Grant Associates is part of a team of leading architects and landscape designers delivering the heritage-led redevelopment of the former Mountbatten House in Basingstoke—one of Britain’s 15 most important listed modern buildings.
Originally designed by Peter Foggo and Arup Associates Group 2, the building and gardens received an RIBA Award in 1979 and were both Grade II listed in 2015 for their design excellence and significance within British modernist architecture and horticulture.
The redevelopment continues this collaborative spirit, blending conservation with thoughtful redesign to ensure the building’s future appeal and success. Architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and landscape architects Grant Associates led the overall concept and detailed design. Twelve Architects and Studio Knight Stokoe were brought on board to sensitively manage the design and delivery phase.
Mountbatten House, originally known as Gateway House, was designed in 1973 for Wiggins Teape and features six levels of commercial workspace integrated with tiered roof gardens by renowned garden designer James Russell. Its seamless blend of architecture and landscape remains a hallmark of British modernism.
Now rebranded as Plant Basingstoke, the project represents a major regional asset for economic development in Hampshire, offering over 19,515m² of Category A and B multi-let office and amenity space. The design team worked closely with the client, Mactaggart Family & Partners, developer Longstock Capital, and contractor CField Construction to reinstate the building’s original pioneering intent—to blend nature, wellbeing, and workplace seamlessly.
Client William Laxton of Mactaggart Family & Partners was instantly drawn to the scheme for its Peter Foggo design fundamentals and extensive terracing, making it a unique asset.
Aiming for BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and WELL Platinum certification, Plant pioneers a renewed commitment to sustainability and occupant wellbeing, setting a benchmark for future commercial workplace developments.
Redesigned Gardens & Roof Terraces
A key driver of the project was improving access to the gardens and terraces, with new level access from all storeys allowing full use of the much-loved and affectionately termed “hanging gardens of Basingstoke.”
Extensive research, including archives from the University of York and Russell’s handwritten planting lists, informed the redesign. The planting strategy focused on climate resilience and regeneration. Species poorly suited to rooftop exposure were replaced with robust, pollinator-friendly alternatives that enhance biodiversity and support foraging species.
More than 22,500 new plants and 86 new trees have been introduced to complement those already on site. Without raised planters, planting required careful collaboration between landscape architects, structural engineers, and soil specialists to ensure even loading across the multi-level structure. The renewed planting draws inspiration from the original vision—informal, romantic, tumbling, and richly layered.
Much of the existing hardworks were restored. Original paving was recorded, catalogued, removed during construction, and reinstated in-situ. A deteriorating pond on Level 2 has been replaced with a sculpted contemporary water feature that honours the original while bringing new sensory experience to the space.
The revitalised gardens enhance biodiversity and create inclusive, engaging spaces for occupants and visitors. Winding paths and seating invite relaxation, social interaction, and quiet reflection.
A Building to Bring Tenants Closer to Nature
Prominent architectural interventions include a redesigned and expanded entrance and reception area, enhancing the arrival experience and visual connection to the gardens. Double-height spaces increase openness and daylight, while a dramatic helical staircase provides a sculptural centrepiece.
Together, these elements support the renewed vision of Plant as a place where nature and workplace coexist—rooted in the original ethos of design integration between architecture and landscape.
Keith French, Director at Grant Associates, said:
‘Our approach in helping to bring this amazing building and series of gardens back to life, has been to honour the original vision of seamlessly blending architecture and landscape. This project provided a unique opportunity to not only preserve the legacy of Peter Foggo and James Russell but also to enhance it for future generations. By prioritising nature, wellbeing, and sustainability, we’ve created an environment that reflects the changing needs of the modern workplace while staying true to the building’s pioneering spirit.’
• Other landscape architecture offices involved in the design of the landscape:
Grant Associates
Studio Knight Stokoe
• Architecture offices involved in the design:
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Twelve Architects & Masterplanners
• Other credits:
Client: Mactaggart Family & Partners
Developer: Longstock Capital
Structural engineer: Whitby Wood
Civil engineer: Whitby Wood
M&E consultant: Skelly & Couch
Quantity surveyor: Circle Development
Project manager: Circle Development
Principal designer: CField Construction
Main contractor: CField Construction
Photographer: Andy Stagg
