ZURU is a global business built on entrepreneurial thinking. When the brand established its London presence in Angel, London, the ambition was clear: create a headquarters that reflects who ZURU are, not just where they work.

Working with fitout specialists Peldon Rose, ZURU transformed the site into a flexible, future-ready headquarters combining open-plan workspaces, coworking units for prospective tenants and Kiwi startups, and a public-facing café. Leaflike was appointed to design, install, and maintain all interior and exterior planting throughout the property.

The Brief

The brief was rooted in culture as much as design. ZURU’s working environment is high-energy, innovation-led, and people-first, and the planting scheme needed to reflect that. The aim was not simply to add greenery, but to use biophilic design as an active contributor to employee wellbeing and productivity.

At the same time, the installation had to work hard practically. This is a busy, fast-paced workplace across a large floorplate, with high-density open-plan areas, varying light conditions from perimeter to core, and teams who need their space to function. Any planting solution had to be as robust as it was beautiful.

The Solution

Ficus Lyrata was selected as the primary statement plant across the space. Its large, architectural leaves bring bold visual presence to open-plan areas, creating natural division within shared spaces without the need for fixed partitions. Its striking silhouette reinforces ZURU’s identity as a brand that values creativity and design.

Strelitzia was introduced to add height, movement, and drama in key focal points throughout the office. Its arching, paddle-shaped leaves draw the eye upward, making even large open spaces feel considered and intentional.

Aglaonema Stripes bring a different quality: rich, variegated foliage that introduces colour and texture at a lower scale, ideal for desktops, ledges, and breakout settings where smaller planting adds warmth without encroaching on working space. Aglaonema’s proven tolerance for the lower light conditions found deeper within the floorplate made it a reliable choice for areas away from the perimeter glazing.

Across all zones the palette was kept consistent, creating visual coherence from one end of the building to the other while allowing each area to feel distinct.

Meeting the Challenges

Working across a 60,000 sq ft office presented logistical challenges that required careful planning from the outset. Light levels vary significantly from the glazed perimeter to the building’s interior core, and species selection had to account for both extremes. Desk space efficiency was a constant consideration, and maintenance was also a key factor; the ongoing care programme needed to be manageable and reliable to keep the installation looking its best with minimal burden on ZURU’s staff.

A Workspace That Works Harder

Zuru’s London headquarters is now one of Angel’s most distinctive workplace destinations, and the planting is a meaningful part of that identity. The greenery doesn’t just soften the space; it reinforces ZURU’s culture, supports the people who work there, and makes a statement about what a modern headquarters can be.