HM Treasury Courtyards

West Courtyard

West Courtyard

London, United Kingdom | 2004

As part of a total refurbishment of HM Treasury by Foster + Partners, Gustafson Porter + Bowman’s brief for the East and West Courtyards was to create a pleasant, simplified space that would serve as a place for small working groups, large events, and peaceful contemplation. Our landscape design transforms two lightwells into lush gardens which are organised to support the main east-west axis of the new masterplan.

The subtly undulating landscape of the West Courtyard includes planted areas around a central, reflecting pool, which is divided by a gently arching pedestrian bridge. The pool, which can be drained to generate space for events, creates a focal point and its reflective surface draws light into the centre. Hard materials such as slate, timber, and stainless steel are offset by shade tolerant perennial planting beds and mature trees. The East Courtyard uses the same materials as the West but includes more informal groups of smaller, intimate gardens that can either cater large outdoor gatherings or be used as quieter spaces for individual reflection.

East-West Axis

East-West Axis

Whilst working within a Grade II-listed building, the development of our design involved significant challenges regarding soil depth and integration with the Cabinet War rooms, situated underground
— Mary Bowman, Partner
West Courtyard

West Courtyard

The refurbishment of the Treasury has transformed our working culture, and the visible evidence is the number of happy, smiling faces that we now see everywhere about the building.
— Paul Pegler, HM Treasury (Client)
West Courtyard

West Courtyard

West Courtyard

West Courtyard

East Courtyard

East Courtyard

East Courtyard

East Courtyard

West Courtyard (Section)

West Courtyard (Section)


Awards

2005    Urban Land Institute (ULI) Award for Excellence: Europe competition
2004    Building Cleanability Award – National Winner, Heritage Category,
2004    British Construction Industry Awards Major Project Category - High Recommendation
2003    Public Private Finance Award – ‘Best Design Project’