Creating Permaculture Gardens at Student Castle, Brighton

Student Castle, a premier provider of student accommodation in the UK, has partnered with us to create three innovative rooftop permaculture gardens at their Brighton location. This project aims to enhance student well-being while promoting sustainability, contributing to broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. The transformed terraces now offer functional environments that support both the students and the local ecosystem, integrating permaculture practices to benefit pollinators, insects, and essential soil microorganisms crucial for carbon sequestration.

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About the client

Student Castle is renowned for its exceptional student accommodation facilities, which cater to the genuine needs of students. Their properties feature functional indoor spaces for academic success and inviting outdoor areas for a balanced lifestyle. Many Student Castle properties have spacious terraces, expansive courtyards, and welcoming grounds that offer respite from fast-paced student life. This project provided an opportunity to enhance these spaces further, aligning with national sustainability strategies and supporting ESG objectives.

The Challenge

The Brighton location posed a unique challenge with its three terraces located on different floors of a modern building. Each terrace had specific goals and obstacles, including the 6th-floor terrace facing strong coastal winds. The installation required close collaboration with structural engineers, crane operators, and a specialised team to ensure safety and precision. Navigating building regulations and transporting a 5-tonne composting system and 50 cubic metres of woodchip to elevated heights were significant logistical challenges.

Our Approach

We prioritised safety and functionality in our planning and operations. Key steps included:

  1. Design and Material Selection: We adhered to weight limits and selected durable materials. Planters were filled with nutrient-rich compost to ensure plant health.
  2. Thematic Segmentation: 1st-floor Terrace: Pollinator-friendly plants, fruit bushes, a bug hotel, edible mushroom bed, and essential maintenance infrastructure; 6th-floor Terrace: Designed for tranquillity with a pergola and medicinal plants; Top-floor Terrace: Resilient plants capable of withstanding strong winds and intense sunlight.
  3. Maintenance Plan: Developed to support the gardens throughout the seasons, ensuring sustainability and ecological balance.

The Results

The rooftop permaculture gardens at Student Castle, Brighton, have yielded remarkable outcomes, demonstrating the project's success in enhancing both student well-being and environmental sustainability.

  1. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Support: The gardens support a diverse range of pollinators, insects, and soil microorganisms, contributing to local biodiversity and aiding carbon sequestration. These functional ecosystems illustrate how urban spaces can be transformed into thriving natural habitats.
  2. Student Well-being: The terraces offer serene spaces for relaxation and meditation, providing students with a peaceful retreat from the demands of academic life. The positive impact on mental health and well-being is evident as students engage with these green spaces.
  3. Successful Growth: The initial plantings have flourished, with the first yield of Wine Cap mushrooms harvested in autumn. This success highlights the gardens' potential for ongoing productivity and sustainability.
  4. Sustainable Practices: The hot composting system is producing nutrient-rich compost, enhancing soil quality and water retention. This sustainable approach reduces reliance on store-bought alternatives and showcases the benefits of eco-friendly practices.

Why we love this case study

This project stands out for several compelling reasons, reflecting our core values and commitment to sustainability, innovation, and well-being.

  1. Integration of Nature and Urban Living: By transforming unused rooftop spaces into vibrant permaculture gardens, we showcase how urban environments can harmoniously coexist with nature. This project demonstrates the potential to create green sanctuaries in densely populated areas, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
  2. Holistic Design Approach: The project embodies our holistic design philosophy, which prioritises aesthetic beauty, functionality, and ecological balance. The gardens provide a peaceful retreat for students while supporting local wildlife, illustrating the multifaceted benefits of thoughtful design.
  3. Sustainability and ESG Alignment: Although not strictly commissioned for ESG purposes, this project naturally aligns with environmental, social, and governance goals. It highlights how sustainable practices can be integrated into everyday spaces, promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
  4. Innovative Solutions: Overcoming the unique challenges of installing gardens on multiple rooftop levels required innovative solutions and collaboration with experts. The successful implementation of this project showcases our ability to tackle complex projects with creativity and precision.
  5. Long-term Impact: The benefits of this project will continue to unfold over time. As the composting system matures and the plants thrive, the gardens will enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, and provide ongoing educational and recreational opportunities for students.

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