Public Realm | The Import Building | Republic | Studio RHE

This former 1990s granite clad office complex provided unique opportunities for revitalisation within the public realm becasuse of a series of waterways running between buildings.

What had previously been a bland and underutilised area gave the Studio the chance to not only work with diverse plant species but, also to develop varied insect and animal habitats. 

It was important to make significant improvements which would benefit tenants of the building as well as the local community.

Extensive initiatives for developing ecology and biodiversity within the area as a whole were created for this project. A new green roof (blue roof system) on the East extension to the Import and Export Buildings includes solar panels. While, a major Bus route and turning area were re-routed to enable the central space between the buildings to be redeveloped as Public Realm with water gardens and external break out spaces.

The introduction of urban greenery was also carefully designed to make an increasing contribution in the long term without making undue demands on maintenance resources.Tree species were selected which are reliable and vigorous in the shady conditions.

Similarly, waterways which run parallel with the building have been planted with a range of aquatic flora to encourage the success of native species such as small birds and dragonflies adjacent to the neighbouring Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).