office environment that reflected the African heritage of its parent company, with the help of Space Invader Design, CBRE, and Plant Plan as the specialist planting provider.

The Brief

Plant Plan was commissioned to introduce biophilic elements that enhanced the office space while incorporating the African aesthetic central to the overall design concept. The planting design needed to reinforce the themes of African landscapes, including the Savannah, Johannesburg, and the Rainforest, using plant species either native to or evocative of African flora. The brief required us to create functional zones with the planting, using it to divide open-plan areas, reduce visual clutter, and support employee wellbeing. We were tasked with integrating planting into a design that already featured bold textures, forms, and lighting inspired by Africa.

What we did

We implemented a detailed planting scheme across the office, integrating real and replica plants in various formats:

• Freestanding Planters: Large statement plants in strategic locations helped to divide space and add visual interest.

• Suspended Planting: Greenery was placed above communal areas, such as the canteen and workspaces, to reduce congestion and create natural divisions.

• Built-in Planters: We used joinery planters around seating booths and other areas to provide privacy while maintaining the open-plan feel.

• Green Walls: Free-standing green wall planter systems in the Rainforest zone provided an immersive, nature-inspired experience, contributing to the overall theme.

Throughout, we selected plant species native to or inspired by Africa to complement the earthy palette and design concept.

Outcome and Feedback:

The planting installation successfully reinforced Aldermore’s connection to its African heritage while creating a functional, biophilic workspace. The zones, defined by creative planting solutions, helped to improve privacy, reduce noise, and foster a sense of calm in the office. The suspended and built-in planting softened the visual impact of open spaces, while the green walls in the Rainforest zone became a striking focal point. Overall, the project enhanced the environment by improving air quality and supporting employee wellbeing, resulting in a workspace that marries cultural identity with modern office functionality.