The impressive interior landscape of GSK House features towering Ficus Nitida trees and a diverse range of tropical plants, carefully selected and installed to enhance the environment. This project required meticulous planning and coordination, from the sourcing of trees to the innovative installation techniques and sustainable maintenance practices employed.

 

 

The Ficus Nitida trees lining the interior street were field-grown in Florida and shipped to Holland 8 months before installation. This was done to allow the trees to acclimatize to Northern European light levels. Each tree, weighing up to 1 tonne and reaching heights of 7 meters, was moved multiple times before installation. Forklifts were used to position them at their final locations.

 

 

To ensure the trees could grow evenly, they were installed on a base of approximately 800 golf balls. This innovative solution allows each tree to "float" and be rotated 360 degrees, ensuring even growth and light exposure. The street trees are accompanied by over 36 different species and varieties of tropical plants, including cacti specimens over 20 years old.

 

 

The brightly coloured containers in the office areas were custom-manufactured from powder-coated aluminium, one of the largest installations of this type ever completed. Plant species were selected based on the specific light conditions of the building, with low-light-tolerant species on the north side and sun-loving plants on the south side. Some succulents used in this project had never before been used in interior landscaping.

 

 

 

Maintaining the trees and plants is a task performed outside office hours to minimize disruption. Special training was provided to maintenance technicians on caring for the unique cacti and succulents. Biological pest control, using Cryptolaemus ladybirds, is employed to manage mealybug infestations in the street trees. This approach, coupled with regular tip pruning, ensures that chemical pesticides are avoided, contributing to the project's sustainability.

 

GSK House’s interior landscape is a shining example of innovative design, sustainability, and careful attention to both aesthetic and environmental considerations. The project showcases how large-scale interior landscaping can be both functional and beautiful while promoting environmental responsibility through sustainable maintenance practices.