Gold Leaf Award Winner 2025

phs Greenleaf

Fresha Limited, a leading app-based platform for salon and spa bookings, recently relocated to a landmark 3,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Old Street, London. The brief for phs Greenleaf was to design, install, and maintain a biophilic environment that reflected Fresha’s ethos of wellbeing, creativity, and sustainability.

The client wanted its workspace to embody the same calming, nature-inspired atmosphere that defines its brand within the wellness industry. Working alongside Loop Interiors, the project set out to transform the three-storey office into a modern, biophilic haven—an environment where both people and plants could thrive.

When Fresha moved into its new premises, it inherited 65 plants and troughs from the previous tenant, many of which were in poor condition. Rather than discarding them, Fresha requested that the plants be restored and reused wherever possible. phs Greenleaf implemented a tailored maintenance and recovery plan to rejuvenate the existing greenery, re-potting, pruning, and reviving them for integration into the new design. This sustainable approach saved waste and resources, reflecting Fresha’s environmental values.

In addition to the refurbished plants, 75 new plants were installed across the building’s three floors — in reception, meeting rooms, open-plan work areas, and the bar space — bringing the total to 140 plants. The planting design combined visual impact with functionality, helping to soften acoustics, improve indoor comfort, and enhance the overall sense of calm.

Large, double-height spaces in the building provided an opportunity for statement planting. phs Greenleaf introduced two-and-a-half-metre-tall feature plants in the reception area, creating an immediate connection with nature and a dramatic sense of scale. Across the office, a palette of round ‘egg’ and ‘balloon’ pots in anthracite, white, and bronze created a clean, modern aesthetic. Their soft forms complemented the lush foliage, adding harmony and balance to the design.

A standout feature is the wellness studio — a dedicated retreat for employees to relax and recharge. Designed to echo the tranquillity of a tropical haven, the space is filled with large, multi-height plants in rounded containers, creating a natural sanctuary within the city.

Sustainability was central to every design decision. Vulcaponic substrate replaced traditional soil, providing excellent drainage while reducing the environmental footprint. The reuse of existing plants further demonstrated Fresha’s and phs Greenleaf’s shared commitment to responsible, future-focused design.

A carefully curated plant selection played a key role in bringing Fresha’s new headquarters to life. Lush Strelitzias and Ficus lyrata were chosen as statement pieces in the building’s double-height spaces, creating instant impact and a sense of scale. Monsteras added a touch of tropical vibrancy, their broad leaves enhancing the biophilic flow throughout the office. Howea palms were used to introduce graceful height and natural movement, while elegant orchids provided refined accents in meeting areas and reception zones. Together, these plants formed a harmonious composition that balanced drama with calm, perfectly complementing the wellness-focused aesthetic of the space.

The project demanded careful logistical planning. Access to the building was limited, with strict delivery windows, restricted entry points, and heavy traffic in the Old Street area. phs Greenleaf’s team coordinated deliveries precisely and worked weekends to stay on schedule. Temperature-sensitive plants were transported using specialist vehicles with climate controls to ensure their safe arrival and healthy installation.

The completed Fresha headquarters is a shining example of how biophilic design can transform a workspace. phs Greenleaf successfully blended sustainability, wellbeing, and aesthetics to create a vibrant, calming environment that mirrors Fresha’s identity and supports its people.

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