Gold Leaf Award Winner 2025

Urban Planters 

Urban Planters were proud to be part of the remarkable £14 million redevelopment of Coleg Cambria Yale, delivered by Wynne Construction. This state-of-the-art facility was designed to create an inspiring and realistic learning environment for students studying Health, Social Care, Beauty, and Wellbeing. Featuring a fully equipped commercial spa, health bar, simulated hospital wards, and Virtual Reality training environments, the new building reflects the college’s commitment to providing first-class, industry-standard learning spaces.

Urban Planters were commissioned to design and install a comprehensive interior planting scheme that would enhance the visual impact of the building, promote wellbeing, and bring a calming, natural aesthetic to the modern interiors. The brief was to create a vibrant, biophilic atmosphere that complemented the spa and wellbeing focus of the curriculum while ensuring low maintenance and long-lasting visual appeal.

The completed scheme is a stunning showcase of design innovation and craftsmanship. A high-level replica green wall spans the full height of the central atrium — a breathtaking focal point that immediately draws attention upon entering the building. Crafted from UV- and fire-rated replica wall panels, the feature provides the lush appearance of a living wall without the maintenance demands, making it ideal for this busy educational environment. The installation of this wall required specialist access and coordination with other contractors working on site. Urban Planters worked closely with the project team to plan every stage meticulously, ensuring safety and minimal disruption to the overall build schedule.

Equally impressive is the bespoke hand-built preserved moss wall, positioned behind the spa reception desk. Incorporating a unique specially commissioned stainless steel tree logo, this striking feature creates a luxurious and authentic feel for both students and visiting clients. The preserved moss brings a tactile, organic quality to the interior, while the logo provides a polished professional finish that reinforces the college’s branding and focus on wellbeing.

Throughout the building, Urban Planters installed built-in joinery beds featuring a mix of live and replica planting to suit varying light and access conditions. Live plants such as Aspidistra, Philodendron ‘Green Princess’, Aglaonema, Calathea orbifolia, and Dracaena compacta were chosen for their rich foliage and resilience. In areas where natural light was limited or maintenance would be difficult, high-quality replica species — including Bird’s Nest Fern, Aglaonema Bush Variegated, Alocasia Tree, Ivy Trailing, and Pothos Trail — were used to maintain a consistent, verdant appearance across all levels of the building.

The finished project at Coleg Cambria Yale is a beautiful example of how plants can enhance a modern educational environment. Combining replica and preserved planting with bespoke craftsmanship, Urban Planters have created spaces that feel both luxurious and natural, perfectly reflecting the building’s purpose as a centre for health, wellbeing, and professional learning.

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