Warren Design

Children’s Garden Gates

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

2018-2019

A project with William Warren

In summer 2018 Daniel and William Warren won a competitive tender to design and manufacture a set of gates for the new Children’s Garden within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Inspiration was taken from the plants in the immediate vicinity of the gates. A grand oak is central to the garden, beech hedges sit either side and grasses are planted in front of the gates. All 3 plants are represented in the design. The client requested a contemporary design made of materials used elsewhere in the new garden. The infill panels are made from Corten steel which was laser-cut and then the individual leaves twisted slightly to create a textured 3D effect.

Working closely with Jamie Samuels from Creative Metalwork, prototypes and samples were made for sign-off before actual manufacturing began. A structural engineer provided calculations and material specification to ensure the gates met wind  and crowd loading. The pedestrian gate feature a self closer and bespoke handle to ensure children cannot leave unattended. In May 2019 the Children's Garden opened to the public and has been a huge success.