Structural Engineering
First sketches
The cantilevered Canopy
One of the joys of a project like the Chelsea Flower Show is the chance to collaborate with a true mix of specialists, each bringing their craft to a wider team that turns a garden from idea into built reality.
AKT II is one of those collaborators. A London-based structural and façade engineering practice, and a certified B Corporation, they’ve brought both expertise and genuine enthusiasm to the structural elements within our garden.
Among the bespoke features they are assisting us shape is a cantilevered canopy that will appear to float above the Breathing Space terrace. The challenge set is to create the illusion of a solid slab of concrete, matched to the terrace, seemingly held up by one slender post. That illusion matters, it’s what gives the space its calm, sculptural presence and invites visitors to feel a moment of stillness beneath it.
The early sketches here capture the thinking so far: refining the structure to minimise steel depth, while developing a cassette framework that can be assembled efficiently for the show, and, just as importantly, dismantled, transported, and rebuilt in Rotherham afterwards.
A particularly elegant detail is the introduction of a second, quieter support: a discreet post paired with a chain that provides a “push and pull” system. Ingenious and practical, this rain chain guides water down to our sunken water butt below and offering a beautiful alternative to a traditional downpipe.
We can’t wait to share the final structure with you, stay tuned for build updates.
Rain water chain & gutter detail
Of special interest is a second, less obtrusive post with an associated chain providing a ‘push and pull’ support system. Ingenious and practical, this rain chain is an alternative to a traditional down pipe connecting to our sunken water butt below.
Sliding screen
This post performs multiple functions within the terrace scheme. Structurally, it provides essential support to the cantilevered canopy. In addition, it acts as a fixing point for a sliding screen system on the therapeutic terrace.
The sliding screen serves several purposes: it forms a visual backdrop to the fixed bench, and it can either conceal or reveal a storage cupboard positioned behind it. This cupboard accommodates terrace equipment such as yoga mats and additional seating used during therapeutic sessions.
Stone foundation
The final sketch illustrates the proposed foundation detail for the canopy’s structural post. Although the post was initially intended to be cast in concrete, the design evolved to incorporate boulders sourced from Cadeby Quarry—materials already used elsewhere in the garden. This approach enhances material continuity across the site while also supporting circular design principles.
Importantly, the quarry boulders can later be repurposed at our Rotherham final destination site, where they will serve as additional seating elements, extending their functional lifespan beyond the current installation
