The Acre is a remarkable retrofit of the landmark 1980s Richard Seifert concrete building in London’s Covent Garden, transforming it into a vibrant, sustainable, all-electric workplace hub centred around its seven-storey glazed “Heart” reception atrium.
The Brief
Working closely with JLL and Goddard Littlefair, Leaflike was commissioned to design, install, and maintain an interior planting scheme within The Heart, the main public reception space. The aim: to enhance the high-ceilinged atrium with lush biophilic elements that complement the building’s bright, timber-and-soft-finish palette, reinforce occupant well‑being, and support the building’s pursuit of WELL Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding certifications
The Solution
Our team curated a bespoke planting strategy for the atrium, using layers of greenery to enrich the space at multiple levels:
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Statement planter islands featuring tall structural plants and sculptural foliage created sensory anchors within the vast, soaring volume.
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Table-top and bench-level plant arrangements composed of ferns, broad-leaved evergreens, and seasonal flora invited tactile interaction and softened communal seating areas.
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Vertical accents and epiphytes were integrated into timber joinery seating walls to draw the eye upward, reinforcing the atrium’s verticality and encouraging visual flow.
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Species selection emphasised low-maintenance, shade-tolerant plants suitable for indoor conditions, ensuring a long-lasting, vibrant display in harmony with passive ventilation strategies .
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The planting palette echoed Goddard Littlefair’s soft, natural material choices—blonde timber, gentle curves, and soft furnishings—creating a calm and welcoming reception that felt alive and timeless.
The Results
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Elevated occupant experience: The lush greenery unified the vast atrium, bringing human scale and tactile comfort to the space, while supporting WELL Platinum goals through improved air quality and psychological well-being.
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Cohesive design synergy: The planting blended seamlessly with the timber finishes and seating terraces, complementing Gensler’s biophilic design vision and the architects’ intent to open up the building to its surroundings
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Sustainable impact: Coupled with the broader project’s ambition—retaining 80% of the original structure, achieving net-zero operational emissions, and featuring natural ventilation—the planting scheme reinforced The Acre’s ecological narrative
Leaflike’s interior planting scheme for The Acre successfully brought nature into the “Heart” reception atrium, enhancing the sense of welcome, wellbeing, and longevity in this award‑aspiring workplace environment. The project exemplifies Leaflike’s dedication to delivering site-specific biophilic solutions that support sustainability credentials and enrich user experience in premium commercial spaces.
