Greenhouse that Grows Legs
A greenhouse that lifts off the ground!
Shortlisted for a RIBA South award, 2016
Featured on Channel 4's Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year
This flood proof building is a greenhouse that can be lifted off the ground to protect itself and its contents from flooding.
Constructed in an area which experiences frequent flooding, the Greenhouse That Grows Legs incorporates a novel approach to flood protection. The building is fabricated on a bespoke steel frame with four hydraulic legs, capable of lifting the building 800mm from the ground remotely.
The structure of the building is formed from glue laminated timber sections. Along the building’s most prominent facade, the ‘glulam’ columns are expressed externally and have mirrors bonded to their sides. The result is an ambiguous visual effect which blurs the building, its contents and its surroundings. As the building becomes established and filled with plants we hope this effect will become better and better.
The aim was to construct an experimental building exploring a novel approach to flood defenses whilst not compromising the quality of the buildings design. It is a Greenhouse Which Grows Legs - but we think it’s also a very nice greenhouse!
"It is nothing short of big, bold, brave and visionary" - George Clarke on Amazing Spaces.
