Transforming 100 Temple Street: A Greener Workspace for Bristol City Council

The reception area at 100 Temple Street was recently refurbished under the direction of DKA, a Bath-based architecture and interior design firm. As part of the redesign, Bristol City Council wanted to introduce live planting to complement the new modern aesthetic and create a welcoming, biophilic environment.

We carefully selected more than 30 varieties of houseplant, creating a mix of textures, heights, and colours. We chose plants which would enhance the space and thrive in this indoor reception setting. The plants were installed in Blom Acoustic Planters by Allsfar. Chosen by the designers, these planters both serve as beautiful design elements and help improve the acoustics within the space.

The Plants Used:

In our plant selection, we included a mixture of large statement plants, trailing foliage, and structured greenery to create depth and visual interest:

• Tall statement plants such as Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm) and Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird of Paradise) provide vertical interest.
• Mid-level structural plants, including Fatsia japonica ‘Variegata’, Dracaena marginata ‘Red Edge’, and Ficus benjamina ‘Golden King’ define the space.
• Trailing and soft-textured plants like Hedera helix (English Ivy), Tradescantia mundula ‘Green Hill’, and Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Boston Blue Bell’ add movement and soften hard edges.
• Vibrant foliage plants, including Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’ (Croton), Aglaonema ‘Spotted Star’ (Chinese Evergreen) and Maranta leuconeura ‘Fascinator Tricolor’ (Prayer Plant), introduce splashes of colour.

As part of the renovation, Blom Acoustic Planters had been chosen. The planters are a mix of nature-inspired colours, including warm terracotta, soft blue, and neutral beige tones. We loved working with and complementing these innovative planters, which are designed to combine acoustic properties with aesthetics. They are an inspired choice and a perfect addition to busy office spaces.

We'd Recommend Blom Planters Next Time... 

• Made from Öra PET acoustic felt (at least 60% recycled PET).

• Available in 26 colours to complement a range of interior designs.

• Designed to absorb sound and improve workplace acoustics.

• Production waste is reused within the stands, reducing environmental impact.

• Well-designed for holding living plants.

• Resistant to moisture, mould, and mildew.

• Free from potentially harmful formaldehyde binders and using low-VOC paints, making them safe for indoor environments.

We moved the planters into the perfect positions for the space and for the plants in them. The planters help divide the open-plan reception at 100 Temple Street, reducing echoing noise and helping connect the built environment with nature. With these planters and our plants, both aesthetics and wellbeing in this workplace get a boost.

The transformation of the reception space was carefully planned and executed, so that the plants seamlessly complemented the planters and interior design.

Our team:

• Positioned tall plants strategically to create a natural flow and balance in the space.
• Layered mid-height and trailing plants within larger planters to add movement and dimension.
• Tied in the varied planter colours with the soft furnishings, helping to create a cohesive design.

The final effect is a lush, welcoming reception that feels warm, vibrant, and inviting for both employees and visitors.

Our work doesn’t stop at installation! With our ongoing maintenance contract, we’ll be visiting regularly to:

🌿 Monitor plant health, adjusting care as needed.
💦 Water, feed, and prune plants to keep them thriving.
🛠 Replace or refresh any struggling plants to keep the space lush & thriving.

We love helping keep these plants fresh and green for the duration, ensuring that our work has a lasting impact.

The transformation of the reception area at 100 Temple Street has already made a noticeable impact. The combination of greenery, natural materials, and thoughtful design has created a calming, welcoming environment that supports well-being and enhances the overall workspace.

The final effect is a lush, welcoming reception that feels warm, vibrant, and inviting for both employees and visitors.

If your office or commercial space could benefit from expertly designed plant installations with professional maintenance, we’d love to help. Whether you need a one-time installation or ongoing plant care , our team can tailor a solution to fit your needs.

📩 Get in touch today to discuss how we can bring a natural touch to your space.

🌿 Sprouts of Bristol – Bringing spaces to life, one plant at a time.