Renewal and revival of celebrated 1970s modernist offices and gardens unveiled at Plant Basingstoke

A team of leading architects and landscape designers has completed 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 modernist architecture and horticulture. 

The redevelopment of the building and gardens continues this collaborative spirit, blending conservation with thoughtful redesign and delivery 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 landscape architects 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. The building’s seamless blend of architecture and landscape remains a hallmark of British modernism. 

Rebranded as Plant Basingstoke, Plant marks a major regional asset for economic development in Hampshire, offering over 19,515 square metres of category A and B multi-let office and amenity space. The design team has worked closely with the client, Mactaggart Family & Partners, developer Longstock Capital and contractor, CField Construction, to reinstate the buildings’ original pioneering design intent; to blend nature, wellbeing and the workplace seamlessly. Client William Laxton of Mactaggart Family & Partners was instantly drawn to the scheme on account of the original Peter Foggo design fundamentals and the abundance of terracing, making it a singularly unique asset. 

In aspiring to the highest sustainability ratings across BREEAM 'Outstanding’ and WELL Platinum certifications, Plant again pioneers a new commitment to the environment and occupant that sets a remarkable standard for future commercial workplace developments. 

A building to bring tenants closer to nature 

Prominent architectural interventions include a redesigned and expanded building entrance and reception area, enhancing the arrival experience and establishing a stronger visual connection to the verdant refurbished gardens. Double-height spaces have been formed to create vertical connections between floors, increasing the sense of openness and drawing more natural light into the plan. A striking helical staircase marks an impressive, welcoming entrance area for building users. 

More recent suspended ceilings and finishes have been removed to reveal Plant’s distinctive coffered slab structure and cruciform columns, preserving the building’s unique architectural character. The original curtain wall system has been carefully refurbished, improving the building’s thermal performance and ensuring its longevity. The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems have been fully upgraded to enhance operational efficiency and future-proof the building, contributing to its pending ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM certification. 

Additional new facilities, including a cafe, gym, shower and changing rooms, secure cycle storage, and a multi-purpose function space have been incorporated to meet the needs of modern tenants. 

Redesigned Gardens & Roof Terraces 

A key driver of the project was to greatly improve access to the gardens and roof terraces, with new level access from all storeys allowing greater use and enjoyment of the much-loved and affectionately termed ‘hanging gardens of Basingstoke’. 

Through extensive research conducted in archives at the University of York - including Russell’s handwritten planting lists - the listed landscape has been designed to be climate resistant and importantly, regenerative. In-depth analysis of the historic planting palettes was undertaken, replacing plant species poorly suited to exposed rooftop conditions and prioritising species that are better suited to their environment, fostering biodiversity enhancements by helping pollinators and foragers to thrive. 

Over 22,500 new plants have been introduced, along with 86 new trees to complement those already on the site. With no raised planters across the gardens, adapting the planting required close collaboration between the landscape architects, structural engineers, and soil specialists, ensuring even loading across the multi-level structure. The renewed planting design draws inspiration from the original design vision for the gardens; to be informal, elaborate, romantic, overflowing, and tumbling. 

Much of the existing hardworks has also been restored, with every original paving element across the garden levels recorded and catalogued, before being temporarily removed through construction, and then replaced in-situ. A deteriorating pond has been replaced in the cloistered Level 2 courtyard with a sculpted contemporary water feature, honouring the original form of the pond, and helping to bring new sensory experience into the space. 

The revitalised gardens enhance biodiversity and create inclusive, engaging spaces for both occupants and visitors. Winding pathways and new seating areas invite exploration, offering opportunities for relaxation, socialisation, and quiet reflection. 

A widely regarded exemplar of British modernism and commercial horticulture, Plant now begins its new life as a regional hub for growth, providing the right environment for office workers and nature to thrive. 

Hugo Denee, co-Founder of Longstock Capital said; 

‘The project team has captured the original spirit of Plant and delivered an outstanding refurbishment. Plant is a unique building that we are all immensely proud of, and will serve the region for many more years to come. The building is now a perfect example of what occupiers require in terms of design aesthetic, environmental credentials and amenities and the proof is in how well it has been received by the leasing market.’ 

Ian Taylor, Director at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, said: 

“I am immensely proud of the role Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios has played in extending the life of this seminal building designed over 50 years ago by Peter Foggo’s group 2 at Arup Associates (with whom I worked in the 1980s). The building design’s prescience in creating contact with, and access to, nature within all the office spaces on all levels created a legacy that even now appears forward thinking. Our work focused on preserving the unique character of Foggo’s original design while creating a framework that balances function with environmental responsibility. Plant now stands as a benchmark for retrofitting and regeneration, a space where people and nature thrive in harmony, embodying the values we strive for in every project.” 

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.’ 

Robert Shannon, Associate Director at Twelve Architects & Masterplanners said; 

‘Twelve Architects are proud to have played a pivotal role in the transformation of Plant into an incredible, forward-thinking workspace. By preserving its architectural heritage while embracing modern innovations, the team have created an exemplar development that promotes well-being and connections. It’s wonderful to see how the refurbishment has enhanced natural light, spatial flow and brought tenants closer to nature. With sustainability at its core and a pending BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification, Plant sets new standards for the future of office design. It has been a privilege to work with such an outstanding team and a client who is truly passionate about delivering remarkable buildings.’ 

Martin Knight, Director at Studio Knight Stokoe said; 

‘Plant in Basingstoke is redefining what a workspace can be. It's a project that respects the original design vision, while meeting modern needs. Here, the connection between people and nature isn't an afterthought - it's at the core of everything. The team has used regenerative and biophilic design principles to create beautiful environments that support wellbeing, in every sense. For those who'll work and visit here, Plant offers a daily reminder of nature's importance in our lives. This project goes beyond preserving history or creating office space. It's about shaping a place that positively impacts people and the environment. It’s been a pleasure to be part of the team bringing our client’s vision to life.’  

ENDS 

For more information, please contact: 

For Grant Associates: Nick Vellacott, nick@highlightpr.co.uk +44 07803 072368 

Project credits  

Location Basingstoke, Hampshire 

Construction began February 2023 

Completion October 2024 

Site size 14,415 square metres 

Internal area 19,515 square metres 

Client Mactaggart Family & Partners 

Developer Longstock Capital 

Architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios / Twelve Architects and Masterplanners 

Landscape architects Grant Associates / Studio Knight Stokoe 

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  

NOTES TO EDITORS 

About Grant Associates 

Grant Associates is a pioneering international landscape architecture practice, whose work reconnects people with nature in insightful, delightful and distinctive ways whilst addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction. 

Grant Associates’ design process is underpinned by a knowledge of human behaviour, nature and ecological science combined with innovative design technology. The practice combines original thinking, creative collaboration and regenerative design to breathe new life into our cities and landscapes. 

Website: www.grant-associates.uk.com Instagram: @grantassocs 

Ends

Editors notes

About Grant Associates Grant Associates is a pioneering international landscape architecture practice, whose work reconnects people with nature in insightful, delightful and distinctive ways whilst addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction. Grant Associates’ design process is underpinned by a knowledge of human behaviour, nature and ecological science combined with innovative design technology. The practice combines original thinking, creative collaboration and regenerative design to breathe new life into our cities and landscapes.