Greening a Soho Courtyard: Living Wall and Planters for Bantof Restaurant
Client
Bantof Restaurant, Soho, London
Location
Sectors
Products & Services
Project overview
Meristem Design was invited to transform the exterior courtyard of Bantof, a contemporary restaurant located in the heart of Soho. The project aimed to introduce planting that would enhance the restaurant’s outdoor dining space while complementing its creative atmosphere, where food and art are brought together. Through the installation of a living wall and bespoke planters, the courtyard was transformed into a vibrant green setting that offers guests a calm and welcoming environment within a dense urban location.
Goal
The goal was to create a visually striking yet relaxed outdoor space where customers could enjoy dining surrounded by greenery. The planting scheme needed to complement the restaurant’s creative identity while introducing a pocket of nature within the busy Soho streetscape.
Scope
Meristem Design designed and installed a 3.5m² external living wall and a series of bespoke planters within the courtyard space. The project included plant selection, installation of a free-draining substrate and integrated drip irrigation system, as well as ongoing horticultural maintenance to ensure the planting remains healthy and vibrant throughout the year.
Solutions
Meristem Design developed a living wall and planter scheme that would introduce vibrant greenery while remaining resilient in the courtyard environment. The design focused on plant selection, efficient irrigation and durable planting systems to ensure long-term success.
Living wall installation
A 3.5m² vertical planting system designed to maximise greenery while fitting comfortably within the courtyard setting.
Climate-resilient plant palette
Heat-tolerant species including Erigeron karvinskianus, Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’, Lavandula angustifolia and Vinca minor atropurpurea, alongside evergreen grasses and small shrubs.
Free-draining growing medium
A substrate composed of approximately 80% inert materials to promote drainage and support healthy root development.
Integrated drip irrigation system
Irrigation lines installed within each planting channel to deliver controlled and efficient watering for optimal plant growth.
Impact
The completed installation has transformed the courtyard into a vibrant and relaxing green space, enhancing the restaurant’s atmosphere and overall customer experience.
Enhanced dining environment
The living wall and planters create a welcoming green backdrop that encourages guests to relax and enjoy the outdoor courtyard space.
Strong visual identity
The planting scheme contributes to the restaurant’s creative ambience, complementing its rotating art exhibitions and design-led interior.
Urban greening in a dense location
The installation introduces valuable greenery within the tightly built environment of Soho.
Long-term plant health
Ongoing maintenance by Meristem’s horticultural team ensures the living wall and planters remain healthy and visually striking throughout the year.
Before
After
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Featured products & services
Living Walls
Living walls, also known as green walls or plant walls, are vibrant vertical gardens that can be mounted on free-standing frames or directly on the interior or exterior of buildings.
Custom Planters
Combining functionality with a style that fits any aesthetic, each planter is crafted with care to suit your location and enhance the space. Helping to add greenery to both indoor and outdoor areas, planters create welcoming spaces that benefit people, businesses and the environment.
Design
We specialise in designing beautiful, sustainable urban greening solutions and products that bring nature into public, commercial and residential spaces. From concept to final design, we work closely with clients to ensure that every element is crafted to meet their unique needs, aesthetic preferences, and sustainability goals.
Fabrication
We provide high-quality, in-house fabrication services tailored to the needs of urban greening projects. Composed of skilled welders and carpenters, our fabrication team brings each project from concept to completion using precision and exceptional craftsmanship.
Get in touch
If you like what you've seen in our case study and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.
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