Halcyon School Garden

We have completed a rooftop wellbeing garden for Halcyon London International School in Marylebone, transforming a previously underused listed terrace into a calm, biodiverse environment for learning, reflection and connection with nature. Delivered within nine months and located within the Portman Estate Conservation Area, the project demonstrates how existing buildings can be adapted to support wellbeing while respecting heritage constraints and operational ambition.

We took on the project from RIBA Stage 3, taking on the technical design phase through to on site delivery. The garden unfolds as a sequence of distinct but connected spaces. Biodiverse planting attracts birds and pollinators, reinforcing ecological awareness within a dense urban setting. The garden includes areas where students can cultivate plants directly, encouraging, encouraging responsibility and shared care.

A new perforated metal boundary fence provides essential safety at roof level while remaining discreet and mitigating overlooking. Lightweight construction strategies addressed strict structural limits, and planting was designed to feel generous despite shallow soil depths.