Sky HQ Campus

Aluminium edging a sky-high success at new HQ campus

Landscape Architects Alexandra Steed Urban chose Kinley’s AluExcel edging to create feature paths at the large-scale redevelopment of the Sky Campus in Osterly, West London. A key part of the project was the construction of the ‘Believe in Better Building’.

‘Believe in Better Building’

The ‘Believe in Better Building’ is a mixed-use building with office areas and space for the renowned Sky Academy. Construction of the building was planned for completion in less than a year and the development and its surrounding external areas were required to meet clear environmental and social objectives. The client believed that the provision of green spaces, both inside and outside, were key features in its commitment to the health and wellbeing of staff and visitors.
Alexandra Steed Urban took inspiration from Sky’s core business value to “Believe in Better” and created an engaging environment that fosters connections between people. The resulting landscape offers an exceptional high-quality design that offers good economic, environmental and social value that will be durable and timeless.

Project challenges

Due to the scale and complexity of the project, the landscape masterplan was divided into nine project phases all of which required consistent, high quality materials and finishes. The Alexandra Steed Urban team were given the challenging task of selecting an edging system that would be elegant, strong and discreet. It found that AluExcel had the product attributes necessary for an edging system to work successfully in the external areas surrounding Sky HQ.

Kinley's Involvement

AluExcel fitted the client’s brief as it is a sustainable material made from 100% recyclable aluminium. AluExcel is a versatile material and provides a sleek edging support for a number of paving materials.

The AluExcel range fitted the landscape architect’s brief perfectly and proved to be easy to install on both curves and straight paths, alongside hard materials ranging from loose gravels, natural stone paving of various colours and textures and expansive planted areas. Alexandra Steed Urban chose to use both AluExcel 65mm and AluExcel 100mm throughout the development.

"Our team recognises the importance of engaging with leading suppliers and specialists on every aspect of the project. Kinley offered expert knowledge during the early stages of the project all the way through to site completion. As a result of this collaborative effort, the reaction from the client and wider team has been overwhelmingly positive."

Rebecca Orr - Landscape Architect, Alexandra Steed Urban

Project partners

Landscape Architects:
Alexandra Steed Urban
www.alexandrasteedurban.com

Main Contractor:
Mace
www.macegroup.com

Landscape Contractor:
P.J. Carey
www.careysplc.co.uk