Kew Pumping Station Concealed by Hugh Broughton Architects’ Larch Design

The British studio Hugh Broughton Architects has recently unveiled the Kew Pumping Station, a timber enclosure ingeniously designed to house a pump house for west London’s Kew Gardens.

This architectural marvel sits atop an underground water tank with a capacity of 280,000 liters. It is part of a new irrigation strategy aimed at maintaining the lush landscapes of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Richmond.

The Kew Pumping Station not only ensures a reliable water supply for the gardens but also adds an aesthetically pleasing element to the site, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

The Vision Behind Kew Pumping Station

The Kew Pumping Station was conceived to address the need for a consistent and efficient irrigation system at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

The project was a collaborative effort between Hugh Broughton Architects, the horticultural team, and the capital projects team at Kew Gardens.

The primary objective was to create a structure that is both functional and visually appealing, given its visibility from public footpaths and the nearby elevated tree-top walkway designed by Marks Barfield.

A Design Inspired by Nature

The design of the Kew Pumping Station draws inspiration from the natural world, starting with the concept of a fallen leaf and evolving to incorporate various botanical forms.

The oval-shaped structure features a filigree timber screen made of interlocking larch slats, which not only conceals the pump house machinery but also adds a touch of elegance to the site.

The timber screen is tilted to soften the mass of the structure and reflect sunlight. This creates a dynamic visual effect that changes with the time of day and seasons.

Construction and Material Choices

Hugh Broughton Architects opted for a “kit-of-parts” approach for the construction of the Kew Pumping Station.

This method involved prefabricating the steel and larch enclosure off-site, which allowed for quick and efficient installation by hand within a few weeks.

The prefabrication was carried out by City Axis and timber specialists Xylotek, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and precision.

Durability and Aesthetic Appeal

The choice of larch timber for the enclosure was driven by its durability and natural aging properties.

Over time, the timber will weather to a silver-grey color, enhancing its integration with the surrounding landscape.

The interlocking timber modules are designed to recall the palm fronds displayed in Kew’s iconic glasshouse, further reinforcing the botanical theme of the project.

Enhancing Biodiversity and Sustainability

In addition to its functional and aesthetic qualities, the Kew Pumping Station also contributes to the biodiversity and sustainability efforts at Kew Gardens.

The horticultural team has created a wildflower meadow around the structure, which not only adds color to the site but also supports local wildlife and boosts biodiversity.

This initiative aligns with Kew Gardens’ broader efforts to develop resilient landscapes in the face of climate change.

Future-Proofing Kew Gardens

The new irrigation strategy, of which the Kew Pumping Station is a key component, marks a significant step forward in Kew Gardens’ efforts to future-proof its landscapes.

By ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply, the pump house plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and vitality of the gardens’ extensive plant collections, which include over 40,000 living plants.

Other Innovative Projects at Kew Gardens

The Kew Pumping Station is just one of several recent projects aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and sustainability of Kew Gardens.

The Queer Nature exhibition, held in the Victorian glasshouse, is another example of the gardens’ commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion through innovative design and programming.

Global Inspirations in Sustainable Design

Elsewhere, the gardens have drawn inspiration from global projects that blend sustainability with architectural excellence.

For instance, the tree-like water tower by Temperaturas Extremas in Luxembourg provides shelter for nesting birds, while CF Møller’s flood-defence system in Denmark doubles as a nature park.

These projects highlight the potential for architecture to address environmental challenges and create spaces that benefit both people and wildlife.

Conclusion

The Kew Pumping Station by Hugh Broughton Architects is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in addressing practical needs while enhancing the beauty and sustainability of a site. By combining functional efficiency with aesthetic sensitivity, the project sets a new standard for small-scale architecture in natural settings. As Kew Gardens continues to evolve and adapt to the challenges of climate change, the Kew Pumping Station will play a vital role in ensuring the resilience and vitality of this world-famous horticultural institution.

For more information on this remarkable project, visit the original article on Dezeen.