High above London’s bustling streets exists a serene escape. It is The Garden at 120. This isn’t just any garden. It’s London’s first publicly accessible roof garden. Imagine a space 65 meters above ground. It offers amazing 360-degree views.
The Garden at 120 sits atop Fen Court at 120 Fenchurch Street. It is a retreat for office workers, visitors, local residents, and even wildlife. Levels 14 and 15 are open to the public for free. Level 10 is reserved for office staff.
The building at 120 Fenchurch Street was designed by Eric Parry Architects. It houses retail space, offices, and a restaurant. Of course, it also features the roof garden. It is currently the largest in London.
Access to The Garden at 120 is via a lift. The spacious lobby has a video art installation on the ceiling. It was designed by Vong Phaophanit and Claire Oboussier. The ceiling displays garden and forest scenes. It even links to a live feed camera showing views from the garden. You can see Tower Bridge from there.
The Garden at 120 offers unique views of London’s skyscrapers. Even on overcast days, you can spot landmarks. Look south for the Crystal Palace Transmitter. Canary Wharf is to the east. The BT Tower stands to the west.
Landscape architects designed the scheme. They incorporated the best aspects of public spaces. They also integrated building services. Paved floors, a metal pergola, and a water feature define the space. Yorkstone paving provides ample room to move around. Bespoke concrete planters with timber seating offer relaxation spots.
Timber-shuttered concrete walls support flowering climbers. Fruit trees add a touch of nature. Labyrinthine Buxus hedges provide structure. Colourful perennial borders weave through evergreen grasses and ferns. Mature Wisteria specimens climb over the pergola. This marries architecture with living plants, creating an overhead canopy. It contributes to the space’s shading and intimacy.
The paving layout was intricate due to the building’s faceted structure. A pure-mineral substrate from Germany was used for the first time in the UK. It serves as the growing medium. It also ensures the paving remains stable.
The Garden at 120 is more than just a garden with a view. It offers an intimate perspective of the city. You can appreciate the details of buildings. You can also see their utilitarian roofs. The garden provides a human level of view, despite being on the 15th floor. It is easy to visit. Entry is free of charge. Just turn up and go in. The roof garden is open daily, subject to occasional closures for private functions. If you visit The Garden at 120, you’ll discover a green oasis. It is suspended high above the city.