Family Monsters Garden
Chelsea 2019

About the project

Working with designer Alistair Bayford and contractor idverde, we manufactured the extensive Corten steelwork for The Family Monsters Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019. The installation incorporated a central water feature, elevated deck, spiral ramp and perimeter edging within a single integrated structure.

A key challenge was accommodating the one-metre-deep central pool within Chelsea's no-dig site restrictions. The garden therefore had to be raised above ground level, requiring a supporting structure capable of carrying the water feature and surrounding deck whilst incorporating the numerous curves and changing levels specified within the design.

Working from the designer's initial sketches and watercolour impression, detailed drawings were developed to translate the geometry into a manufacturable structure. The central teardrop-shaped pool measured approximately 2.5m x 1.75m and was surrounded by an 8mm Corten steel deck supported on steel legs and gabions. The deck continued into a curved ramp descending to ground level, with Corten edging defining the perimeter.

The Corten steelwork was pre-treated prior to installation to establish the required weathered appearance.